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The Big Scoop on Kavalactones

The Big Scoop on Kavalactones

Written by: Kavayn team

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Published on

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Time to read 3 min

What Are Kavalactones, Anyway?

Ever wondered what makes kava—that earthy-tasting drink from the South Pacific—so special? Meet kavalactones, the star players behind kava's calming effects. These natural compounds are found primarily in the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), which has been used in traditional ceremonies and social gatherings across Pacific Island cultures for centuries.


Think of kavalactones as a team of six all-stars, each bringing something unique to the game. The key players are (1) Desmethoxyyangonin, (2) Dihydrokavain, (3) Yangonin, (4) Kavain, (5) Dihydromethysticin, and (6) Methysticin (yes, that's a mouthful!). The specific "lineup" or ratio of these compounds in a kava variety determines its overall effect on your mind and body. (See green box to understand what we mean by chemotype "line-up")


  1. Desmethoxyyangonin

  2. Dihydrokavain

  3. Yangonin

  4. Kavain

  5. Dihydromethysticin

  6. Methysticin 

Each chemotype is a snapshot of the three most dominant kavalactones in a kava cultivar. This "line-up" helps you understand the mix of the kavalactones you are consuming. For example:

  • First number = most dominant kavalactone
  • Second number = second most dominant
  • Third number = third most dominant

What Do They Do For You?


Imagine kavalactones as nature's chill pills. When consumed, they help:

  • Melt away anxiety without the mental fog of alcohol
  • Promote relaxation while keeping you mentally clear
  • Ease muscle tension without prescription medication
  • Enhance sociability without the next-day regrets
  • Support better sleep without feeling groggy in the morning

Unlike alcohol or prescription medications, kavalactones provide these benefits without significant impairment or addictive potential when used properly.

How Do They Work Their Magic?


Here's where things get fascinating! Kavalactones are like skilled DJs at your brain's party, turning down the volume on stress and anxiety. When you consume kava, these compounds cross into your brain and interact primarily with GABA receptors—the same system that helps regulate anxiety. They enhance GABA's calming influence, essentially telling your nervous system, "Hey, let's take it down a notch." Additionally, they interact with other neurotransmitter systems and block certain ion channels in neurons, further contributing to that pleasant sense of relaxation without complete sedation. It's like applying gentle brakes to your racing thoughts rather than slamming them to a halt.


Kavalactones offer a fascinating middle ground between herbal supplements and conventional medications—a natural option with noticeable effects backed by both traditional wisdom and modern science. As with any wellness journey, approach with curiosity, respect, and good information.

💡 Key Takeaway

Kavalactones are the active compounds in the kava plant that produce calming effects through their interaction with brain chemistry. When used properly, they offer a natural approach to relaxation without the side effects of alcohol or prescription medications.

Getting Started with Kavalactones

Often you will see your kava product listed with three numbers (listed like 2-4-6). This is called a chemotype. 

Each chemotype is a snapshot of the three most dominant kavalactones in a kava cultivar. For example:

  • First number = most dominant kavalactone
  • Second number = second most dominant
  • Third number = third most dominant

So a chemotype of 2-4-6 means the kava is highest in DHK , followed by Kavain , then Methysticin .

Our team carefully monitors the chemotype profiles to ensure you're getting only premium noble kava — smooth, balanced, and effective. 

If you're curious about experiencing kavalactones, here's how to begin:

  1. Start small : Begin with a low dose to see how your body responds
  2. Choose quality : Look for products that specify the kavalactone content and use only the root
  3. Consider format : Traditional water-based preparations are generally considered safest
  4. Be patient : Some people experience "reverse tolerance," meaning effects may become more pronounced after multiple uses

The Safety Conversation

Like any substance that affects your brain, kavalactones deserve respect. Here's the safety scoop:

  • Quality matters : Always choose noble kava varieties and reputable products that specify their kavalactone content
  • Moderation is key : Most experts suggest limiting intake to under 250mg of kavalactones daily
  • Temporary use is best : Short-term use (up to 8 weeks) is generally recommended
  • Avoid mixing : Kavalactones don't play well with alcohol, sedatives, or many medications
  • Check with your doctor : Especially if you have liver issues or take medications

Real Noble Kava - Real Difference

Our products are backed by our 100% ingredient guarantee and have been third-party tested for purity and authenticity. We only use the premium parts of the kava plant.

Centuries of Calm, Rooted By The Kava Plant

Centuries of islanders have been enjoying the effects of kava to bring people together, settle disputes, celebrate life's milestones, and enjoy community. Find out why kava is termed "the root of happiness".

What is kava?

What is kava?

Kava is a traditional beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific. Traditionally, it has been used in various Pacific Island cultures for centuries, often in social and ceremonial contexts. The drink is known for its calming effects, which can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, making it popular among those seeking a natural way to unwind.
How do you make kava?

There are a few extraction techniques to make kava.

Traditional methods include:

The most common and traditional method of kava extraction involves water as the primary solvent, using lukewarm water to maximize the extraction of kavalactones. The mixture is kneaded vigorously.

A basic preparation typically requires:

  • 8-12 oz of hot tap water (100-120 degrees) per serving
  • A strainer bag or cloth
  • Kava root powder
  • A bowl for mixing

Modern Extractions are:

Acetone Extraction Method

Acetone extraction uses acetone to dissolve compounds, which are then separated by filtering and evaporation. This method is simple but requires careful handling due to acetone's flammability and potential for residue.

CO2 Extraction Method

Supercritical CO2 extraction uses pressurized CO2 to dissolve compounds, which are collected when the CO2 returns to a gaseous state. This environmentally-friendly process leaves no toxic residue and allows for specific compound extraction, making it ideal for producing high-purity extracts. (This is the process Kavayn uses for our extraction process).
What are the effects of kava?

The effects of kava depend on various factors like production methods, potency, and amount of different kavalactones. In general, kava provides feelings of calm and relaxation and mood enhancement. We have formulated our kava elixirs to include higher amounts of kavain, a kavalactone known for its calming effects.

Kavalactones help provide the following effects:

  • Relaxation and reduced anxiety
  • Sedative properties that help improve sleep quality
  • Compounds like methysticin contribute to the muscle relaxant effects of kava
I'm new to kava. How much should I take to start?

Hi newbie! Welcome to the happy root fam. Kava has a reverse tolerance effect which means, the more you have, the less you need to feel the effects. So we tell new users to enjoy a full drink pack or full gummy (or even two) to start because you won't feel the effects as fast or as strongly as a regular kava user. Once you consume kava-extracts for a while, you won't need as much to gain that buzzy glow!
Does kava have any health benefits?

Kavalactones have been studied to better understand the following potential benefits:
Is kava legal?

Yes. Kava is listed as a dietary supplement and legal in all 50 United States. However, we recommend consumption of Kavayn products for those over the age of 18.

Where do you source your kava?

Kavayn kava is sourced from several regions such as Fiji, Venuatu, and smaller islands around Fiji.
What are kavalactones?

Kavalactones are a class of bioactive compounds found primarily in the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum). These compounds are responsible for the calming and relaxing effects associated with kava consumption. There are 18 different kavalactones, but six of them are particularly significant, accounting for over 90% of the active ingredients in most kava varieties:

  1. Kavain
  2. Dihydrokawain
  3. Methysticin
  4. Dihydromethysticin
  5. Yangonin
  6. Desmethoxyyangonin

These compounds are the focus of most studies on kava due to their pharmacological activity and their role in calming effects.
How do I know if your kava is pure?

Glad you asked...we use third-party testing to ensure authenticity. You can view our latest COA here:

How to consume kava or Kava plant extracts

Traditional Kava

Kava has been used by Pacific Islanders for over 3000 years. Traditional kava beverages are generally prepared by crushing, chewing, or grinding the kava root and stump, then soaking it in cold water. This method is commonly used in ceremonies and cultural practices.

Kavayn Elixir Snap Packs (Drinks)

SNAP! Place the flat side down, position the snap pack between your thumb and middle finger. Place your index finger on the top center of the snap pack.

SQUEEZE!

Position the snap pack over your 8oz-12oz beverage of choice, and gently bring your thumb and middle finger together, pressing down with your index finger, folding the snap pack in half.

MIX!

Once you have squeezed the elixir into your beverage of choice, stir or shake the beverage to mix the elixir in. Once you have mixed your drink, sit back, sip and enjoy!
Kavayn Gummies

First timers - Take one gummy, Chew thoroughly. Wait 10 minutes to determine if you want to take another. Kava extracts have a reverse-tolerance effect, so it might take a bit more in the beginning to feel the effects.

Kava drink lovers - Grab a gummy and enjoy. Take two if you want to keep the bliss going. We recommend no more than 4 a day.

Safety Guidelines

Safety considerations

As with any dietary supplement, users should be careful when consuming kava.

While kava is considered a safe supplement in the U.S., please be aware that there have been reports of hepatotoxicity, including liver failure, hepatitis, and cirrhosis associated with kava use. The risk increases with prolonged use, especially when consumed consistently for more than a month or in high doses (1,000 mg/day or more).

In addition, Kava can interact with other substances, prolonging the effects of anesthesia and potentially causing adverse reactions when combined with alcohol.
Potential side effects

Kava users may encounter side effects such as:

  • Upset stomach
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth

Be conscious of your dosage and engage in kava use responsibly.

How does kava compare to other natural alternatives?

How does Kava compare to using THC/CBD or Alcohol?

Kava, THC/CBD, and alcohol each offer distinct experiences and effects. Kava gives you clear-headed relaxation without the mental fog, THC/CBD offers everything from a buzz to therapeutic benefits without the hangover, and alcohol brings that familiar social lubricant effect but carries higher health risks. Everyone's got their preference!

Read more in this article here.

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The Big Scoop on Kavalactones

The Big Scoop on Kavalactones
Ever wondered what makes kava—that earthy-tasting drink from the South Pacific—so special? Meet kavalactones, the star players behind kava's calming effects. These natural compounds are found primarily in the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), which has been used in traditional ceremonies and social gatherings across Pacific Island cultures for centuries.

Read more
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