Supercritical CO2 Extracts
In this study the safety of a CO2 extract was studied against aqueous extraction. CO2 extract was also tested on liver cells to test for cellular toxicity. It was found that CO2 extracts of kava display a similar kavalactone profile to the kava root from which it was extracted. Surprisingly this study found an increase in cell viability when tested against HepG2 liver cells. Application of standard root showed no significant change. The unexpected result of increased activity may suggest the possibility of a non-kavalactone component not found or minimized in the CO2 extract that has a negative impact on cell viability. Levels of cytotoxic chalcones (FKA, FKB, FKC) were reduced as a percentage of total kavalactone content in CO2 extracts adding to the likelihood that supercritical extracts may contain a degree of safety over other solvent extracts. This study suggests the safety profile of supercritical CO2 extracts of noble kava at least mirror that of traditionally prepared noble kava.
Petersen GE, Tang Y, Fields C. Chemical and in vitro toxicity analysis of a supercritical fluid extract of Kava kava (Piper methysticum). J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 May 10;235:301-308. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.01.032. Epub 2019 Jan 30. PMID: 30710733.