Methysticin

Methysticin is one of the six major kavalactones found in the kava plant. Research suggests that the CYP1A1 inducing effects of methysticin and the related compound 7,8-dihydromethysticin may indicate that kava has potentially carcinogenic effects.

Toxicity


Methysticin induces the function of the hepatic enzyme CYP1A1, an enzyme involved in the toxification of benzo(a)pyrene (an already very toxic substance) into benzopyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide, one of the most highly carcinogenic substances yet discovered (often called the ultimate carcinogen). This property is shared by the related compound 7,8-dihdromethysticin, both of which occur in significant quantities in Piper methysticum, indicating that kava and its extracts may be carcinogenic. As benzo(a)pyrene occurs in tobacco smoke, the carcinogenic effects of tobacco may also be increased by kava consumption.