Unpacking the Science Behind Kava: What is it and What are its Active Compounds?

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant that originates in the Pacific Islands. It has been a traditional elixir used by Polynesian societies for centuries for various purposes:

• promote relaxation,

• reduce stress and anxiety,

• improve mental clarity,

• increase social connections.

While some may be familiar with Kava as a beverage, what lies beneath this traditional remedy? Let's look at the science behind Kava and its active compounds.

The Kava Plant

Kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is a shrub from the pepper family. It primarily grows in South Pacific islands such as Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa, Micronesia, Hawaii, and other Polynesian islands. The root of the kava plant is where its medicinal properties come from; it's usually powdered or made into a paste-like liquid for consumption. The root contains compounds such as alkaloids that can affect your brain chemistry.

Kavalactones

Kavalactones are the active compounds in Kava that produce its beneficial effects. There are 18 known types of kavalactones found in kava root. Still, six are believed to be most important for their medicinal benefits. These include: 

• Dihydrokavain (DHK), a compound found in the kava plant, has been linked to reducing anxiety. DHK is one of the key active components in Kava, believed to contribute to its calming, soothing, and antidepressant properties. Clinical studies have also shown that DHK can help alleviate stress, improve sleep quality, and reduce mild to moderate depression symptoms.

• Dihydromethysticin DHM is a component found in the kava plant that is associated with anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. DHM contributes to the pain-relieving qualities of Kava, as well as improves the quality of sleep and reduces stress. Various clinical studies have proposed that DHM could help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression.

• Yangonin is a principal active kava plant constituent linked to anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Studies have suggested that yangonin may have potential benefits for reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and relieving mild to moderate depression. In animal studies, yangonin has been shown to reduce anxiety-related behaviors and enhance learning and memory.

• Desmethoxyyangonin (DMY) is an active constituent of the kava plant linked with anxiolytic, antidepressant, and analgesic effects. Research indicates that DMY may assist in decreasing stress levels, enhancing sleep quality, and providing relief from mild to moderate depression. In animal studies, DMY has been shown to reduce anxiety-related behaviors and improve learning and memory. It has also been demonstrated to have anticonvulsant properties in some trials, suggesting it may be helpful for people suffering from seizures or epilepsy.

• Methysticin (MM) is an active constituent of the kava plant, and it has been linked with anxiolytic and analgesic effects. Studies have suggested that MM may help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and relieve mild to moderate depression. In animal studies, MM has been shown to reduce anxiety-related behaviors and enhance learning and memory. In some trials, it has also been demonstrated to decrease the body's perception of pain, making it potentially useful for those suffering from chronic pain or inflammation.

• Kavain (K) is an active constituent of the kava plant that is believed to have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Studies have suggested that K may help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and relieve mild to moderate depression. In animal studies, K has been shown to reduce anxiety-related behaviors and enhance learning and memory. It has also been demonstrated to have anticonvulsant properties in some trials, suggesting it may be helpful for people suffering from seizures or epilepsy. 

Kavalactones act on certain neurotransmitters in your brain—namely GABA—which help regulate your mood and reduce feelings of restlessness caused by stress or anxiety. DHK also interacts with serotonin receptors to help stabilize your moods further!

Kava has been used for centuries as part of traditional medicine due to its calming effects on reducing stress levels. Now that we know about the active compounds in Kava—specifically the six main kavalactones—we can understand why it works so well! Those who experience stress or anxiety should try herbal remedies such as Kava to relax while maintaining mental clarity without using pharmaceutical drugs. 

Now you know why this ancient remedy works so well! With this information, you can decide if this natural remedy might be right for you!

In the next post, we'll dive deeper into quality control and what to look for in Kava products.