Planta Med 2005; 71(2): 142-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-837781
Original Paper
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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

Lihong Zou1 , Martha R. Harkey1 , Gary L. Henderson1
  • 1Department of Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Received: April 6, 2004

Accepted: August 28, 2004

Publication Date:
24 February 2005 (online)

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.

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Gary L. Henderson, Ph. D.

Department of Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology

School of Medicine

University of California

Davis

California 95616

USA

Phone: +1-530-752-8141

Fax: +1-530-752-4256

Email: glhenderson@ucdavis.edu

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