Pipermethystine

Pipermethystine

Pipermethystine is a toxic compound found in the stems and leaves of the kava plant. It is not present in the roots, which are traditionally used to prepare kava beverages.

Chemistry

Pipermethystine is a member of the alkaloid family of chemical compounds, which also includes many other plant-derived substances with potent biological effects. Its chemical structure is similar to that of other kavalactones, the active ingredients in kava root, but it has a different pattern of substitution on the aromatic ring.

Toxicity

The toxicity of pipermethystine is believed to be responsible for cases of hepatotoxicity (liver damage) associated with the consumption of non-traditional kava products, such as those made from the stems and leaves of the plant. This is in contrast to traditional kava beverages, which are made from the roots and do not contain pipermethystine.

Regulation

Due to its toxicity, the presence of pipermethystine in kava products is regulated in many countries. For example, in the European Union, kava products are required to contain less than 0.25% pipermethystine.

See also

• Kava
• Kavalactones
• Hepatotoxicity

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