What are Kava Chemotypes?

Kava chemotypes are a way of describing the different combinations of chemicals present in the kava plant. The chemotypes are represented with a six-number sequence corresponding to the primary kavalactones desired in kava. Even though there are 720 ways to rearrange the six numbers, only around 18 sequences have been found in kava. Among these eighteen different kavalactones, only six are the dominant ones. The combination of these six kavalactones determines the effects of kava and helps identify, but does not determine the origin of the kava.

The six primary kavalactones are:

1. Desmethoxyyangonin (DMY) 
• Muscle relaxant, strong sedative, anti-anxiety (Anxiolytic)
2. Dihydrokavain (DHK)
•  Pain-killer (Analgesic), nausea          
3. Yangonin (Y)     
•  Anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant                  
4. Kavain (K)   
• Anti-anxiety, euphoria (Headiness), strong sedative, neuroprotective, loss of muscle coordination                     
5. Dihydromethysticin (DHM)     
• Muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety, nausea/vomiting, long lasting
6. Methysticin (M)
• Neuroprotective, sedative

Some Minor kavalactones are:

1. Chalcones
2. Flavokavain A
3. Flavokavain B
4. Flavokavain C

These chemical compounds bind to GABA binding sites and control the body's response to stress, pain, pleasure, etc.

Chemotypes are guidance for the effects, but even considering chemotypes, due to soil and climate differences some customers prefer specific brands from specific islands or regions.  It's all chemistry.

To read a kava chemotype, you need to understand the six-digit code that describes the distinctive order of kavalactone densities found in kava. Each digit refers to the kavalactones in a specific kava plant. The numbers are arranged from left to right, with the left being the most abundant kavalactone, and on the right being the least abundant. ex 642351

There are specific chemotype sequences that are considered to be “Noble Kava”. Any chemotypes containing 2, 4, or 6 in their first 3 numbers of the sequence are considered Noble Kava. Meaning, a chemotype of 246... or 426... or 642 are considered Noble Kava strains.

Most higher end sellers will provide the test results of their kava so you can see the kavalactone strength and chemotype.

There are many different Noble Kava strains available, each with its own unique flavor profile and effects.  Kava from Fiji is relaxing, peppery, social, euphoric and dreamy. It works like magic for stress, anxiety and restorative sleep. It has a euphoric and sedating effect and restorative effect on the body and mind.

Note that Kava will effect different people in different ways and also depends on preparation method. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming kava, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

Here is a quick chart to reference chemotypes and their effects.