the Stakeholder Panel on Dietary Supplements

Kava and Kavalactones

1992

1997

Kava Chemistry Bioactive constituents are known - Contains six major “kavalactones” (pyrones) - arylethylene-α-pyrenes (also chalcones and other flavones, and conjugated diene ketones) - At least a dozen other kavalactones identified - Constituent composition varies among cultivars - Relationship exists between “chemotype” and traditional status - Kava lipid soluble resin forms an emulsion (milk) in water