Page 30 - IB APR 2017

Science

Kava - is it the answer to cancer?

By Ilaitia Turagabeci so until we get this stupidity sorted then
we are getting no benefit.”
NEW research that found traditionally- The 2-day variety, which is to be banned
prepared kava could be the answer in the soon in Fiji, was singled out in another
fight against cancer has been welcomed research by Dr Xiaolin Zi and Anne
by kava producers in the Pacific. Simoneau of the Department of Urology
Fiji’s kava species were singled out in and Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer
this study by scientists at the New York Center, University of California, as key in
Botanical Garden and the City University Ancient remedy ... traditionally-prepared kava. the fight against bladder cancer.
of New York last year, as “most effective”. Photo: File They found flavokawains stop bladder
They found that squeezing the kava rations of kava (Xuan et al., 2008) could tumor growth in cell cultures in animal
extract through sea hibiscus bark inhib- contribute to activity; activity may relate studies and believe they might stave off
ited the growth of breast and colon cancer. to the level of FKB. Lebot et al. (2014) bladder cancer in humans.
Prepared in a form used by people in report that the ratio of FKB (yangonin Colmar vowed to continue fighting the
the Pacific, rather than filtered, scientists plus desmethoxyyan- gonin) is higher ban against 2-day kava, saying it was safe
found kava was more active in inhibiting in 2-day (0.39) and Wichmanni (0.32) for consumption.
cancer cells. versus noble (0.09) and medicinal (0.10) Europe banned kava imports because of
One of the leading scientists in the cultivars. From the LC-MS results, the ratio its possible links to liver cancer, a theory
research team, Linda Saxe Einbond, for the Hawaii extract was 0.04, which is that was ruled out by a court in Germany.
told Islands Business the results were lower than these levels; whereas the ratio Some experts believe that it is 2-day
encouraging. for Fiji (1) uk was 0.09 and for Fiji (2) kava but Colmar said no one provided
“We have benefited from the expertise of uk, 0.12. The order of ratios corresponds scientific proof. Stakeholders in Fiji believe
author Dr Michael Balick who has studied to the order of activity,” she said. Colmar is fighting a losing battle and be-
the ethnobotanical uses of kava in the “Unfiltered and filtered kava from Fiji lieve that until tests are done on humans,
South Pacific islands. Dr Balick suggested (1) were more active on malignant than it will remain inconclusive.
that we study kava in the form that people nonmalignant intestinal epithelial cells.” Fiji Yaqona Taskforce secretary Vio
consume it. Leading Vanuatu kava producer and Veretawatini said 2-day kava’s unpleas-
“So we prepared kava the way it’s exporter Peter Colmar said the recent test ant effects that caused drinkers to become
prepared traditionally, as a water extract results showed the Vanuatu Government’s lethargic with a hangover that lasts two
high in particular content and we did it decision to ban 2-day (tudei) kava was days, hence its name, was enough proof
… squeezed or strained through hibiscus detrimental to the industry. to stop its consumption.
bark, in traditional preparation. “In normal circumstances these health Fiji kava producer Maikeli Vugakoto, of
“I find it interesting that what people benefits would be a great boost,” Colmar Kadavu, said the new findings was prom-
were actually drinking turned out to be said. “Especially as the health benefits ising for growers in the region.
more active,” (cancer cell killing qualities) are coming Dr Einhond said her team would con-
Dr Einhond said the research team from Flavokawain , but our (Vanuatu) tinue to study the chemopreventive and
worked for two years on the project and Government, as they have been badly anticancer activity of kava and was hope-
came to the conclusions after 12 months. advised by supposed experts, say it is ful of some definite answers soon.
“Minor components of aqueous prepa- tudei (2-day) kava and must be banned, r ilaitia.turagabeci@gmail.com
n From PAGE 29 Draunidalo does shortage in the next few months and
Of the $66m generated by the indus- not sell kasa Veretawatini encouraged farmers to
try, F$8-9 million is exported to more (stalk). He uses it plant more and strategise their harvests.
than 35 countries. to replant. Other With help from Taki Mai and the
small-scale farmers
According to an article in the New sell the stalks to government, Draunidalo has set up his
York Times, there are more than 100 maximise their own nursery.
kava bars across the US, an increase of revenue. Now “We now pay more attention to the
they’ve been
about a third of that in 2012, and their advised to replant birth of each plant. We value and love
patrons are abuzz and their numbers as Fiji experiences each like a baby.
growing. a kava shortage “Without a doubt, we will get better
Kava exports to the US earned Fiji hope that the rest of the Europe market returns in the days ahead.”
more than F$3.5m in 2015 but dropped would open again. High up at Lovoni, from worn-out
slightly after Winston. Fiji Yaqona Taskforce secretary Vio trenches where Fijian warriors once
Now the resurgence of its popularity Veretawatini said the door was ajar and rolled boulders to push back the West-
in the US has inspired the industry. industry stakeholders had to push it ern world, the lush green carpet of
Prior to the Europe ban more than wide open with a fresh approach. Draunidalo’s 10,000 kava plants rolls
a decade ago, Fiji enjoyed earnings of “It’s in our best interests that we treat down to meet the world.
about F$25million from kava exports. this opportunity with the right attitude, No more fear, the only buzz up here
After a German court overturned that right at the farm level all the way up. is a labour of love.
country’s ban in 2015, it gave rise to Fiji is estimated to face a kava r ilaitia.turagabeci@gmail.com

30 Islands Business, April 2017