Ethnopharmacology of Kratom: A Historical Review of the Mitragyna Alkaloids

Why it matters

This 1988 letter is one of the foundational English-language reviews of kratom's pharmacological history — tracing scientific knowledge of Mitragyna speciosa from 1836 to the modern era, providing essential context for contemporary researchers.

The big picture

Understanding kratom's deep scientific and ethnobotanical roots helps contextualize modern debates. Western science has known about kratom's analgesic, stimulant, and withdrawal-management properties for over 150 years — yet regulation still lags far behind the science.

Key findings

• • Kratom use as an opium substitute was documented as early as 1836; first alkaloids isolated in 1921 at University of Edinburgh
• • Early Cambridge University studies found mitragynine to be a CNS stimulant comparable to cocaine, used to increase work efficiency
• • 1972 research found mitragynine comparable to codeine as analgesic and cough suppressant, without emesis or respiratory depression
• • Two active metabolites were produced in 1974, one showing analgesic activity 10x stronger than mitragynine
• • Traditional use included wound poultice, fever treatment, and opioid withdrawal management

Bottom line

Letter to the Editors by Karl L.R. Jansen and Colin J. Prast, University of Auckland Medical School; published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1988).