kava

(+)-Kavain ((R)-KAWAIN) is one of the six major kavalactones found in the Piper methysticum (kava) plant; reversible inhibitor of MAO-B.

Dihydrokavain (Marindinin), a prominent kavalactone in the kava plant, significantly contributes to the plant's anxiolytic effects, as evidenced by a study conducted on chicks.

Kavain, a compound extracted from the Kava plant, Piper methysticum, is found to be involved in TNF-α expression in human and mouse cells via regulation of transcriptional factors such as NF-kB and LITAF.

NSC-37445 has anti-tumor activity, such as inhibits growth of bladder tumor cells in a nude mice model , prevents the recurrence and progression of non-muscle-invasive urothelial cell carcinoma. NSC-37445 can significantly reduce the expression of CDK1-inhibitory kinases, Myt1 and Wee1, and cause cyclin B1 protein accumulation leading to CDK1 activation in T24 cells. 3. Flavokawain A (Flavokavain A) may exert anti-inflammatory responses by suppressing LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators via blockage of NF-κB-AP-1-JNK p38 MAPK signaling pathways in the murine macrophages.

1. Flavokawain B (Flavokavain B) has potent anti-inflammatory activity, can significantly inhibit production of NO and PGE2 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. 2. Flavokawain B, the hepatotoxic constituent from kava root, induces GSH-sensitive oxidative stress through modulation of IKK NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. 3. Flavokawain B induces apoptosis, has the potential usefulness of FKB for prevention and treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer in an adjuvant setting. 4. Flavokawain B acts through ROS generation and GADD153 up-regulation to regulate the expression of Bcl-2 family members, thereby inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in HCT116 cells.

(E)-Flavokawain A, a novel chalcone from kava extract, induces apoptosis in bladder cancer cells by involvement of Bax protein-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway and suppresses tumor growth in mice.

Methysticin is a kavalactone isolated from the kava roots. Methylsticin (Methysticin) exhibit osteoclast formation inhibitory activity. It inhibits activation of NF-χB in lung adenocarcinoma tissue, activates Nrf2 in neurons and astroglia, decreases peak amplitude of voltage-gated Na+ channels in hippocampal neurons, and suppresses growth of Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Colletotrichum.

Methysticin, a major kavalactone extracted from kava, can induce CYP1A1.