Exploring kava's effects on helping people quit smoking and manage stress and insomnia.
Official title: The potential of kava in enabling tobacco cessation - its holistic effects in managing stress and insomnia associated with abstinence
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10891378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether kava, a calming drink, can help adults who smoke to quit by easing stress and sleeplessness that often come with stopping smoking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $461,592 |
| NIH project number | 5R33AT012328-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult smokers who are motivated to quit and experience stress or insomnia related to their smoking cessation efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not current smokers or those who do not experience stress or insomnia during cessation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of kava, a traditional beverage known for its calming effects, to assist individuals in quitting smoking. The study will involve adult participants who are current smokers and will assess how kava may help alleviate stress and insomnia that often accompany tobacco cessation. By conducting a clinical trial, researchers aim to gather data on kava's effectiveness and safety in supporting smokers during their quit attempts. Participants will be monitored for changes in their smoking behavior and related health markers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective tool for smokers seeking to quit by addressing the stress and insomnia associated with cessation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for kava in managing stress and sleep issues, suggesting potential success for this novel application in tobacco cessation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xing, Chengguo — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Xing, Chengguo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.