Description
Methysticin is a kavalactone originally found in Piper methysticum (kava plant). Methysticin exhibits neuroprotective, neuromodulatory, and antifungal activities. Methysticin may also display anti-inflammatory benefit, inhibiting activation of NF-κB in lung adenocarcinoma tissue. Methysticin activates Nrf2 in neurons and astroglia, protecting against amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity. This compound displays antimicrobial efficacy against species of Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Colletotrichum. Additionally, methysticin inhibits peak amplitude of voltage-gated Na+ channels in hippocampal neurons.
References
Shaik AA, Hermanson DL, Xing C. Identification of methysticin as a potent and non-toxic NF-kappaB inhibitor from kava, potentially responsible for kava's chemopreventive activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2009 Oct 1;19(19):5732-6. PMID: 19716299.
Wruck CJ, Götz ME, Herdegen T, et al. Kavalactones protect neural cells against amyloid beta peptide-induced neurotoxicity via extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activation. Mol Pharmacol. 2008 Jun;73(6):1785-95. PMID: 18334601.
Xuan TD, Elzaawely AA, Fukuta M, et al. Herbicidal and Fungicidal Activities of Lactones in Kava (Piper methysticum). J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Feb 8;54(3):720-5. PMID: 16448174.
Magura EI, Kopanitsa MV, Gleitz J, et al. Kava extract ingredients, (+)-methysticin and (+/-)-kavain inhibit voltage-operated Na(+)-channels in rat CA1 hippocampal neurons. Neuroscience. 1997 Nov;81(2):345-51. Erratum in: Neuroscience 1998 May;84(1):323. PMID: 9300426.
