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Pacific Island ' Awa (Kava) Extracts, but not Isolated Kavalactones, Promote Proinflammatory Responses in Model Mast Cells
Author(s) -
Shimoda Lori M. N.,
Park Christy,
Stokes Alexander J.,
Gomes Henry Halenani,
Turner Helen
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.4652
Subject(s) - kava , proinflammatory cytokine , traditional medicine , pharmacology , chemistry , mast cell , biology , medicine , inflammation , immunology
Kava (‘ Awa ) is a traditional water‐based beverage in Pacific island communities, prepared from the ground root and stems of Piper methysticum . Kava use is associated with an ichthyotic dermatitis and delayed type hypersensitivity reactions. In the current study we collated preparative methodologies from cultural practitioners and recreational kava users in various Pacific communities. We standardized culturally informed aqueous extraction methods and prepared extracts that were subjected to basic physicochemical analysis. Mast cells exposed to these extracts displayed robust intracellular free calcium responses, and concomitant release of proinflammatory mediators. In contrast, mast cells were refractory to single or combinatorial stimulation with kavalactones, including methysticin, dihydromethysticin and kavain. Moreover, we reproduced a traditional modification of the kava preparation methodology, pre‐mixing with the mucilage of Hibiscus tiliaceus , and observed its potentiating effect on the activity of aqueous extracts in mast cells. Taken together, these data indicate that water extractable active ingredients may play a role in the physiological and pathophysiological effects of kava, and suggests that mast cell activation may be a mechanistic component of kava‐related skin inflammations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.