Description
Dihydromethysticin is a kavalactone originally found in Piper methysticum (kava plant) that exhibits antifungal, antiepileptic/anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, anticancer, and chemopreventive activities. This compound displays antimicrobial efficacy against species of Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Colletotrichum. Dihydromethysticin also binds receptor site 2 and inhibits voltage-gated Na+ channels; it inhibits L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels as well. In vivo, dihydromethysticin inhibits the formation of NNK-induced tumors and, separately, protects against cerebral ischemia-induced damage.