LC-UV and LC-MS analysis of food and drink products containing kava

A method for the determination of six kava lactones, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, kawain, dihydrokawain, yangonin and desmethoxyyangonin, in solid foods and beverages has been developed. Solid samples were prepared using methanol extraction, while beverages were extracted using a separate solid phase extraction (SPE) method. After sample preparation, the extracts were analysed using LC-UV or atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) LC-MS in the positive mode. Using the method, 10 beverage products, two chocolate products, three unbrewed tea products, three dietary supplements and a drink mix product were analysed. The results obtained using the LC-UV were comparable to those obtained using APPI-LC-MS for most products. Using the SPE method in conjunction with LC-MS, individual kava lactones were detected in drink products at ppb concentrations. Concentrations of total kava lactones ranged between 135-0.035 mg per serving in the food and beverage products tested and between 40-61 mg per serving for the dietary supplement products tested. Results of these analyses as well as extraction efficiency and reproducibility data are reported.