In vivo Effects of the Kavapyrones (+)-Dihydromethysticin and (±)-Kavain on Dopamine, 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid, Serotonin and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid Levels in Striatal and Cortical Brain Regions

Abstract

The in vivo effect of a single oral dose of 100 mg (+)-dihydromethysticin/kg body weight on striatal and cortical tissue concentrations of dopamine, serotonin, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, as well as the dopamine and serotonin turnover, was tested in rats. Additionally, other rats were fed with a (±)-kavain containing food over a period of 78 days in order to calculate the influence of a chronic treatment with kavapyrones on the neurotransmitters. The results of the present in vivo study clearly demonstrate that neither (+)-dihydromethysticin in a high single dose, nor (±)-kavain chronically administered, altered the dopaminergic or serotonergic tissue levels in rats significantly.

Key words

Kava - Piper methysticum - Piperaceae - kavain - dihydromethysticin - dopamine - serotonin