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My comment on two recently posted questions: First, a library reference to the only scientific report I've seen thus far about kava, and my review: Schelosky, L. et al: J Neur Neurosurg Psych 1995; 58: 639-640 Kava, a tranquilizing herbal beverage popular in the South Pacific and also sold in Europe, seems to aggravate PD symptoms by antagonizing dopamine and should therefore be avoided by PD patients. Second, about constipation: I'm not sure if or how loss of dopamine in the brain's movement control centers (as in PD) can also affect the remote and autonomous system that controls intestinal movement, but most of us know all too well that constipation is part of PD. I think the reason Sinemet, taken by most PWP, doesn't seem to help is that Sinemet is designed to prevent its conversion to dopamine before it gets into the brain. BUT the new PD drug tolcapone (Tasmar) does act to conserve dopamine outside the brain as well as inside, and in fact diarrhea is a common side effect. I started Tasmar myself about a month ago and can report that, for whatever reason, constipation is much less of a problem now. Incidentally, I'm pleased with the overall effect of Tasmar- it reduces my daily levodopa requirement by about half, and permits a dosage interval of 6 hours instead of 3, so I can sleep better. Cheers, Joe -- J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-5013