Protective effect of kava constituents in an in vitro model of oral mucositis

Abstract

Purpose: Oral mucositis is a debilitating inflammatory disorder observed in patients undergoing active cancer treatment, particularly cancer of the head and neck region. A key pathway believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of oral mucositis is the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The identification of compounds that can inhibit this pathway may therefore be of benefit in treating this disorder. The kava plant (Piper methysticum) contains various constituents, including flavokawain A (FKA), flavokawain B (FKB), yangonin, methysticin and kavain. These constituents are known to be biologically active and possess anti-oxidative properties. This study therefore focused on examinin..