Can Kavalactones Exceed 12 Percent?
There have been some people wondering about how high kavalactones canactually get in a kava plant, it is true that most kava is at 12% or below, this article will show the facts of kavalactone content in kava and what makes it higher or lower than others. It is true Kavalactones on average is 12% or lower kavalactone content varies in different cultivars grown in different locations and under different conditions. Kavalactone percentages can easily go over
12 percent depending on a variety of factors. In this article, I will talk about the scientific studies that prove this. I will also discuss the Farming Techniques that can increase the Kavalactone Content in kava. I hope to educate the Kava Resellers who are not farmers and who have not done the necessary research. But more importantly, I want to educate the Kava consumers who are constantly bombarded with false information about Kava.
What Causes Variations in Kavalactone Content?
When we are talking about kavalactone content, there is significant variation among different cultivars originating from the same island. Kavalactone content appears to be greatly determined by the growing conditions. Either by the local environment (soil and weather) or by the agricultural techniques used by the local farmers or both. Some of the tests that were done here in Hawaii have shown that there are several key factors that can increase the kavalactone content. Of course fertilizer is one factor. A fertilized kava will be higher in kavalactones than a unfertilized kava but this does not mean that you have to use chemical fertilizers. You can give the kava the food it needs by using a good rich compost, and other secrets that I learned from long time Hawaiian 'Awa farmers, this is my trick.
What Studies Back up these Techniques?
When I used to teach about kava at a Hawaiian an immersion school called Aha Punana Leo in Keau, we did an experiment on growing kava in rich compost the way the Hawaiians did traditionally. This was called the Lepo Ola Project. We planted a Nene kava and the results were incredible. This kava plant got so big and in such a short time that it still is the biggest kava plant that I have ever seen that was only 2 years old. We tested this plant at 14.7% total kavalactones and that is a very high percent for Nene because Nene is considered a kava that could be given to children in Hawaiian legend. Everybody things Nene is a weak kava but this test showed that the way you grow it makes a big difference. You can now imagine what Kavalactone percents can be achieved with the stronger strains like Papa Kea.
There was a large study that was done on Hawaiian kava this was funded by the Sachurana Foundation. Also involved in this study was The Heffler Research Institute, Dr. Vincent Lebot, Dr. Qun Yi Zheng, and Dr. Dennis McKenna. The results of this study gave us an incredible view into what the kavalactone content of the roots of each Hawaiian
kava and the other parts of the kava plant like the stalks and leaves. The foundation also tested kava that was in the wild, irrigated or not irrigated, fertilized or not, and in full sun or partial sun or in the shade. The study was published and peer reviewed.
A study done by (Siméoni & Lebot 2001) confirmed that there is significant cultivar variation within and between islands for kavalactone content, The ecological (geographical) factor appears to be more important than the genetic factor in determining kavalactone content. The growing location appears to play a significant role. Hawaii has shown to be the ultimate place to grow kava with high kavalactone contents. This is another reason that I am able to grow
kava that is so high in kavalactones here in Hawaii.
Applying the Techniques
Now back to the Nene, most Nene will have a kavalactone content in the range of 6-11%. So the study showed that a Nene that was wild, not irrigated and not fertilized was only 6.74% total kavalactones. However, a Nene that was cultivated, irrigated and fertilized was 11.68% total kavalactones. You can see that the increase of Kavalactones was almost two fold with the Nene that was grown using the right techniques.
Here is another interesting fact about Kava. Kava that is grown in full sun is a lot more potent than the same plant grown in the shade. For example, a Papa Ele Ele grown in full sun was tested at 15.07% total kavalactones and the same plant grown in full shade was tested at 8.95% total kavalactones. It is clear that the way you grow your kava,
where you grow your kava, and how you take care of it will have a big effect on the total kavalactone content.
This gives you an idea of how some of these factors will increase or decrease the kavalactone content. Also you need to take into account the individual farmer, as we all know some farmers grow things better than others. I just happen to know some tricks and secrets that I use when I grow my kava. I learned these tricks from my family (they were
into Kava) and my friends who grew kava in Waipio Valley. I grew up in Waimea and this is right above Waipio Valley. Waipio Valley is well know for it's kava and some of the old time growers there imparted there knowledge to me. I keep this knowledge alive by teaching those that want to learn and as I mentioned I taught kava at the Hawaiian
immersion school. These Kava growing techniques have been passed down from generation to generation and now they are part of the curriculum at the Hawaiian immersion schools.
In Conclusion
To answer the main question, yes, I can easily grow Kava that exceeds 12 percent but how about the other Kavas? I am always evaluating Kava and I always invite people to send me samples from different areas. I had a sample of my Fijian kava and it tested at 4.41%, that is low but it is what it is. That is why you have to find a good kava dealer that
consistently gets and sells good kava. Most suppliers know where to get good Noble kava and others use less than Noble techniques. Some suppliers and resellers feel the need to spike there kava with a 30% extract that makes the kava drink appear a vivid yellow. Sadly, others will spike there kava with Tudei kava. And others sell tudei kava as a
potent drinkable kava. As you know, Tudei kava was never used as a drinking kava by the islanders 1000s of years ago. My tests have proven these assertions and some of the suppliers have come right out and told me they do this. Please don’t ask me for names. For the record, Gourmet Hawaiian Kava DOES NOT spike our Kava. So this is another good reason to get your kava from a known reputable seller or supplier who regularly tests their Kava. There are hundreds of tests results but I just posted a few at the end of the article. You will see from the results that Kava can easily go over 12 percent.
I hope that this article was informative to you. As always, please do not hesitate to ask me questions. Here in Hawaii, we are on the forefront of Kava Research and we have experts like Dr. Vincent Lebot helping us in our endeavors to understand this wonderful plant called kava. Please review the tests below on the various cultivars.
Aloha nui loa.
Here is the kavalactone information for different kava from different places.
Wallis:
Cultivar--- Hina Kata Loa 16.45% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Huli Kata Loa 15.56% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Hina Leka 17.89% total kavalactones.
Cook Islands
Cultivar--- Mangaia 9.48% total kavalactones
Tahiti and the Marquesas
Cultivar---Fataua 11.13% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papenoo 9.92% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Omoa 18.05% total kavalactones
Papua New Guinea, Solomons and Pohnpei:
Cultivar---Ume1, 20.61% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Umi 2, 9.48% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Bundun 1, 16.54% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Bundun 2, 8.15% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kaukupwe 11.46% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Borosak 6.54% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ayou 2, 17.43% total kavalactone content
Cultivar---Sipaia 22.6% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Isa 9.97% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Iwi 29.62% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Koniak 8.39% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Rahmedel 9.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Rahwahnger 14.65% total kavalactones
Samples from Vanuatu
Cultivar---Thyei 17.16% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila 16.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Malmalbo 16.33% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Fock 18.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Palavoke 15.75% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Merei13, 22.25% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Merei18, 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Fock 23, 20.84% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Malogrow 8.06% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kar28, 9.96% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Boroguru 9.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Black hand 12.2% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Borogu 6.59% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila3, 24.77% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila6,24.11% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila8, 25.27% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nimau 7.61% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Riki 6.35% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Visul 7.96% total kavalactones
Samoa
Cultivar---Ava lea 20.6% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Talo 17.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Samoa 9.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Ulu 11.53% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava laau 9.9% total kavalactones
Tonga
Cultivar---Fulufulu 17% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Huli 13.24% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau 12.95% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Leka Hina 11.34% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau Hina 18.12% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau Fulufulu 12.37% total kavalactones
Fiji
Cultivar---Gona Damu 17.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Matakaro Balavu 9.4% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Loa 8.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Loa Kasa Leka 9.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vulu Kasa Leka 15.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Qila leka14.46% totalkavalactones
Hawaii
Cultivar---Moi 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Moi 15.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Mahakea 13% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Hanakapi ai 15.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nene 11.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Honokane Iki 14.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Apu 11.2% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Panaewa 14.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Ele Ele 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kumakua 11.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nene 8.4% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Mapulehu 9.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar--- Panaewa 7.83% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Kea 15% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Kea 22% total kavalactones
There have been some people wondering about how high kavalactones canactually get in a kava plant, it is true that most kava is at 12% or below, this article will show the facts of kavalactone content in kava and what makes it higher or lower than others. It is true Kavalactones on average is 12% or lower kavalactone content varies in different cultivars grown in different locations and under different conditions. Kavalactone percentages can easily go over
12 percent depending on a variety of factors. In this article, I will talk about the scientific studies that prove this. I will also discuss the Farming Techniques that can increase the Kavalactone Content in kava. I hope to educate the Kava Resellers who are not farmers and who have not done the necessary research. But more importantly, I want to educate the Kava consumers who are constantly bombarded with false information about Kava.
What Causes Variations in Kavalactone Content?
When we are talking about kavalactone content, there is significant variation among different cultivars originating from the same island. Kavalactone content appears to be greatly determined by the growing conditions. Either by the local environment (soil and weather) or by the agricultural techniques used by the local farmers or both. Some of the tests that were done here in Hawaii have shown that there are several key factors that can increase the kavalactone content. Of course fertilizer is one factor. A fertilized kava will be higher in kavalactones than a unfertilized kava but this does not mean that you have to use chemical fertilizers. You can give the kava the food it needs by using a good rich compost, and other secrets that I learned from long time Hawaiian 'Awa farmers, this is my trick.
What Studies Back up these Techniques?
When I used to teach about kava at a Hawaiian an immersion school called Aha Punana Leo in Keau, we did an experiment on growing kava in rich compost the way the Hawaiians did traditionally. This was called the Lepo Ola Project. We planted a Nene kava and the results were incredible. This kava plant got so big and in such a short time that it still is the biggest kava plant that I have ever seen that was only 2 years old. We tested this plant at 14.7% total kavalactones and that is a very high percent for Nene because Nene is considered a kava that could be given to children in Hawaiian legend. Everybody things Nene is a weak kava but this test showed that the way you grow it makes a big difference. You can now imagine what Kavalactone percents can be achieved with the stronger strains like Papa Kea.
There was a large study that was done on Hawaiian kava this was funded by the Sachurana Foundation. Also involved in this study was The Heffler Research Institute, Dr. Vincent Lebot, Dr. Qun Yi Zheng, and Dr. Dennis McKenna. The results of this study gave us an incredible view into what the kavalactone content of the roots of each Hawaiian
kava and the other parts of the kava plant like the stalks and leaves. The foundation also tested kava that was in the wild, irrigated or not irrigated, fertilized or not, and in full sun or partial sun or in the shade. The study was published and peer reviewed.
A study done by (Siméoni & Lebot 2001) confirmed that there is significant cultivar variation within and between islands for kavalactone content, The ecological (geographical) factor appears to be more important than the genetic factor in determining kavalactone content. The growing location appears to play a significant role. Hawaii has shown to be the ultimate place to grow kava with high kavalactone contents. This is another reason that I am able to grow
kava that is so high in kavalactones here in Hawaii.
Applying the Techniques
Now back to the Nene, most Nene will have a kavalactone content in the range of 6-11%. So the study showed that a Nene that was wild, not irrigated and not fertilized was only 6.74% total kavalactones. However, a Nene that was cultivated, irrigated and fertilized was 11.68% total kavalactones. You can see that the increase of Kavalactones was almost two fold with the Nene that was grown using the right techniques.
Here is another interesting fact about Kava. Kava that is grown in full sun is a lot more potent than the same plant grown in the shade. For example, a Papa Ele Ele grown in full sun was tested at 15.07% total kavalactones and the same plant grown in full shade was tested at 8.95% total kavalactones. It is clear that the way you grow your kava,
where you grow your kava, and how you take care of it will have a big effect on the total kavalactone content.
This gives you an idea of how some of these factors will increase or decrease the kavalactone content. Also you need to take into account the individual farmer, as we all know some farmers grow things better than others. I just happen to know some tricks and secrets that I use when I grow my kava. I learned these tricks from my family (they were
into Kava) and my friends who grew kava in Waipio Valley. I grew up in Waimea and this is right above Waipio Valley. Waipio Valley is well know for it's kava and some of the old time growers there imparted there knowledge to me. I keep this knowledge alive by teaching those that want to learn and as I mentioned I taught kava at the Hawaiian
immersion school. These Kava growing techniques have been passed down from generation to generation and now they are part of the curriculum at the Hawaiian immersion schools.
In Conclusion
To answer the main question, yes, I can easily grow Kava that exceeds 12 percent but how about the other Kavas? I am always evaluating Kava and I always invite people to send me samples from different areas. I had a sample of my Fijian kava and it tested at 4.41%, that is low but it is what it is. That is why you have to find a good kava dealer that
consistently gets and sells good kava. Most suppliers know where to get good Noble kava and others use less than Noble techniques. Some suppliers and resellers feel the need to spike there kava with a 30% extract that makes the kava drink appear a vivid yellow. Sadly, others will spike there kava with Tudei kava. And others sell tudei kava as a
potent drinkable kava. As you know, Tudei kava was never used as a drinking kava by the islanders 1000s of years ago. My tests have proven these assertions and some of the suppliers have come right out and told me they do this. Please don’t ask me for names. For the record, Gourmet Hawaiian Kava DOES NOT spike our Kava. So this is another good reason to get your kava from a known reputable seller or supplier who regularly tests their Kava. There are hundreds of tests results but I just posted a few at the end of the article. You will see from the results that Kava can easily go over 12 percent.
I hope that this article was informative to you. As always, please do not hesitate to ask me questions. Here in Hawaii, we are on the forefront of Kava Research and we have experts like Dr. Vincent Lebot helping us in our endeavors to understand this wonderful plant called kava. Please review the tests below on the various cultivars.
Aloha nui loa.
Here is the kavalactone information for different kava from different places.
Wallis:
Cultivar--- Hina Kata Loa 16.45% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Huli Kata Loa 15.56% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Hina Leka 17.89% total kavalactones.
Cook Islands
Cultivar--- Mangaia 9.48% total kavalactones
Tahiti and the Marquesas
Cultivar---Fataua 11.13% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papenoo 9.92% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Omoa 18.05% total kavalactones
Papua New Guinea, Solomons and Pohnpei:
Cultivar---Ume1, 20.61% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Umi 2, 9.48% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Bundun 1, 16.54% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Bundun 2, 8.15% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kaukupwe 11.46% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Borosak 6.54% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ayou 2, 17.43% total kavalactone content
Cultivar---Sipaia 22.6% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Isa 9.97% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Iwi 29.62% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Koniak 8.39% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Rahmedel 9.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Rahwahnger 14.65% total kavalactones
Samples from Vanuatu
Cultivar---Thyei 17.16% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila 16.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Malmalbo 16.33% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Fock 18.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Palavoke 15.75% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Merei13, 22.25% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Merei18, 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Fock 23, 20.84% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Malogrow 8.06% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kar28, 9.96% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Boroguru 9.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Black hand 12.2% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Borogu 6.59% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila3, 24.77% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila6,24.11% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila8, 25.27% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nimau 7.61% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Riki 6.35% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Visul 7.96% total kavalactones
Samoa
Cultivar---Ava lea 20.6% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Talo 17.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Samoa 9.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Ulu 11.53% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava laau 9.9% total kavalactones
Tonga
Cultivar---Fulufulu 17% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Huli 13.24% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau 12.95% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Leka Hina 11.34% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau Hina 18.12% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau Fulufulu 12.37% total kavalactones
Fiji
Cultivar---Gona Damu 17.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Matakaro Balavu 9.4% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Loa 8.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Loa Kasa Leka 9.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vulu Kasa Leka 15.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Qila leka14.46% totalkavalactones
Hawaii
Cultivar---Moi 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Moi 15.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Mahakea 13% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Hanakapi ai 15.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nene 11.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Honokane Iki 14.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Apu 11.2% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Panaewa 14.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Ele Ele 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kumakua 11.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nene 8.4% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Mapulehu 9.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar--- Panaewa 7.83% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Kea 15% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Kea 22% total kavalactones