Exploring the Impact of Two-week Kava on the Metabolism of Nicotine and NNK

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of head and neck cancer in the United States. Smoking cessation remains a challenge for many head/neck cancer survivors, indicating a need for development of more effective smoking cessation interventions. Kava's properties as a proven anxiolytic and carcinogen detoxifier warrant an investigation of its efficacy as an innovative smoking cessation aid. Kava may also influence carcinogen (NNK specifically) metabolism to help reduce carcinogenesis risk.