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| Names | |
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| Preferred IUPAC name (6R)-6-[(E)-2-(2H-1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)ethen-1-yl]-4-methoxy-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one | |
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| Properties | |
| C15H14O5 | |
| Molar mass | 274.272 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Methysticin is one of the six majorkavalactones found in thekava plant.[1] Research suggests that methysticin and the related compounddihydromethysticin haveCYP1A1 inducing effects which may be responsible for their toxicity.[2] Additionally, methysticin has been shown to potentiateGABAA receptor activity, contributing to the overallanxiolytic profile of the kava plant.[3]
Methysticin induces the function of the hepatic enzyme CYP1A1. This enzyme is involved in thetoxification ofbenzo[a]pyrene into(+)-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide, a highly carcinogenic substance. Another related compound is dihydromethysticin, which also induces the function of CYP1A1.[2][4][5] No report so far has described enhancement of CYP1A1 expression in animals or humans in vivo from any constituent of kava.[6]
