Description
Flavokawain A is a chalcone kavalactone originally found in Piper methysticum (kava plant). Flavokawain A exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer chemotherapeutic activities. This compound inhibits degradation of IκBα and activation of NF-κB; it also inhibits expression of iNOS and COX-2 in macrophages as well as activity of IκK, PRAK, MAPKAP-K3, DYRK1A, and AurB. In vivo, flavokawain A inhibits urothelial cell carcinoma, decreasing expression of Ki67, XIAP, and survivin, and increasing expression of DR5 and p27.