Today we’re going to be focusing specifically on the pain relief properties of kavalactones. Ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin are common drugs which fall into the class called “NSAIDs”. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs share a common quality. They inhibit the activity of one, the other, or both cyclooxygenase enzymes known as COX-1, and COX-2. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that is responsible for forming prostanoids that play a major role in pain and inflammation [1]. Most NSAIDs work by non-selectively blocking both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, thus reducing inflammation and pain. Kava was shown to inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes substantially with all kavalactones. In fact, kava was shown to inhibit COX-1 enzymes by a greater or equal degree across all kavalactones in comparison to Ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Dihydromethysticin and yangonin were shown to be as good as the three pain relievers mentioned in regards to COX-2 inhibition [2], similar to drugs like Celebrex. If you’re noticing relief from aches and pains after drinking, or maybe seeing relief from arthritis this could lend evidence towards why.
[1] Cyclooxygenase. (2020, December 02). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclooxygenase
[2] Wu D, Yu L, Nair MG, DeWitt DL, Ramsewak RS. Cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitory compounds with antioxidant activities from Piper methysticum (kava kava) roots. Phytomedicine. 2002 Jan;9(1):41-7. doi: 10.1078/0944-7113-00068. PMID: 11924763.
[1] Cyclooxygenase. (2020, December 02). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclooxygenase
[2] Wu D, Yu L, Nair MG, DeWitt DL, Ramsewak RS. Cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitory compounds with antioxidant activities from Piper methysticum (kava kava) roots. Phytomedicine. 2002 Jan;9(1):41-7. doi: 10.1078/0944-7113-00068. PMID: 11924763.