Yangonin

Yangonin is one of the six major kavalactones found in the kava plant. It has been shown to possess binding affinity for the cannabinoid receptor CB1 (Ki = 0.72 μM), and selectivity vs. the CB₂ receptor (K(i)>10 μM) where it behaves as an agonist. The CB₁ receptor affinity of yangonin suggests that the endocannabinoid system might contribute to the complex human psychopharmacology of the traditional kava drink and the anxiolytic preparations obtained from the kava plant.
Further in vitro studies have also demonstrated yangonin to be a clinically significant inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, with a moderate preference for isozyme B, which could open the door to a wide range of interactions.
Toxicity.
Yangonin displays marked "in vitro" toxicity on human hepatocytes with approximately 40% reduction in viability based on an ethidium bromide assay. The predominant mode of cell death turned out to be apoptosis rather than necrosis. No significant changes were observed in glutathione levels.