kavalactone

300px|thumb|right|The general structure of the kavalactones, without the R1-R2 -O-CH2-O- bridge and with all possible C=C double bonds shown. Kavalactones are a class of lactone compounds found in kava roots and Alpinia zerumbet (shell ginger) and in several Gymnopilus, Phellinus and Inonotus fungi. Some kavalactones are bioactive. They are responsible for the psychoactive, analgesic, euphoric and sedative effects of kava.

==Bioactivity== Kava extract interacts with many pharmaceuticals and herbal medications. In human volunteers, in vivo inhibition includes CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 through use of probe drugs to measure inhibition.