Notes on the Newer Remedies: Their Therapeutic Applications and Modes of Administration, Second Edition Page: 120
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1 20 NOTES ONA THE NEWER REMEDIES.
KAVA-KAVA.
This plant, known under a variety of names, such as
kava, ava, kara, kawa, yangona, and kava-kava, is the
Piper methlysticum and other species. It has not as yet
been thoroughly studied. It is said to contain a prin-
ciple which has received various names, such as methys-
ticin, lezvintin, kavakin, and yangonin, the true nature of
which, however, remains unknown.
Physiological Action. Local Action.-This drug pro-
duces anaesthesia at the point of injection when given
hypodermatically; in contact with mucous membranes
it causes a burning pain at first, followed by complete
loss of sensibility.
Nervous System.-Internally, kava-kava produces, in
moderate quantities, stimulating effects, but not those of
intoxication (as has been alleged), followed by muscular
weakness and general anaesthesia. It at first diminishes
and finally destroys the function of the peripheral sen-
sory nerves. Reflex action is also lessened and ulti-
mately destroyed through an action upon the cord and
probably also on the afferent nerves. The paralysis is
of spinal origin.
Circulation.-Kava-kava, while diminishing the cardiac
pulsations, increases the force of the heart by influencing
the cardio-inhibitory centres and ganglia. The arterial
pressure is diminished through an action on the vagi,
but is afterward increased by a direct cardiac action.
Respiration.-This drug first stimulates and then para-
lyzes this function by acting on the respiratory centres.
Temperature.-Kava-kava in small quantities slightly
increases, and in large doses diminishes, the temperature.
Salivary Secretion.-This drug notably increases the
salivary secretion.
Therapeutic Applications.-Although a good local
anaesthetic, kava-kava is chiefly employed as a bitter
tonic and as a useful remedy in the treatment of inflam-
mations of the genito-urinary tract. It has given very
satisfactory results in gonorrhea and cystitis.
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Cerna, David. Notes on the Newer Remedies: Their Therapeutic Applications and Modes of Administration, Second Edition, book, 1894; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth143542/m1/119/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting University of Texas Health Science Center Libraries.