Synthesis, in vitro Reactivity, and Identification of 6-Phenyl-3-hexen-2-one in Human Urine after Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) Ingestion

Abstract

This study describes the synthesis of 6 -phenyl-3-hexen-2-one, a proposed metabolite of kava-kava (kava, ‘Awa, Yaqona, Piper methysticum Forst.), its reactivity with glutathione in vitro, and its isolation and identification, as its mercapturic acid adduct using LC/MS/MS, in the urine of two human subjects following their ingestion of kava. A possible metabolic pathway for the formation of this metabolite and its possible role in hepatotoxicity are also discussed.

Kava-kava - kava - metabolism - glutathione - hepatotoxicity - reactive metabolites - 6-phenyl-3-hexen-2-one - Piper methysticum - Piperaceae

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