Abstract
Kava roots have been extensively studied in clinical trials as potential candidate anti-anxiety drugs. However, anti-convulsive properties of various tissues of stems of Kava have not been reported to date. The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-convulsive potential of aqueous extracts prepared from specific tissues of Kava (Piper methysticum) stems in zebrafish, using the PTZ-induced seizure model. The potency of each extract was compared in terms of the intensity of seizure scores and onset time after pre-treating the zebrafish before the PTZ challenge. The results indicate that aqueous extract of Kava stems without peel after 45 min of pre-treatment exhibited anti-convulsive potential at the dose of 50 mg/L. This study provides evidence to the anti-convulsive properties of peeled Kava stems and its potential for investigation and design of candidate anti-convulsive drugs.
Highlights
Piper methysticum, is a plant native to the South Pacific islands.The aqueous Kava root decoctions are commonly consumed as a ceremonial drink in the SouthPacific [1]
There have been no published studies that report the evaluation of safety/toxicity of Kava stems extracts, in zebrafish
In this study, before evaluating the biological activity of these extracts, a toxicity study was carried out. As this is a novel study on the anti-convulsive potential of the Kava stems extracts, the determination of safe doses was essential
Summary
Piper methysticum (commonly known as Kava), is a plant native to the South Pacific islands. It has growing demand and popularity in the global herbal drug market for its various herbal formulations and as a stress-relieving beverage. It is used as a recreational beverage in various other countries and is sold in various forms in Kava bars. These beverages are popular for their anti-anxiety, mood-stabilizing, sedative, and anti-depressant effects. Some reports indicate inconclusive cases of hepatotoxicity caused by intake of Kava, and such toxicity effects are suggested to be due to drug interactions with kava, improper dosage, or use of misidentified plant or tissue parts [2,3]
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