Methysticin – 495-85-2

Methysticin (495-85-2) is the major kavalactone that is naturally occurring in the roots of kava (Piper methysticum). The compounds are studied for their bioactive properties, with a primary focus on the effects as anxiolytics. [1] The activity associated with the major kavalactones, excluding desmethoxyyangonin, includes potentiation of the GABAA receptor potentiators, reuptake inhabitation of norepinephrine and dopamine, CB1 receptor binding, inhibition of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, and reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase B.

Hepatoxic properties have been observed in several of the kavalactones, primarily methysticin and yangonin. [2] The compounds affect a group of enzymes called CYP450 that are involved in metabolism.

You can find the additional kavalactones here.

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

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