Kavalactone

Kavalactone is a class of lactone compounds found in the Kava plant. Kavalactones are responsible for the plant's psychoactive qualities and are the primary components of Kava extracts used in herbal medicine and dietary supplements.

Chemistry

Kavalactones are a type of lactone, a cyclic ester that can be found in many different types of plants. They are lipophilic and can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, which allows them to have psychoactive effects. There are 18 known kavalactones, six of which (kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin) are thought to be primarily responsible for the effects of kava.

Effects

Kavalactones have a variety of effects on the nervous system. They are known to have anxiolytic, sedative, euphoriant, and nootropic effects. They work by interacting with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including the GABA, dopamine, and serotonin systems.

Uses

Kavalactones are the active ingredients in kava extracts, which are used in herbal medicine and as dietary supplements. They are used for their anxiolytic and sedative effects, and are often used as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.

Safety

While kavalactones are generally considered safe when used in moderation, excessive use can lead to a number of health problems, including liver damage. This has led to the restriction or banning of kava products in some countries.

See also

• Kava
• Lactone
• Herbal medicine