Can You Take Chaparral and Kava Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Both Chaparral and Kava are well-documented hepatotoxins. Chaparral's nordihydroguaiaretic acid causes acute hepatitis, while kavalactones cause hepatocellular damage. This is a high-risk combination for liver injury.

How to arrange timing

Strongly consider avoiding this combination. Both have individually caused cases of acute liver failure documented in medical literature.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Sheikh NM et al., Arch Intern Med 1997; Teschke R., Ann Intern Med 2010; LiverTox (NIH/NLM)

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.