Kava
Piper methysticum
Family: Piperaceae
Kava is a traditional beverage crop of the Pacific Islands, valued for its relaxing and anxiolytic properties. The root is rich in kavalactones, a class of lactone compounds responsible for its psychoactive effects.
Traditional Use
Used ceremonially and medicinally across Polynesian cultures for over 3,000 years. Traditionally prepared as an aqueous extract of the root for social gatherings, religious ceremonies, and treatment of anxiety and insomnia.
Active Compounds
Mechanisms of Action
- GABA-A receptor modulation
- Voltage-gated sodium channel inhibition
- Norepinephrine uptake inhibition
- MAO-B inhibition
Applications
Clinical Status
Multiple clinical trials completed demonstrating efficacy for anxiety. Our KAV-101 compound is currently in Phase II clinical development.
Regulatory Notes
Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. Approved in most markets with quality controls. Some restrictions in Europe following historical hepatotoxicity concerns (now attributed to poor-quality preparations using aerial parts rather than noble kava root).
Sourcing & Sustainability
We source noble kava cultivars exclusively from established farming communities in Fiji and Vanuatu, ensuring chemotype quality and sustainable harvesting practices.
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