Chemical standardization of kava (Piper methysticum) extract using UHPLC-MS/MS and the method of standard addition

Measuring what is in a botanical extract is an essential step in studying its safety.

A new publication from researchers working with HESI Global’s Botanical Safety Consortium examines how to measure key compounds in kava extract. The team at Oregon State University found that other components of the extract could suppress or enhance measurement signals, affecting the accuracy of some results.

Their method accounts for these effects, providing a stronger basis for consistent kava samples and future safety research.

Read the paper: Muchiri et al., 2026. Chemical standardization of kava (Piper methysticum) extract using UHPLC-MS/MS and the method of standard addition. Pharmaceutical Biology. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2026.2727761

Learn more about the Botanical Safety Consortium