The Global Voice for Kava
Uniting science, culture, and advocacy, the International Kava Organization (IKO) champions a clear and modern understanding of kava.
What is Kava?
Kava is a cultural food originating in the Pacific Islands. The word “kava” can refer to the plant, the root, or the beverage made from the root of the kava plant.
It’s been enjoyed for over 3000 years as a family drink for connection, respect, and overall well-being. Today, kava is enjoyed by millions worldwide and has found a place in modern life alongside other cultural foods, valued for its natural health benefits and social role.
What We Do
The International Kava Organization (IKO) advances accurate, evidence based understanding of kava through research visibility, public education, and global advocacy.
Research
We collect, review, and share scientific research related to kava’s chemistry, effects, safety profile, and modern use.
IKO serves as a central resource for credible studies and expert insights, helping ensure that conversations about kava are informed by current data rather than outdated assumptions. We support transparency and encourage continued research to better understand kava in contemporary health and wellness contexts.
Public Education
We provide clear, accessible information about kava for consumers, journalists, and institutions.
Our educational work focuses on explaining what kava is, how it is commonly used today, and what current research shows about its effects. By translating complex information into plain language, we help reduce confusion and misinformation surrounding kava.
Advocacy
We engage with industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and media to support responsible growth and accurate representation of kava worldwide.
IKO acts as a reference point for factual information and balanced perspectives, helping ensure that kava is discussed fairly in regulatory, commercial, and public health conversations.
What We Do
The International Kava Organization leads global efforts to protect kava tradition, define safety standards, support research, and guide responsible industry development.
Standards
We develop quality and safety guidelines to ensure authentic, noble kava reaches the world responsibly.
Research
We collect, support, and share scientific data to advance global understanding of kava.
Culture
We honor and protect the traditional knowledge and heritage of Pacific kava communities.
Advocacy
We work with industry, policymakers, and partners to support fair trade and sustainable growth.
Advancing Awareness and Trust in Kava
We support informed public dialogue by promoting accurate information, cultural context, and responsible representation of kava across media and industry.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve public and regulatory understanding of kava through accurate, science based information, while honoring the cultural context in which kava has long been used.
Fair Regulation
We engage with policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to support regulatory approaches informed by current scientific evidence and accurate information about kava. Our work focuses on improving clarity and consistency in how kava is evaluated and discussed within regulatory contexts.
Public Perception
We address misinformation by publishing research summaries, fact sheets, and educational materials that reflect current scientific understanding of kava. This work supports more informed public discussion and helps ensure kava is assessed based on evidence rather than outdated or incomplete narratives.
Community Outreach
We work with communities to ensure cultural context is represented accurately and responsibly in modern discussions. This collaboration informs educational materials and helps align scientific communication with lived knowledge and historical use. are constructive and broadly supported.
Research & Education
We compile and share research summaries, reference materials, and educational resources related to kava. These materials are designed to support accurate understanding across industry, media, and public health conversations, and to serve as practical scientific references.
Our Vision
A future where kava is understood accurately, formally recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and embraced across cultures, industries, and communities.
Misconceptions About Kava Are Eliminated
Kava is discussed based on current scientific evidence rather than outdated or misleading claims.
Kava Is Recognized as GRAS
Kava achieves formal Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, supported by clear scientific data and consistent regulatory understanding.
Everyone Benefits
Shared understanding supports positive, practical outcomes for communities, industry, regulators, and consumers.
IKO's Impact
Kava Education & Articles
IKO Kava Science & Education
Comprehensive Guide to Protecting ‘Awa (Kava) Plants from Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)
Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a pervasive threat to the cultivation of ‘awa (kava, Piper methysticum), with devastating effects on
The Michael Reaction, Glutathione, and Kava Hepatotoxicity: An Analysis
Introduction Kava is renowned for its calming effects and has been used for centuries in the South Pacific. Its pharmacological
Persistence is Key: Traditional Kava Powder + Water + Strained = Food
Kava as a food, and who we have to thank. After the previous announcement of how the FDA has accepted
Trusted Partners
