Kava compound blocks gut-damaging cell death in mice
Wei J, Shi Y, Chen X, Yang S, Liu T
Medicinal Plants
Kava, the same root Pacific Islanders brew into a calming ceremonial drink, turns out to hold a compound that may protect the gut lining, a reminder that plants used for centuries in traditional medicine keep yielding precise molecular targets modern labs are only now mapping.
Kava is a Pacific Island plant people drink as a relaxing beverage and use in traditional medicine. Scientists found that one of its natural chemicals, flavokawain C, can stop a violent form of cell death in gut tissue by jamming three proteins that normally team up to rupture cells. In mice with induced colitis, giving them this plant compound reduced gut damage and inflammation, hinting it could one day help treat ulcerative colitis in people.
Key Findings
Flavokawain C directly binds RIPK1 and RIPK3 proteins, blocking their phosphorylation and preventing formation of the necrosome complex that triggers necroptosis.
In cell models (HT29, L929, J774A.1), flavokawain C reduced necroptotic cell death and lowered release of damage signals LDH and HMGB1 across multiple death-inducing stimuli (TSZ, TCZ, LSZ).
Oral flavokawain C reduced intestinal barrier damage, necroinflammation, and RIPK1/3-MLKL phosphorylation in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model, and siRNA knockdown of RIPK1/3 abolished its protective effect.
chevron_right Technical Summary
A compound from the kava plant, long used in Pacific Island ceremonies for anxiety and pain, was shown to calm a destructive form of cell death that drives ulcerative colitis in mice. Researchers pinpointed exactly which proteins the compound blocks, offering a potential new lead for treating inflammatory bowel disease.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Flavokawain C alleviates dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis through suppressing necroptosis via blocking RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL axis.
Kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst) is a plant native to Pacific Island countries, consumed as a beverage in social and ceremonial contexts, and also used as a traditional medicine for various types ...
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Kava or kava kava is a plant in the pepper family, native to the Pacific Islands. The name kava is from Tongan and Marquesan, meaning 'bitter'. Kava can refer to either the plant or a psychoactive beverage made from its root. The beverage is a traditional ceremonial and recreational drink from Po...