Beyond the Buzz: A Biohacker’s Guide to Finding the Best Kava Extract

The Muddy Waters: My Failed Quest for Calm

Introduction: Chasing a 3,000-Year-Old Promise in a Modern Mess

My journey with kava didn’t begin in a tranquil Pacific island ceremony. It started in the fluorescent-lit aisles of a health food store, fueled by a modern kind of desperation. As a researcher in psychopharmacology, I was intimately familiar with the clinical data on Piper methysticum. For centuries, Pacific Islanders have used this plant to prepare a ceremonial drink for relaxation and social bonding.¹ Modern studies support this tradition, pointing to kava’s active compounds, kavalactones, as effective, non-addictive anxiolytics.³ For me, struggling with the high-strung rhythm of academic life, kava seemed like the perfect solution—a natural, evidence-backed alternative to the nightly glass of wine that so many of my colleagues used to unwind.

My initial foray was a disaster. I followed the standard advice, buying a range of products that promised potent results: high-kavalactone capsules, popular tinctures, and well-reviewed powders. The outcomes were a chaotic mess. One extract left me feeling jittery and on edge, the opposite of the promised calm. Another did nothing at all. And then there was the worst of them—a product that induced a wave of nausea and a next-day lethargy so profound it felt like a two-day hangover, a sentiment echoed by many confused users online.⁶

My most frustrating failure came from a highly-marketed “extra strength” kava paste. The label boasted a high percentage of kavalactones, and I expected a clean, profound relaxation. Instead, I spent the evening battling nausea and a heavy-headed feeling that lingered well into the next day, ruining my productivity. I felt cheated. How could a plant with a 3,000-year history of safe, celebrated use be so unreliable and unpleasant in its modern form?.⁸ This disconnect between kava’s revered past and my frustrating present became a puzzle I was determined to solve, not just for my own well-being, but as a scientific challenge.

The Epiphany: The Specialty Coffee Analogy

A New Paradigm for Kava

The breakthrough came from a place I least expected it: my morning coffee ritual. I was reading about the intricate world of specialty coffee, a system designed to differentiate a mass-market can of grounds from a meticulously sourced, single-origin bean. The language used to describe coffee quality—cultivar (Arabica vs. Robusta), terroir, processing methods, and the formal “cupping” score—was a revelation.⁹ It struck me that the chaos of the kava market stemmed from a lack of a similar framework. We were all buying “kava” as if it were a monolith, when in reality, the differences between products were as vast as those between instant coffee and a championship-winning Gesha.

This analogy gave me a new lens through which to view the problem. I developed a four-pillar framework, which I call the “Specialty Kava” model, to systematically deconstruct kava quality and find the best products. This framework, which I will lay out here, is the key to transforming from a confused consumer into an empowered connoisseur.

The Four Pillars of “Specialty Kava”:

1. The “Bean”: Kava Cultivar (The Noble vs. Tudei Distinction)
2. The “Terroir”: Kava Origin (Vanuatu, Fiji, Hawaii, Tonga)
3. The “Processing”: Extraction Method (Traditional, Modern, and High-Tech)
4. The “Cupping Score”: The Certificate of Analysis (COA)

The Four Pillars of High-Quality Kava

Pillar 1: The “Bean” – Why You Must Choose Noble Kava

The Great Divide: Noble vs. Tudei (Ignoble) Kava

This is the single most important distinction in the world of kava, akin to the difference between high-quality Arabica and cheap, bitter Robusta coffee beans. The kava plant, Piper methysticum, has hundreds of cultivars, but they fall into two main categories: “Noble” and “non-noble”.¹²

Noble kava refers to a group of cultivars that have been cultivated for centuries in the Pacific Islands for daily social consumption. They are prized for producing desirable, pleasant effects without significant negative side effects.¹³

Non-noble kava, most commonly “Tudei” (a name derived from the two-day hangover it can cause), refers to varieties traditionally used only sparingly for medicinal or deep ceremonial purposes, if at all. Their effects are often considered too strong and unpleasant for regular use.¹³

The science behind this distinction lies in the specific blend of kavalactones. Tudei kavas contain high concentrations of the kavalactones dihydromethysticin (DHM) and dihydrokavain (DHK), which are strongly associated with the nausea, lethargy, and prolonged “kava hangover” that I and many others have unfortunately experienced.¹³ This realization was my first major breakthrough; my negative experiences weren’t a failing of kava, but a result of consuming the wrong

type of kava.

The Liver Toxicity Myth and the Flavokavain B Connection

For years, kava’s reputation was tarnished by reports of liver toxicity, which led to bans in several European countries in the early 2000s.¹⁶ However, deeper investigation revealed a more complex story. The problem wasn’t traditional kava; it was low-quality, industrial kava products.

The chain of events is clear. The initial cases of liver damage were almost exclusively linked to supplements made with harsh organic solvents (like ethanol and acetone) instead of water. Critically, these manufacturers were often using poor-quality raw materials: the wrong parts of the plant (leaves and stems, which contain a toxic alkaloid called pipermethystine) and, most importantly, non-noble Tudei cultivars.¹⁴

Scientific analysis identified a group of compounds called flavokavains, specifically Flavokavain B (FKB), as a potential source of this toxicity. While Noble kava root contains negligible amounts of FKB, Tudei varieties can contain up to 20 times more.¹³ In-vitro studies have shown that FKB can be toxic to liver cells.¹³ Therefore, the liver scare was a direct consequence of the industrialization and adulteration of kava, not an indictment of the traditional preparation. Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that traditional, water-based preparations of Noble kava root pose an “acceptably low level of health risk”.¹² This knowledge is empowering; it allows us to dismiss outdated fears by understanding their precise, non-traditional origin.

The Economics of Adulteration

If Tudei kava is so problematic, why is it still on the market? The answer is simple economics. Noble kava cultivars take 4-5 years to mature, while Tudei varieties can often be harvested in just one year. Tudei plants are also hardier and produce higher yields.¹²

Once the kava root is dried and milled into a powder, Tudei is visually indistinguishable from Noble kava.¹³ This creates a powerful financial incentive for unscrupulous growers or vendors to cut their more expensive Noble kava with cheaper Tudei powder to increase their profit margins. This is why the consumer cannot simply trust a label that says “kava.” The government of Vanuatu, the ancestral home of kava, has gone so far as to ban the export of all non-noble varieties to protect the integrity and reputation of their national crop.¹³ This economic reality underscores the necessity of the fourth pillar: demanding verifiable proof of quality through a Certificate of Analysis.

Pillar 2: The “Terroir” – How Origin Shapes the Kava Experience

Just as the soil, climate, and altitude of a region define the taste of a coffee bean or a wine grape, the “terroir” of kava shapes its effects. The unique genetics, growing conditions, and, most fascinatingly, the local culture of each Pacific island have produced distinct kava profiles.¹⁹

The Single-Origin Kavas of the Pacific

• Vanuatu: Widely considered the birthplace of kava, Vanuatu boasts the greatest biodiversity, with over 80 documented Noble varieties.² Kava from Vanuatu is often described as potent, “heady,” and euphoric. This aligns with the local culture, where fresh, strong kava is prepared in
  nakamals (kava bars) for social relaxation.² Their chemotypes often begin with the kavalactone codes 4 (kavain) or 2 (dihydrokavain).²³
• Fiji: In Fiji, kava, known as yaqona, is the national drink and is central to formal ceremonies.¹⁹ With fewer varieties (around 9), Fijian kava is generally associated with “heavy,” muscle-relaxing, and sedating effects. This is suitable for the traditional practice of drinking a more diluted brew over many hours to foster social harmony.²⁰
• Hawaii: Known as ʻawa, Hawaiian kava has deep spiritual and cultural roots, with 13 traditional Noble varieties.²⁰ The recent introduction of non-native Tudei cultivars is a concern for purists.²⁰
• Tonga: Grown in rich volcanic soil, Tongan kava is reputed for being exceptionally smooth, uplifting, and clear-headed, making it a popular choice for daytime use or for beginners.²⁰

The Culture-Chemotype Connection

The distinct effects of kava from different regions are not merely an accident of agriculture; they are the result of thousands of years of human co-evolution. The cultural context in which kava is consumed has directly shaped the chemical profile of the plants that were selected and propagated.

In Vanuatu, the informal social setting of the nakamal favored cultivars that produced a quick-onset, mentally uplifting, and euphoric experience—a “heady” kava. In Fiji, the tradition of long, formal ceremonies favored cultivars that induced a sustained state of calm, muscle relaxation, and social ease without being overly intoxicating—a “heavy” kava. This demonstrates that the terroir of kava is as much cultural as it is environmental. The plants have been bred over millennia to meet the specific psychoactive needs of the societies that cultivated them.

Kava Origin Profile Comparison
Origin	Nickname	Typical Effects	Cultural Context	Known For
Vanuatu	The Ancestral Home	Heady, euphoric, potent, fast-acting	Informal social drinking in nakamals	The highest diversity of cultivars; strong, uplifting kavas
Fiji	The Ceremonial Drink	Heavy, relaxing, sedating, body-focused	Formal, lengthy social ceremonies	Being the national drink; sustained relaxation
Hawaii	The Spiritual Root	Balanced, varies by cultivar	Deep cultural and spiritual significance	13 traditional Noble varieties (‘Awa)
Tonga	The Daytime Brew	Uplifting, smooth, clear-headed	Social and daily use	Easy-drinking kavas from volcanic soil

Pillar 3: The “Processing” – From Fresh Root to Final Product

How kava root is transformed into a consumable product dramatically impacts its effects and safety, much like how washed, natural, or honey-processing methods alter a coffee bean’s final flavor.

The Gold Standard: Traditional Water Extraction

The 3,000-year-old method is still the best. It involves kneading medium-grind kava root powder in a strainer bag with warm (not hot, as boiling can damage kavalactones) water.⁸ This creates a suspension of kava particles, not a true solution. This method is proven safe and effective, delivering a full spectrum of kavalactones and other complementary compounds in their natural ratios.¹⁷ This holistic approach preserves what some researchers call an “entourage effect,” where the sum of the plant’s compounds creates a more balanced and complete experience than any single compound in isolation.²⁸

Modern Convenience: Micronized, Instant, and Concentrates

• Micronized Kava: This is not an extract, but rather kava root ground into an ultra-fine powder that can be stirred directly into a liquid.³⁰ While convenient, it means you are consuming all the coarse root fiber, which can cause gastrointestinal upset or nausea in some individuals.³¹
• Instant Kava: This is a true, high-quality extract. It’s made by preparing kava the traditional way and then dehydrating the resulting liquid, leaving a water-soluble powder.²⁷ It offers the best combination of convenience and quality but is typically the most expensive option.
• Concentrates & Tinctures: These are liquid extracts, often made with solvents like alcohol.³² The quality and potency can vary wildly between brands, making them a less predictable choice without rigorous third-party testing.

High-Tech Extraction: Ethanol vs. Supercritical CO2

• Ethanol Extraction: Common in the dietary supplement industry, ethanol is an effective solvent for pulling kavalactones from the root.³⁴ However, this method was at the center of the liver toxicity controversy because it can extract a different profile of compounds than water, potentially including higher levels of FKB, especially when using low-quality Tudei root.¹⁷
• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: This is a modern, clean, and highly efficient method using pressurized carbon dioxide. It produces an extremely pure and potent honey-like paste, often containing over 70% kavalactones, with no residual solvent.³⁵ While CO2 extraction represents the pinnacle of purity, it may also selectively extract certain kavalactones, potentially altering the natural balance and entourage effect found in a traditional brew. It is a move toward a more pharmaceutical-style product, which can be beneficial for targeted effects but is distinct from the holistic experience of whole-root kava.

Kava Product Form Comparison
Method	Process	Pros	Cons	Best For
Traditional Grind	Kneading root powder in water	Full-spectrum, traditional effects, safest	Requires preparation time (5-10 min)	Authenticity, social use, full experience
Micronized	Ultra-fine ground root	Very convenient, no straining needed	Can cause GI upset, not an extract	Quick, on-the-go use for those not sensitive
Instant	Dehydrated traditional brew	Very convenient, smooth, high-quality	Most expensive form	Ultimate convenience without compromising quality
Ethanol Extract	Alcohol-based solvent extraction	Potent, common in capsules	Historical safety concerns, altered profile	Standardized capsules (with COA)
CO2 Extract	Pressurized CO2 solvent extraction	Extremely pure and potent, no solvent	May alter natural ratios, expensive	High-potency applications, product formulation

Pillar 4: The “Cupping Score” – How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Your Ultimate Tool for Verification

In the world of specialty coffee, a “cupping score” is a formal grade given by a certified taster.⁹ In the world of kava, the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party lab is its direct equivalent and your single most powerful tool for ensuring quality, safety, and transparency. Any reputable vendor will provide up-to-date, batch-specific COAs for their products. If a vendor cannot provide one, do not buy from them.³⁹

Decoding the Kavalactone Profile

A COA provides two crucial pieces of information about the kava’s effects:

1. Total Kavalactone Content (%): This number indicates the overall potency of the product. For good quality traditional root powder, this typically ranges from 5% to 15%.⁴² A higher number means a stronger kava, but potency isn’t everything. A balanced effect is often more desirable than raw strength.
2. The Chemotype Code: This is a six-digit code that reveals the character of the kava by listing the six major kavalactones in descending order of concentration.³⁹ This code allows you to predict the type of experience the kava will provide.

To predict the effects, look at the first two or three numbers of the code:

• A chemotype starting with 4 (Kavain) or 2 (Dihydrokavain) generally indicates a “heady” kava, known for being uplifting, euphoric, and well-suited for daytime or social use.⁴² Example:
  426…
• A chemotype starting with 5 (Dihydromethysticin) indicates a “heavy” kava, known for being sedating, muscle-relaxing, and best for evening relaxation or sleep support.⁴² Example:
  524…
• A chemotype starting with 25… is a major red flag and is characteristic of non-noble Tudei kava, which should be avoided.¹³

The Six Key Players and the Entourage Effect

The overall experience of kava is more than the effect of its most dominant kavalactone. It is a synergistic “entourage effect,” where the unique combination of the six major kavalactones, along with dozens of other minor compounds, work together to produce a more nuanced and complete effect than any single isolated compound could.³ This concept, borrowed from cannabis research ²⁹, explains why the

ratio of kavalactones—the chemotype—is arguably more important than the total potency percentage. It is the symphony, not just the lead instrument, that creates the music.

The Six Major Kavalactones & Their Effects
Kavalactone	Code #	Primary Associated Effects	Notes
Kavain	4	Euphoria, mental uplift, sociability	The primary “heady” kavalactone. Fast-acting.
Dihydrokavain (DHK)	2	Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), relaxing	A key component of balanced and heady kavas.
Dihydromethysticin (DHM)	5	Sedation, muscle relaxation, hypnotic	The primary “heavy” kavalactone. High amounts can cause nausea.
Methysticin	6	Calming, neuroprotective, analgesic	Contributes to clear-headed relaxation.
Yangonin	3	Mild euphoria, potential CB1 receptor interaction	Contributes to mood elevation and mental clarity.
Desmethoxyyangonin (DMY)	1	Mild euphoria, stimulation, dopamine reuptake inhibition	Often associated with alertness and mood boost.

The Safety Checklist on a COA

Beyond the effects, a COA is your primary safety check. Look for these sections:

• Noble Verification: The chemotype should not start with 25. Some labs will explicitly test for and confirm “Noble” status.
• Microbiological Analysis: This ensures the product is free from harmful contaminants. Check that results for E. coli, Salmonella, yeast, and mold are within safe limits or “Negative”.⁴⁰
• Heavy Metals Analysis: Kava is a root and can absorb metals from the soil. The COA should show that levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are below established safety thresholds.⁴⁰

Application: Curating Your Kava Experience

Armed with this four-pillar framework, you can now move from guessing to making targeted, intelligent choices based on your desired outcome. Instead of recommending specific brands, which can change their sourcing, I recommend looking for a specific profile.

• For Daytime Focus & Creativity: Seek out a Noble kava from Vanuatu or Tonga, sold as traditional grind or instant powder. On the COA, look for a “heady” chemotype that starts with 42… or 46… and a moderate total kavalactone content of around 8-11%.
• For an Alcohol Alternative / Social Lubricant: Look for a balanced Noble kava, perhaps from Fiji or a balanced Vanuatu cultivar. A chemotype like 423… or 246… is ideal. Traditional grind is perfect for sharing in a group setting, while a quality instant kava offers excellent convenience.
• For Evening Relaxation & Sleep Support: Choose a “heavy” Noble kava, most likely from Fiji. The COA should show a chemotype starting with 5… or 25… (e.g., 254…), but be absolutely sure the report verifies it is a Noble variety to avoid the negative effects of Tudei. For targeted sleep use, a CO2 extract capsule with a verified heavy chemotype can also be very effective.

Conclusion: From Confused Consumer to Empowered Connoisseur

My journey with kava began in frustration, a victim of a chaotic and confusing market. The path to clarity wasn’t about finding a single “magic” product, but about discovering a new way of seeing. The “Specialty Kava” framework—understanding the Bean (cultivar), the Terroir (origin), the Processing (form), and the Cupping Score (COA)—was the map I needed to navigate the terrain.

My initial failure was not a failure of kava itself, but a failure of knowledge. The 3,000-year-old promise of this remarkable plant is not broken; it is simply obscured by modern industrial practices that prioritize profit over quality. By applying this framework, you can bypass the low-grade products and connect directly with the authentic, beneficial, and safe experience that Pacific Islanders have cherished for millennia. The ultimate goal is not just to find the best kava extract, but to gain the wisdom to find the best kava extract for you—for your specific needs, every single time. Your journey with kava is a personal one, and you now have the tools to make it a clear and rewarding one.

Works cited

1. Bulk Kava Kava Root Powder | Monterey Bay Herb Co, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.herbco.com/p-924-kava-kava-root-powder.aspx
2. The Kava House Vanuatu: Our Kava, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.thekavahousevanuatu.com/
3. What are Kavalactones and Their Applications? – BOC Sciences, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.bocsci.com/resources/what-are-kavalactones-and-their-applications.html
4. Piper methysticum (kava kava) – PubMed, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9855570/
5. Kava’s therapeutic uses | EBSCO Research Starters, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/kavas-therapeutic-uses
6. struggling a bit and think it’s down to the kava : r/stopdrinking – Reddit, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/comments/18msuc0/struggling_a_bit_and_think_its_down_to_the_kava/
7. Anyone here into drinking kava? : r/AnnArbor – Reddit, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AnnArbor/comments/15ehyij/anyone_here_into_drinking_kava/
8. How To Make Kava – Bula Kava House, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.bulakavahouse.com/blogs/bula-kava-house-news/how-to-make-kava
9. The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Grading, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://carolinacoffeeworks.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-guide-to-coffee-grading
10. What is Coffee Grading and Cupping?, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://roastedroostercoffeecompany.com/what-is-coffee-cupping/
11. Coffee Grades—What They Mean and Why They Matter – Bestia Brisk, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://bestiabrisk.com/blogs/weekly-blog/coffee-grades-what-they-mean-and-why-they-matter
12. Kava – Wikipedia, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava
13. Noble Kava vs Tudei Kava | Which is the Best Kava Variety?, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kalmwithkava.com/noble-kava-vs-tudei-kava/
14. Kava’s Purity and Quality, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kavasociety.nz/pages/purity-and-quality
15. How to choose the right kava? – The Kava Society, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kavasociety.nz/blogs/default-blog/how-to-choose-the-right-kava
16. KAVA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-872/kava
17. How Safe is Kava? Risks and Realities – News-Medical.net, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-Safe-is-Kava-Risks-and-Realities.aspx
18. Detection of flavokavins (A, B, C) in cultivars of kava (Piper methysticum) using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) | Request PDF – ResearchGate, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259724079_Detection_of_flavokavins_A_B_C_in_cultivars_of_kava_Piper_methysticum_using_high_performance_thin_layer_chromatography_HPTLC
19. Kava History on the Islands, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.tucsonkavabar.com/post/kava-history-on-the-islands
20. Pacific Island Kava: Difference Between Islands & Their Kava, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kalmwithkava.com/pacific-island-kava-differences-between-kavas/
21. Kava: A review of the New Zealand market – Pacific Trade Invest, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://pacifictradeinvest.com/media/5f0fiqkz/pti-new-zealand-kava-reveiw.pdf
22. Exploring the Different Strains of Kava – Kava Depot, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kavadepot.com/exploring-the-different-strains-of-kava/
23. Premium Single Cultivar Kava Selections – Root & Pestle, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://rootandpestlekava.com.au/our-single-cultivar-range/
24. Fiji Kava vs Vanuatu Kava – Which is the Best #1 Kava? – Australia Kava Shop, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.australiakavashop.com.au/fiji-kava-vs-vanuatu-kava/
25. What is Kava? and Where To Try It? – Big Island Guide, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://bigislandguide.com/what-is-kava-where-to-try-it
26. How to Make Kava – Your Preparation Guide, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kalmwithkava.com/easy-kava-preparation/
27. How to Prepare and Make Kava | Root & Pestle, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://rootandpestlekava.com.au/kava-preparation/
28. Kava Effects, Benefits & Risks: What Research Reveals – Kavahana, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kavahana.com/articles/about-kava/perspectives-on-the-toxicology-of-kava
29. What is the entourage effect and is it beneficial? – Medical News Today, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/entourage-effect
30. A Guide to Types of Kava Preparation, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kalmwithkava.com/a-guide-to-types-of-kava-preparation/
31. Types and Forms of Kava | Traditional Kava, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kavasociety.nz/pages/types-and-forms-of-kava
32. Concentrated Kava Root Extract – Extra Strength Kava Tincture – Gaia Herbs, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.gaiaherbs.com/products/kava-50
33. Kava Liquid Herbal Extract – Herb Pharm, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.herb-pharm.com/products/kava
34. Kavalactone content and chemotype of kava beverages prepared from roots and rhizomes of Isa and Mahakea varieties and extraction efficiency of kavalactones using different solvents – PMC, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4325077/
35. US6541044B1 – Kava-kava root composition and associated …, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://patents.google.com/patent/US6541044B1/en
36. Piper+methysticum+extraction+commercial+KAVA+EXTRACT.docx – Squarespace, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64a844ee6e7f244358d775ff/t/651220d106a21f126bf2c0b2/1717013365705/Piper+methysticum+extraction+commercial+KAVA+EXTRACT.docx
37. Buy Kava | Kava Extract | Kava Powder | Kava Root – Root of Happiness, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://rootofhappinesskava.com/
38. Specialty coffee – Wikipedia, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specialty_coffee
39. Certificate of Analysis – Root & Pestle, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://rootandpestlekava.com.au/certificate-of-analysi/
40. A Deep Dive into the Kava Depot Quality Testing Process, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kavadepot.com/a-deep-dive-into-the-kava-depot-quality-testing-process/
41. Certificates of Analysis – The Kava Society, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kavasociety.nz/pages/certificates-of-analysis
42. Kava Plant and Drink: Key Facts, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kavasociety.nz/pages/basic-information
43. The Kavalactone Content and Profile of Fiji Kava Sold on the Local Market – MDPI, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5710/10/1/4
44. Chemistry of Kava – Melo Melo Kava Bar, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://melomelokavabar.com/2022/01/chemistry-of-kava/
45. The Entourage Effect in Cannabis Medicinal Products: A Comprehensive Review – MDPI, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/11/1543
46. Kava Testing – Murray Brown Labs, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://mb-labs.com/kava-testing/
47. Kalm Standards: Our Kava Standard & Quality Process, accessed on August 8, 2025, https://kalmwithkava.com/kalm-standards-our-kava-standard-quality-process/