Kratom or its main alkaloid, mitragynine is derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa Korth which is indigenous to Southeast Asian countries. This substance has become widely available in other countries like Europe and United States due to its opium- and coca-like effects. In this article, we have reviewed available reports on mitragynine and other M. speciosa extracts. M. speciosa has been proven to have a rewarding effect and is effective in alleviating the morphine and ethanol withdrawal effects. However, studies in human revealed that prolonged consumption of this plant led to dependence and tolerance while cessation caused a series of aversive withdrawal symptoms. Findings also showed that M. speciosa extracts possess antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and muscle relaxant properties. Available evidence further supports the adverse effects of M. speciosa preparations, mitragynine on cognition. Pharmacological activities are mainly mediated via opioid receptors as well as neuronal Ca channels, expression of cAMP and CREB protein and via descending monoaminergic system. Physicochemical properties of mitragynine have been documented which may further explain the variation in pharmacological responses. In summary, current researchs on its main indole alkaloid, mitragynine suggest both therapeutic and addictive potential but further research on its molecular effects is needed.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.015 | DOI Listing |
Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol
February 2025
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are health-hazardous through unpredictable toxicity and effects and largely unknown epidemiology, motivating studies of the latter. Up to 138 NPS were retrospectively identified using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry data from all 34 183 oral fluid drug samples collected in one Swedish health care region 2019-2020 representing 9468 psychiatric and addiction care patients. In total, 618 findings representing 58 NPS were detected in 481 samples from 201 patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Taibah Univ Med Sci
December 2024
Drug Discovery and Synthetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
(Roxb.) Korth, locally known as kratom, is a traditional medicinal plant from Southeast Asia, with mitragynine as its principal alkaloid. Similar to other medicinal plants, kratom has side effects and toxicities, which have been documented in scientific studies and case reports.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPsychopharmacology (Berl)
December 2024
Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
Rationale: Despite the growing scientific interest on mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa), there is a lack of clinical trials in humans.
Objectives: This phase 1 study aimed to evaluate mitragynine's safety profile and acute effects on subjective drug experience, neurocognition, and pain tolerance.
Methods: A placebo-controlled, single-blind, within-subjects study was conducted in two parts.
Anal Bioanal Chem
February 2025
iC42 Clinical Research and Development, Department of Anesthesiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 12705 E Montview Blvd, Suite 200, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
Recently in the USA, kratom consumers increasingly report use of the plant for self-treatment of mood ailments, the lack of energy, chronic pain, and opioid withdrawal and dependence. Several alkaloids are present in kratom leaves, but limited data are available on their pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, except for mitragynine. To support clinical studies, a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for the simultaneous quantification of 11 kratom alkaloids in human plasma was developed and validated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBehav Brain Res
March 2025
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen, Germany; Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany. Electronic address:
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