UV/Vis and GC-MS Analysis of Kavalactones Extracted from Various Consumptive Kava Samples.

Disciplines

Chemistry

Abstract (300 words maximum)

Kavalactones are a group of lactone compounds accountable for the anxiolytic properties and relaxing effect of kava (also called Piper methysticum), a plant native to the Pacific Islands and a depressant drug used for its ceremonial, biological and psychological effect. In the United States, kava has many dietary forms from sleep aids to mood boosters. However, there are concerns regarding suspected ingestion toxicity and unknown safety consumption limits. Although six major kavalactones, and possibly more than 18 kavalactones, have been reported, they are not fully known and researched.

We are interested in identification and quantification of kavalactones extracted from various kava samples. Acetone was selected as the most efficient extracting solvent and has been used for kava root powder, kava pills, and kava herbal tea. Utilizing Ultraviolet/Visible (UV/Vis) spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), we have constructed standard calibration curves for kavain and methysticin, which are being used to quantify their contents in various kava samples. Utilizing GC-MS, a 60-minute elution process has been developed to separation the major compounds. We have identified a chromatographic peak at 17.608 minutes for kavain, another one 24.775 minutes possibly for methysticin, and a few other kavalactones which are not any major kavalactones but less reported ones. Our analysis helps finding kavalactones with relative low content in various kava drink samples and helps consumers make informed decisions for their daily intake of kava.

Academic department under which the project should be listed

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Primary Investigator (PI) Name

Wei Zhou

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UV/Vis and GC-MS Analysis of Kavalactones Extracted from Various Consumptive Kava Samples.

Kavalactones are a group of lactone compounds accountable for the anxiolytic properties and relaxing effect of kava (also called Piper methysticum), a plant native to the Pacific Islands and a depressant drug used for its ceremonial, biological and psychological effect. In the United States, kava has many dietary forms from sleep aids to mood boosters. However, there are concerns regarding suspected ingestion toxicity and unknown safety consumption limits. Although six major kavalactones, and possibly more than 18 kavalactones, have been reported, they are not fully known and researched.

We are interested in identification and quantification of kavalactones extracted from various kava samples. Acetone was selected as the most efficient extracting solvent and has been used for kava root powder, kava pills, and kava herbal tea. Utilizing Ultraviolet/Visible (UV/Vis) spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), we have constructed standard calibration curves for kavain and methysticin, which are being used to quantify their contents in various kava samples. Utilizing GC-MS, a 60-minute elution process has been developed to separation the major compounds. We have identified a chromatographic peak at 17.608 minutes for kavain, another one 24.775 minutes possibly for methysticin, and a few other kavalactones which are not any major kavalactones but less reported ones. Our analysis helps finding kavalactones with relative low content in various kava drink samples and helps consumers make informed decisions for their daily intake of kava.