DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Kava

Andrey Volgin, Longen Yang, Tamara Amstislavskaya, Konstantin Demin, Dongmei Wang, Dongni Yan, Jingtao Wang, Mengyao Wang, Erik Alpyshov, Guojun Hu, Nazar Serikuly, Vadim Shevyrin, Edina Wappler-Guzzetta, Murilo De Abreu, Allan Kalueff*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Kava (kava kava, Piper methysticum) is a common drug-containing plant in the Pacific islands. Kavalactones, its psychoactive compounds, exert potent central nervous system (CNS) action clinically and in animal models. However, the exact pharmacological profiles and mechanisms of action of kava on the brain and behavior remain poorly understood. Here, we discuss clinical and experimental data on kava psychopharmacology and summarize chemistry and synthesis of kavalactones. We also review its societal impact, drug use and abuse potential, and future perspectives on translational kava research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3893-3904
Number of pages12
JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience
Volume11
Issue number23
Early online date6 Jan 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Dec 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • anxiolysis
  • kava
  • kavalactones
  • translational drug research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Kava'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this