kavain
Sign in to saveKavain is the principal kavalactone found in the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), where it contributes significantly to the plant's psychoactive and anxiolytic effects.
Chemical data
- Formula
- C14H14O3
- Molecular weight
- 230.26 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- (2R)-4-methoxy-2-[(E)-2-phenylethenyl]-2,3-dihydropyran-6-one
via PubChem
Research
152 papers- Kavain Alleviates Choroidal Neovascularization Via Decreasing the Activity of the HIF-1α/VEGF-A/VEGFR2 Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting Inflammation.Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin · 2024
- Kavain for health promotion and disease mitigation: Pharmacological promise and therapeutic perspectives.Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2026
- Enzymes and Pathways of Kavain Bioactivation and Biotransformation.Chemical research in toxicology · 2019
- Kavain Interference with Amphetamine Immunoassay.Journal of analytical toxicology · 2020
- Kavain suppresses human Aβ-induced paralysis in C. elegans.microPublication biology · 2020
via PubMed
Wikidata facts
- Subclass of
- kavalactone
- Has part
- hydrogen
- Mass
- +230.094294
Show 2 more facts
- P2868
- anxiolytic
- P703
- Piper majusculum
via Wikidata · CC0
Article
3 sectionsContents
- Pharmacology
- See also
- References
Kavain is the principal kavalactone found in the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), where it contributes significantly to the plant's psychoactive and anxiolytic effects.
Kavain exhibits anticonvulsant properties by modulating voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels, and it may influence mood and anxiety through reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase A and monoamine oxidase B, potentially affecting serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine signaling. Although it does not bind to the benzodiazepine site of GABAA receptors, kavain potentiates GABA activity at extrasynaptic α4β2δ GABAA receptors and overlaps with the modulatory pathways of certain general anesthetics. It also shows weak sodium antagonism, strong L-type calcium channel blockade, and enhances early potassium currents, suggesting mood-stabilizing effects akin to lamotrigine.