← DISCOVERY / OTHER ALKALOID

Kavain

Best-characterized of the kavalactones of Piper methysticum. Modulates GABA-A receptors and inhibits voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels — producing a clear-headed, sociable anxiolytic effect quite distinct from alcohol or benzodiazepines.

sedative
THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE

The molecule, in space.

Atoms positioned in their lowest-energy 3D geometry, sourced from PubChem. Drag to rotate · pinch or scroll to zoom · switch between stick, sphere, and line representations to feel the shape from different angles.

3D structure · PubChem CID 5281565 · drag to rotate · scroll to zoom
SMILES NOTATION
COC1=CC(=O)O[C@H](C1)/C=C/C2=CC=CC=C2
PubChem CID 5281565 →
RECEPTOR PROFILE

The pharmacological targets through which this compound exerts its effects.

GABA-A modulator (allosteric)Sodium channel blockerCalcium channel blocker
NATURAL SOURCES

Living organisms in which this compound is naturally found.

REFERENCES
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RELATED MOLECULES

Other other alkaloids

All compounds →
Chemical structure of Arecoline
Alkaloid
15–60 minutes
Arecoline
Methyl 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-methylnicotinate
stimulant

Pyridine alkaloid acting as a partial muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. The primary psychoactive constituent of betel/areca nut, producing mild stimulation, warmth, and a sense of well-being alongside well-documented carcinogenic risk to oral tissues with chronic use.

Areca catechu
Examine
Chemical structure of α-Asarone
Alkaloid
2–4 hours
α-Asarone
Asarone
sedativestimulant

Phenylpropanoid found in Acorus calamus and Asarum species. Mechanism remains incompletely understood; mild psychoactive, sedative, and tonic effects have been described historically. β-asarone, a related isomer, is classified as a probable carcinogen and is the reason calamus from Indian-strain plants is regulated as a food additive.

Acorus calamus
Examine
Chemical structure of Berberine
Alkaloid
4–8 hours
Berberine

Isoquinoline alkaloid widespread in Berberis, Hydrastis, Argemone, Coptis and many other genera. Not classically psychoactive — included for completeness as a major alkaloid of several plants in the atlas. Active research target for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.

Argemone mexicana
Examine
Chemical structure of Caffeine
Alkaloid
3–5 hours
Caffeine
1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine
stimulant

The most widely consumed psychoactive substance on Earth. Acts primarily as a competitive antagonist of adenosine receptors, indirectly raising dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine signaling — producing wakefulness, alertness, and mild euphoria.

Coffea arabicaCamellia sinensisTheobroma cacao
Examine