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Research: LEHRL,
Listed in Issue 103
Abstract
LEHRL, Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany, reports the results of a multicentre randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded trial of kava extract in sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders.
Background
The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a special kava extract, WS 1490, on sleep disturbances associated with anxiety, tension and restlessness of non-psychotic origin.
Methodology
61 patients received daily doses of 200 mg of WS 1490 or placebo over a period of 4 weeks. They were assessed with the sleep questionnaire SF-B, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Bf-S scale of wellbeing and the Clinical Global Impressions scale.
Results
Significant improvements were found in sleep quality in the treatment group after 4 weeks compared to the placebo group. Anxiety scores were also significantly improved in the treatment group. In addition, the extract positively affected wellbeing and global clinical evaluation. Safety and tolerability were good, with no adverse events or changes in clinical or laboratory parameters.
Conclusion
Sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders can be effectively and safely treated with the kava extract WS 1490.
References
Lehrl S. Clinical efficacy of kava extract WS 1490 in sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders. Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Journal of Affective Disorders 78 (2): 101-110, Feb 2004.
Comment
The above study illustrates in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial that kava extract can safely treat amd successfully improve sleep quality, wellbeing and anxiety in people suffering from sleep disturbances associated with anxiety, tension and restlessness of non-psychotic origin. Pity that kava has been either withdrawn from sale already or is on the endangered list of herbal remedies.
