Kavalactones make kava a powerful and unique natural remedy with great appeal. Active kavalactones work together to create a well-balanced entourage effect, where their combination delivers more pronounced benefits for the kava drinker.
But what are kavalactones? What do they do and how can you enjoy them?
Today, Real Botanicals brings you into the world of kava. We’re exploring kavalactones to know their real therapeutic potential, their fascinating mechanisms of action, and their unique chemical structures. We’ll discuss dosage, the best products, and more. You’ll soon understand why kava may stand out as a versatile, fun option for natural well-being!
Introduction to Kavalactones
The rising demand for holistic health solutions has made kava, or kava kava, a celebrated, go-to botanical. It has found its way into herbal supplements, wellness therapies, functional beverages, natural sleep aids, kava bars, and social lounges… you name it!
People have used the effects of kava kava for centuries without knowing the science behind it. Their use of kava in its most natural form was cultural, a practice shared by generations. They did not realize the distinct properties of the active compounds in kava and what these kavalactones may do. Modern research has discovered the molecules responsible for kava’s effects and continues investigating their therapeutic potential and safety.
Now you'll see kava supplements in stores or buy kava powders to make your own kava teas. You can even create your own kava drink recipes at home! Learn a little about how kava works, and you can have the best experience while avoiding any potential adverse effects.
What Are Kavalactones?
Thanks to studies of kava, we know more about the potential of kava and kavalactones. Kavalactones are bioactive compounds found in the lateral root systems of the kava plant, a shrub native to the South Pacific Islands. Kava contains approximately 18 distinct kavalactones, but six primary ones are responsible for most of its properties. These kavalactones are the active ingredients in kava that may relax you, improve sleep quality, or give you a pleasant feeling.
The exact concentrations of these various kavalactones vary between kava varieties and determine their unique effects on the mind and body. Although kava can be used for various reasons, many choose kava as a natural way to relax or socialize.
Modern science has revolutionized kava usage. Traditional kava use required harvesting, drying, masticating (chewing to grind) the roots, and then steeping. And then drinking a pungent and often gritty brew. Thankfully, the process from root to lips has gotten more user-friendly. (No trips to the islands are necessary unless you want to go!)
Real Botanicals has also revolutionized the kava experience by developing modern, sophisticated extraction techniques. Our proprietary ChromaPure extraction removes kavalactones intact and concentrates them to put into kava products. Now, kava comes in drinkables, capsules, gummies, and other product formats containing kava. The end products are pleasurably potent and top-quality and deliver an elevated experience.
Now, kava consumption has become more mainstream. Enjoying your island chill at home or with friends is easy!
Natural Occurrence in Kava (Piper Methysticum)
The tiny compounds known as kavalactones exist naturally in the roots of the kava plant, botanically known as Piper methysticum. They are synthesized in the kava shrub through a biochemical process called the phenylpropanoid pathway and stored in specialized plant cells in the root system.
The concentration of kavalactones in a given plant varies based on factors such as:
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The kava variety
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Growing conditions
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Plant maturity
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Soil fertility
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Processing methods
Two types of kava dominate the kava world, loosely classified as “noble” and “non-noble” or “Tudei” kava. Noble kava varietals are considered higher quality with more predictable benefits and risks. Noble varieties are also known to be more pleasant to use, with fewer potential side effects.
Note: Real Botanicals uses the best noble kava varieties to add the perfect blend of kava + kratom in our Kratom and Kava Mood Boost Shots. For a purely enjoyable evening, just sip out a serving and welcome a relaxing good time, alone or with your friends!
Chemical Structure and Classification
Kavalactones belong to a group of naturally occurring chemicals called lactones. This means they possess a special ring-shaped structure that contributes to their unique interaction with the nervous system.
Individual kavalactones are fat-soluble, meaning they dissolve effectively in fats and oils rather than water. This feature enables them to be absorbed faster (when combined with fats) and enter the bloodstream more efficiently. This makes perfect sense, considering kava’s use and coconut milk as a traditional, favored way to enjoy kava.
Major Kavalactones & Effects of Kava
Six primary individual kavalactones occupy approximately 95% of the total kavalactone content. Each kavalactone type has unique properties to contribute to your kava experience. In combination, they create a balanced blend of lifted moods, relaxing effects, and improved sociability.
Let’s consider the top six kavalactones and the unique “flavor” they bring to your kava experience:
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Kavain: Noble kavas have lots of kavain, the kavalactone voted most likely to turn you into a social butterfly for the evening. It’s the perfect boost before social events or to get a lift in focus and optimism.
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Dihydrokavain: Voted “Most Relaxing,” this kavalactone ushers deep relaxation of the mind and body for a perfect night’s sleep. Doesn’t improved sleep quality sound dreamy?
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Methysticin: This kavalactone may calm both muscles and stress. Compared to other kavalactones, its effects are pretty long-lasting. Tudei kava contains high levels of this compound, which might explain some lingering effects of this kind of kava.
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Dihydromethysticin: This kavalactone binds with GABA receptors for even more calm, relaxation, and a sweet melting-away of your day’s stress levels.
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Yangonin: Yangonin puts us in an open, creative space, ready to sail through the day, feeling pleasant and productive.
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Desmethoxyyangonin: This compound makes kava great to use at any time of the day for cheerful productivity. It’s known for boosting your demeanor!
Pharmacological Effects Kava May Have
Kavalactones interact with various brain and body receptors to produce distinctive and versatile effects. The chemical structure of active kavalactones allows them to bind to these receptors, influencing nerve signaling and brain function. This explains why some kava strains are slightly more uplifting, while others are more relaxing and soothing. (All kava contains a little of both.)
Interaction with GABA-A Receptors
Once kavalactones are absorbed, they travel through the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier to reach GABA-A receptors. The kavalactone molecules do not directly activate these receptors but modulate their activity to enhance their action. This results in a wide range of benefits associated with kava: improved mood, reduced discomfort, muscle relaxation, better sleep, and others. Kavalactones also influence other receptors, such as dopamine, serotonin, and cannabinoid receptors.
Kava Use | Benefits and Potential
We know kava relaxes us and puts us in a better mood, but what else can it do? What are the other benefits of this unique plant? Here are some other perks for skipping the bar this weekend and getting your kava on:
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Kava relaxation isn’t like alcohol. No drunk and disorderly, no hangovers. Just good, clean connection & chill.
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Kava isn’t addictive.
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Keep your wits while you relax.
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Plant-based & natural.
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Great for all kinds of people. Kava boasts a very welcoming community!
Benefits of Kavalactones
Kavalactones are useful in our modern lives. From mental health to self-care, physical comfort, and social openness, we love how they make us feel. Because of its usefulness and because kava is easily tolerated with few adverse effects, people love discovering new ways to enjoy kava beverages.
(Note: Kava consumed on an empty stomach means the kavalactone effects might kick in quicker.)
There are several ways kava drinks can help improve different aspects of our busy, modern lives:
Stress Reduction
Kava influences GABA function, lowering particular neurotransmitters in the brain to induce relaxation and happiness. Kavalactones enhance GABA function, lowering excessive neural activity to reduce stress levels and welcome a sense of tranquility. Kavalactones also regulate cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone in the body.
Sleep Enhancement
Products containing kava may improve sleep in several ways. They can boost mood, reduce stress, and lower discomfort, all of which are linked to sleep quality. Kava's natural ability to promote better sleep allows you to wake up the following day well-rested and revitalized. If you want to use kava to help you wind down for sleep, drink your kava nightcap 1-2 hours before bedtime.
Mood Improvement
Emotional well-being is central to living a happy, fulfilling life. Tune in to your mental wellness and sip your way to balance and mental clarity with kava.
How does kava make us feel more balanced and well? Again, we can thank the kavalactones in our kava beverages. Active kavalactones influence dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, motivation, and contentment. After using kava, most users feel relaxed, mentally focused, and confident enough to face the day.
Learn more about using kava and ashwagandha together.
How to Take Kava | Dosage and Administration
Accurate kava dosage ensures optimal effects and heightened well-being. These effects depend on the method of preparation or administration, type of kava strain, individual tolerance, and more. The traditional kava drink provides potent effects, while instant kava is convenient and easy to prepare. Other product forms, such as kava extracts and capsules, offer precise dosing since they come premeasured.
Recommended Dosage for Kava Tea
Traditional kava root powder requires measurement to achieve the ideal dose. Most enthusiasts use a tablespoon, which is about 6-7 grams of kava powder. For precise dosage, we recommend using a digital kitchen scale.
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Beginners: Less than one tablespoon, gradually building up to the optimal dose.
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Intermediate: 1-3 tablespoons make a more potent kava drink.
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Advanced or experienced: Advanced users may consume more than one kava beverage a day, with 1-3 tablespoons per drink.
Processed kava products such as instant kava, capsules, and kava liquid shots come pre-dosed. Use the manufacturer's recommended doses as a starting point and follow their usage instructions.
Forms of Kava Extracts
Kava extract is a highly concentrated type of kava product. Due to the vast amounts of kavalactones, it delivers pretty powerful effects and experiences. Manufacturers nowadays use advanced methods to extract active kavalactones and create potent extracts of all kinds—Kava powder extract, kava capsules, gummies, kava liquid extracts, etc. Kava extract products may be too potent for beginners.
Factors Affecting Kavalactone Content in Kava Powder
The potency and effectiveness of kava root powder depend on kavalactone concentration, which varies due to several factors. The higher the kavalactone levels, the stronger the kava powder. Most brands indicate the amount of kavalactones in their products to help you pick the right one.
Some of these factors include:
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Type of kava strain – Noble kava or Tudei kava.
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Plant maturity – Older, more mature plants have the highest kavalactone content.
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Part of root used – Lateral roots have the best concentrations of kavalactones.
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Growing conditions – Tropical climates with warm temperatures, high humidity, and nutrient-rich, well-drained volcanic soils are optimal for growing kava bushes.
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Harvesting and processing methods – Proper drying and specialized extraction yield the purest kavalactones.
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Proper storage - Ideal storage practices preserve kavalactone concentration and freshness.
Use of Kava | Safety and Side Effects
Like most herbal supplements (kratom as an example) kava kava is relatively safe when used mindfully. Indulging yourself too much or using low-grade kava products might lead to undesirable reactions. Mixing kava with other substances like alcohol or prescribed medications also carries some potential risks.
The most prevalent kava side effects include:
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Upset stomach
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Drowsiness
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Dizziness
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Mouth numbness
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Dry skin
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Mood swings
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Impaired cognitive function
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Potential for stress on the liver
What is kava and kratom, and how do they differ? Find out more now!
Long-Term Use Considerations or Drug Interactions
Kava is a beneficial tool, both in the short and long term, when consumed responsibly. If you want to use kava long-term to balance stress or enjoy it with friends, use these tips for a beneficial kava journey:
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Stick to using high-quality, noble kava varieties.
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Use accurate doses.
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Take kava breaks occasionally.
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Stay well-hydrated while enjoying kava.
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Monitor any positive and negative effects and adjust accordingly.
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Avoid consuming kava and alcohol, or with other substances with sedative effects.
A Final Look at Kavalactones
The combined action of kavalactones gives kava that soothing feeling we all enjoy. Each kavalactone type delivers an essential part of the overall experience. If you like kava for a more natural way to calm your mind and body, try a kava beverage or Kava Kratom drink shots— like these Kratom + Kava Mood-Boosting Shots—for hangover-free fun any time, any day. They contain the perfect dose of kava without any measuring needed.
Real Botanicals products are always at the forefront of botanical and kava drinks. Sourcing kava from sustainable South Pacific farms and using ultra-modern extraction and production in our own lab, we ensure each kava drink is pure, potent, and beneficial. Our dedication to quality is evident in every sip. Experience the power of our premium, natural kava today!