Research

In our current study, we aim to determine the effects of AB-free kava (referred to as kava, kava without flavokavains A and B, ingredients harmful to the liver) on nicotine sensitization in mice. These studies will provide further insights into the potential therapeutic role of kava in tobacco use disorder. In the first experiment under this aim, we will investigate whether kava prevents locomotor sensitization in male and female C57BL/6 mice. The mice will be given kava in their food a week before nicotine sensitization begins and will continue to receive the kava throughout the sensitization. There will be eight groups of mice, 4 groups of females and 4 groups of males. One group in each sex will receive kava in their diet with the nicotine injections, one group will receive kava in their diet with saline injections, one group will receive no kava in their diet with nicotine injections, and the last will receive no kava in their diet with saline injections. At the end of the study, the mice will be given a rewarding dose of nicotine before being euthanized. The brains will be removed and perfused with formaldehyde, and then stained with c-Fos to determine if kava prevents activation of brain rewards systems. Our hypothesis is that AB-free kava prevents nicotine induced sensitization of locomotor activity and brain activation.