Yangonin is a natural kavalactone found in the kava plant. Yangonin has been shown to possess binding affinity for the cannabinoid receptor CB1, where it behaves as an agonist. Yangonin also inhibits anchorage-dependent and independent growth of bladder cancer cell lines through induction of autophagic cell death. Yangonin displays marked in vitro toxicity on human hepatocytes with approximately 40% reduction in viability based on an ethidium bromide assay and FDA advises against the use of kava in food due to the potential risk of severe liver damage.