Kava (Piper methysticum)
Sleep & Stress Support
Overview
- Kava (Piper methysticum) is a perennial shrub native to the Pacific Islands.
- Root extracts are traditionally used as a calming beverage.
- Modern kava supplements primarily provide anxiolytic and mild sedative effects.
- These effects are achieved without the intoxicating properties of alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Chemistry
- Kavalactones share a 5-membered lactone ring fused to a 3-methyl-2-butenyl side chain.
- The principal component, kavain, has the molecular formula C₁₁H₁₄O₃ and IUPAC name (5-hydroxy-2-prop-2-enyl-2-pyrone).
- Yangonin contains an additional methoxy group (C₁₁H₁₂O₄, IUPAC: 4-methoxy-5-hydroxy-2-prop-2-enyl-2-pyrone).
- Kavalactones are lipophilic (log P ≈ 2.5–3.2), non-volatile, and poorly soluble in water (≤ 0.2 mg/mL).
- They readily dissolve in ethanol, acetone, and supercritical CO₂.
- Their UV-visible absorption peaks near 260 nm (π→π* transition).
- They are stable under acidic conditions.
- They degrade under prolonged oxidative exposure, leading to potential quinone formation linked to hepatotoxicity.
Sources & Quality
- Kava is cultivated primarily in Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga.
- The root is harvested from mature (3–5-year-old) plants.
- Commercial supplements usually use the “noble” varieties (e.g., P. methysticum ‘Taveuni’, ‘Vula’, ‘Nambawan’).
- Noble varieties contain higher ratios of kavalactones to flavokavains (the latter are more hepatotoxic).
- Extraction is typically performed with 70% ethanol or super-critical CO₂ to preserve kavalactone integrity.
- The resultant powder or tincture is then standardized to a specific kavalactone content.
- Quality-grade products are assayed by HPLC-UV for kavalactone profile.
- They are screened for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination.
- Certified “Noble” kava with ≥ 30% kavalactones and < 0.5% flavokavain is considered the safest source for dietary supplements.
Where to Buy Kava (Piper methysticum)
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain our research and provides you with the best supplement information.