Neurophysiological Effects of Traditionally-Prepared Kava Measured by EEG: A Pilot Case Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.13.2.207

Keywords:

kava, naturalistic setting, EEG, brain activity, ethnopsychopharmacology

Abstract

Introduction. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a culturally significant Pacific keystone species traditionally consumed as a water-based beverage. Global demand has led to commodification and misrepresentation, with kava often diverging from traditional forms. Evidence on the physiological and therapeutic effects of traditionally prepared beverage kava remains limited, while conflation with nonkava products risks obscuring cultural meaning and safety. This study addresses these gaps. Methods. A pilot electroencephalography (EEG) study investigated neurophysiological effects of traditionally prepared kava in culturally authentic settings. Two experienced adult male users were observed over a 6-hr session. Resting-state EEG was recorded pre- and postconsumption with the EMOTIV Insight 5-channel EEG headset. Results. EEG findings showed divergent responses. One participant displayed increased alpha and theta activity consistent with relaxation, while the other showed elevated gamma power linked to cognitive focus. These differences may reflect individual habituation or cultural use. Results highlight the need for larger studies connecting EEG data with behavioral measures to explore the ethnopsychopharmacology of traditional kava. Conclusion. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that traditionally prepared kava produces measurable neurophysiological effects aligned with its cultural role as a calming, relational substance. The study underscores the value of culturally grounded, rigorous research on kava.

Author Biography

S. Apo Aporosa, School of Health, University of Waikato

E veiwekani ena yasana mai vei tinana o Aporosa ki na koro o Naduri e Macuata e Viti. (Aporosa is maternally related to the village of Naduri in Macuata, Northern Fiji).

Aporosa currently holds the post of Duruvesi – Bula ni Pasivika (Senior Lecturer in Pacific Health) at Te Huataki Waiora School of Health.

He is a 2022 Fulbright Scholar recipient and has also held a New Zealand Health Research Council Sir Thomas Davis Te Patu Kite Rangi Ariki Fellowship (2019) and New Zealand Health Research Council Pacific post-doctoral award (2016).
His work is underpinned by the Pacific Post-development Methodological Framework, which combines the Fijian vanua research framework with post-development theory, to guide the ethical and equitable use of Western-developed, -standardised and -normed psychometric measures among Pacific people. This has informed the use of brain function tests to assess kava users in traditionally informed kava-use spaces relative to productivity and driver safety.

Apo teaches Pacific cultural and health themes, supervises research students, is collaborating on several research projects including with The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR: Aotearoa New Zealand's Crown Research Institute), and advises the Ministry of Health and Food Standards Board on the safe use of kava in Aotearoa NZ. He is also a senior member of the University's Pacific Strategic Committee.

Apo's Fulbright Scholarship investigated the potential of traditionally influenced kava use spaces to reduce PTSD symptomology among post-combat soldiers and first responders. This led to a one-million-dollar Health Research Council of New Zealand Pacific Project award aimed at validating that Fulbright work in clinical trials. Those trials commence in February 2025 and include a team of seven in Aotearoa and includes project arms in Hawaii and the UK. The US-arm of the project is linked to the NSF ALL-SPICE INCLUDES Alliance at the United Nations CIFAL Center in Honolulu. The UK-arm is coordinated out of Cardiff University.

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Published

2026-06-29

How to Cite

Head, M. A., Owen, M., Aporosa, S. A., Flynn, C., Atkins, M., & Turner , H. (2026). Neurophysiological Effects of Traditionally-Prepared Kava Measured by EEG: A Pilot Case Study. NeuroRegulation, 13(2), 207. https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.13.2.207

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Clinical Corner

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mitchell A. Head, Mahonri Owen, S. Apo Aporosa, Connor Flynn, Martin Atkins, Helen Turner

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