Article
Plant Sciences
Oliver Grundmann, Katherine Hill, Everest Al Barzanji, Nilofar Ghulam Hazrat, Gurnoor Kaur, Ryan Einstein Negeve, Soren Shade, Sam Weber, Charles A. Veltri
Summary: This study analyzed a specific kratom tea bag product to determine its mitragynine content using tea infusion preparation and methanolic extraction. An online anonymous survey was also conducted to gather information on demographics, kratom use patterns, and self-reported effects from consumers of both the tea bag product and other kratom products. The results showed that the mitragynine levels were lower in tea infusion extracts compared to methanolic extracts, but kratom tea bag consumers reported similar beneficial effects to consumers of other kratom products, although often milder. Overall, tea bag consumers reported better self-reported health, but less improvement in diagnosed medical conditions compared to those using other kratom products.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah, Darshan Singh
Summary: Regular kratom use without concurrent use of other illicit substances may not lead to cardiovascular impairment or toxicity, except for prolonged QTc interval, which seems to be dose-dependent. The serum mitragynine level may be influenced by the quantity of brewed kratom juice consumed and QTc interval. Echocardiographic findings were mostly normal, with isolated cases showing left ventricular hypertrophy or trivial tricuspid regurgitation.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nisa Leksungnoen, Tushar Andriyas, Chatchai Ngernsaengsaruay, Suwimon Uthairatsamee, Phruet Racharak, Weerasin Sonjaroon, Roger Kjelgren, Brian J. Pearson, Christopher R. McCurdy, Abhisheak Sharma
Summary: This study analyzed the content of mitragynine in kratom leaves in various regions of Thailand and identified significant environmental variables that influence the alkaloid content. The research aims to provide information on environmental conditions suitable for maximizing the quality and quantity of bioactive alkaloids in kratom, laying the foundation for future studies on leaf collection and post-harvest processes.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Francisco Leon, Samuel Obeng, Marco Mottinelli, Yiming Chen, Tamara King, Erin C. Berthold, Shyam H. Kamble, Luis F. Restrepo, Avi Patel, Lea R. Gamez-Jimenez, Carolina Lopera-Londono, Takato Hiranita, Abhisheak Sharma, Aidan J. Hampson, Clinton E. Canal, Lance R. McMahon, Christopher R. McCurdy
Summary: Research showed that kratom alkaloids have effects on serotonin receptors in vitro and in vivo, with paynantheine and speciogynine exhibiting high affinity for 5-HT(1A)Rs and 5-HT(2B)Rs. These alkaloids can produce antinociceptive properties through a mechanism independent of opioid receptors.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Zurina Hassan, Darshan Singh, Farah Wahida Suhaimi, Nelson Jeng-Yeou Chear, Norsyifa Harun, Cheah Pike See, Gurjeet Kaur, Noorul Hamizah Mat, Siti Najmi Syuhadaa Bakar, Nur Sabrina Mohd Yusof, Vicknasingam Balasingam Kasinather, Marek C. Chawarski, Vikneswaran Murugaiyah, Surash Ramanathan
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and toxicity profile of orally administered kratom decoction in rats. The results showed that repeated administration of kratom decoction caused some toxicity in the kidney and liver, but no mortality occurred.
REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rakshit S. Tanna, James T. Nguyen, Deena L. Hadi, Preston K. Manwill, Laura Flores-Bocanegra, Matthew E. Layton, John R. White, Nadja B. Cech, Nicholas H. Oberlies, Allan E. Rettie, Kenneth E. Thummel, Mary F. Paine
Summary: This study assessed the pharmacokinetics of a low dose of kratom in healthy participants and found significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of different alkaloids. These differences may be attributed to variations in metabolism and distribution based on the alkaloids' specific configurations. The study provides a foundation for further research on the safety and effectiveness of kratom products.
Article
Substance Abuse
Jonathan Schimmel, Elise Amioka, Karilynn Rockhill, Colleen M. Haynes, Joshua C. Black, Richard C. Dart, Janetta L. Iwanicki
Summary: The estimated prevalence of past-year kratom use in the adult US population was 0.8%, with kratom users tending to have more serious substance abuse profiles compared to non-users or users of cannabis, alcohol, or cigarettes. This is the first description of kratom use at the national level.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yong Sean Goh, Thiruventhan Karunakaran, Vikneswaran Murugaiyah, Rameshkumar Santhanam, Mohamad Hafizi Abu Bakar, Surash Ramanathan
Summary: The study utilized the green accelerated solvent extraction technique to produce a better, non-toxic, and antinociceptive active botanical extract of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom). The extract had a short extraction time and required a reduced amount of solvents. It contained a substantial amount of total phenolic and flavonoids, and was found to be non-cytotoxic to HEK-293 and HeLa Chang liver cells. In mice, the extract showed a better antinociceptive effect compared to other extracts, supporting its potential as a safe and cost-effective choice for further preclinical studies.
Review
Substance Abuse
Elisabeth Prevete, Kim Paula Colette Kuypers, Eef Lien Theunissen, Gianluca Esposito, Johannes Gerardus Ramaekers, Massimo Pasquini, Ornella Corazza
Summary: The purpose of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of the therapeutic value of kratom based on preclinical and clinical scientific literature. Recent findings suggest that kratom is commonly used by individuals to self-treat pain, psychiatric symptoms, and substance use disorders outside of controlled clinical settings. Preclinical evidence supports kratom's effectiveness as an analgesic and its potential to decrease the self-administration of other drugs. However, there have been reported cases of kratom-related intoxications due to adulteration and contamination of kratom products.
CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Darshan Singh, Suresh Narayanan, Balasingam Vicknasingam, Walter C. Prozialeck, Kirsten Elin Smith, Ornella Corazza, Jack E. Henningfield, Oliver Grundmann
Summary: This study investigated the use of kratom among adults with a history of using heroin and methamphetamine in Malaysia. The results showed that kratom was used to alleviate heroin withdrawal symptoms and reduce methamphetamine intake. Some individuals also used kratom as a substitute for heroin and methamphetamine. Previous attendees of government rehabilitation programs were less likely to use kratom as a heroin substitute.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aroon La-up, Paleeratana Wongrith, Wiraphon Chaichan, Apinun Aramrattana, Udomsak Saengow
Summary: This study found an association between kratom use and MetS, suggesting a potential protective effect of kratom against MetS.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Elisabeth Prevete, Valeria Catalani, Darshan Singh, Kim P. C. Kuypers, Eef L. Theunissen, Honor D. Townshend, Hani Banayoti, Johannes G. Ramaekers, Massimo Pasquini, Ornella Corazza
Summary: In recent years, the uncontrolled diffusion of adulterated kratom-related products sold online has raised health concerns regarding their safety. This exploratory study provides an overview of the availability of kratom products on the darknet and highlights the need for further research and interventions to protect the well-being and health of kratom consumers. The study discovered a previously unknown diffusion of kratom products on the darknet, mainly for self-treating various medical conditions.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
David Peran, Michael Stern, Petr Cernohorsky, Roman Sykora, Stanislav Popela, Frantisek Duska
Summary: This case series discusses the signs, symptoms, and management of kratom overdose in the prehospital setting and intensive care. A retrospective analysis of 10 cases in the Czech Republic revealed neurological symptoms and vegetative instability. Naloxone was effective in preventing intubation in some cases. All patients survived and recovered within two days.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah, Darshan Singh
Summary: Despite the potential therapeutic value of kratom, studies have found that its most abundant alkaloid, mitragynine, could cause a prolonged QTc interval and an increased risk of torsades de pointes. Regular consumption of kratom may also induce an increased QTc interval in a dose-dependent manner. While kratom use has been associated with ventricular arrhythmia and cardiopulmonary arrest, these events may be due to co-administration with other substances. National poison data analysis indicated that common acute cardiovascular effects of kratom include tachycardia and hypertension. Coroner and autopsy reports highlighted cardiovascular sequelae such as coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac arrhythmia.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Substance Abuse
Gregory Domnic, Suresh Narayanan, Nethia Mohana-Kumaran, Darshan Singh
Summary: Kratom is a medicinal plant widely used in Southeast Asia for treating chronic pain and opioid dependence. In traditional settings, laborers use Kratom to enhance work performance, while those with OUD use it as an affordable substitute for opioids.
JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE
(2022)