Supporting data for "3D imaging and metabolomic profiling reveal higher neuroactive kavalactone contents in lateral roots and crown root peels of Piper methysticum (Kava)"

Kava is an important neuro-active medicinal plant. While kava has a large global consumer footprint for its clinical and recreational utilization, factors related to its use lack standardization and the tissue-specific metabolite profile of its neuroactive constituents is not well understood. Here we characterized the metabolomic profile and spatio-temporal characteristics of tissues from the roots and stems using cross-platform metabolomics and 3D imaging approach. GC-MS and LC-MS revealed the highest content of kavalactones in crown root peels and lateral roots. IR-MALDESI imaging revealed a unique tissue-specific presence of each target kavalactone. CT analysis demonstrated that lateral roots have morphological characteristics suitable for synthesis of the highest content of kavalactones. These results provide mechanistic insights into the social and clinical practice of the use of only peeled roots by linking specific tissue characteristics to concentrations of neuroactive compounds.