Dihydrokavaine (kavalactone) assay

Dihydrokavain is one of the main kavalactones found in kava (Piper methysticum), a plant native to the Pacific Rim traditionally used for its relaxing and anxiolytic effects. Kavalactones, including dihydrokavain, are the bioactive molecules responsible for the pharmacological and nutraceutical properties of kava.

Dihydrokavain analysis is an essential step in controlling the active ingredient content of kava extracts and products formulated with this plant. It ensures the standardization, safety, and efficacy of dietary supplements, beverages, and herbal preparations intended for the market.

Importance of dosage

Kava consumption is regulated in many countries due to the need to precisely control its composition. Quantifying dihydrokavain ensures that manufacturers and distributors:

• Control of kavalactone concentration in extracts
• Regulatory compliance of products on the nutraceutical market
• Reproducibility of formulations to guarantee efficacy and safety
• Scientific and commercial development of finished products

Precise dosage is essential to ensure transparency towards consumers and to demonstrate the quality of natural health products and food supplements.

Available analytical methods

The determination of dihydrokavaine relies on high-performance chromatographic techniques, adapted to the quantification of kavalactones in complex matrices.

• HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection): the reference method for separating and quantifying kavalactones with excellent precision.
• LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry): a complementary method offering high sensitivity and allowing confirmation of the molecular identity of dihydrokavain, while also detecting other kavalactones present in the extract.

These approaches guarantee reliable, reproducible results that are adapted to the requirements of nutraceutical industry professionals.

Affected matrices

The assay of dihydrokavain can be performed in various matrices, including:

• Standardized dry kava extracts
• Kava root powders or formulations
• Nutraceutical capsules and tablets
• Plant-based drinks and liquid preparations

This analysis is suitable for both raw materials and finished products, ensuring complete monitoring of the production chain.

Industrial applications

The results of dihydrokavain assays are essential for dietary supplement manufacturers, distributors, and research firms. They allow them to:

• Ensure product compliance with current regulations
• Evaluate the potential effectiveness of kava extracts based on their kavalactone content
• Secure the marketing of products intended for relaxation and well-being
• Strengthen the traceability and quality of production batches

This analysis is part of a comprehensive approach to quality control and scientific valorization of natural products.

Additional analyses available

YesWeLab offers other services to enhance the analytical profile of kava extracts and strengthen their standardization. These include:

Quercetin (flavonoid) dosage

These additional analyses make it possible to obtain a complete spectrum of bioactive compounds present in kava and to optimize the formulation of nutraceutical products.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specializing in physico-chemical and nutraceutical analyses, rigorously selected and mostly ISO 17025 certified and COFRAC accredited.

Since 2020, our digital platform has simplified analysis management for manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms. It allows them to centralize requests, track sample progress, and receive reliable results as quickly as possible.

Our scientific team supports each project with precision and responsiveness, in order to meet the specific requirements of each client.