Kavalactones

Kavalactones are subclass of lactones that are found in kava roots (piper methysticum). Some of the compounds have shown bioactivity, with primary interest in the compounds for their anxiolytic properties. [1] The anxiolytic properties are associated with the possible effects the kavalactones have on GABA-A receptors.

There has been notable pushback historically for kava based products for their possible hepatoxic properties. [2]  The properties are primarily associated with yangonin and methysticin. The compounds have shown inhibitory activity with CYP enzymes, leading to metabolic dysregulation.

[1] “Influence of Genuine Kavapyrone Enantiomers on the GABAA Binding Site”

[2] “Kava: a review of the safety of traditional and recreational beverage consumption”