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Kava Science Computerized methods for studying the hepatotoxicity potential of Piper methysticum

The Kap'n

The Groggy Kaptain (40g)
KavaForums Founder
Note: Remember these studies are using pure kavalactone extractions, and not “kava” that you and I drink on a regular basis. Essentially this is like studying caffeine in relation to coffee. Kava as a beverage when mixed with water and strained is safe. This study is doing its best to attempt to give possible avenues for toxicity cases seen in the past. This is yet another attempt to explain what happened during those instances.

This study uses computerized techniques to uncover aspects of kava extract that may be hepatoxic. This method is known as “in silico”. In silico is an expression meaning “performed on computer or via computer simulation” in reference to biological experiments [1]. Instead of using live rats and mice, this study utilizes models that predict outcomes based on known molecules and how they interact in human biological processes.

This study looks at these possible sources of interaction/toxicity [2]:

  • Leaves Vs Roots
  • Extraction Method
  • Glutathione (GSH) Depletion
  • Water insoluble constituents of kava.
  • Cytochrome P450 Activity
  • Inhibition of COX Activity
  • Formation of electrophilic reactive metabolites.
  • Mitochondrial membrane potential.
  • Capase-3 stimulation
  • AhR Activity
  • Nrf2 Activity
  • Mold Hepatoxins




[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_silico

[2] Gulcin Tugcu, Hasan Kırmızıbekmez, Ahmet Aydın,

The integrated use of in silico methods for the hepatotoxicity potential of Piper methysticum,

Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 145, 2020, 111663,ISSN 0278-6915,


(Whatever you do, don’t copy and paste the link above into www.sci-hub.st a full paper may spit out, and we wouldn’t want that)
 
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