This study explored the chemical composition of kratom leaves from Malaysia and investigated the effects of certain alkaloids found in kratom on opioid receptors. The researchers isolated and identified 10 different alkaloids from fresh kratom leaves, including some novel compounds. They found that the alkaloid content can vary significantly between different kratom samples, suggesting the existence of different chemotypes of the plant.
The researchers also tested the binding affinity of several kratom alkaloids to opioid receptors. They discovered that the oxindole alkaloid corynoxine had high affinity for the mu-opioid receptor, comparable to the effects of morphine in a rat pain test. This suggests that the minor alkaloids in kratom may contribute to its overall effect despite their low abundance.
This study was conducted in a lab setting, using chemical analysis techniques and in vitro receptor binding assays. It did not involve any human or animal testing beyond the rat pain test for corynoxine.
Key takeaways:
- Kratom leaves can have significantly different alkaloid profiles depending on the source an growing conditions.
- The oxindole alkaloid corynoxine has high affinity for the mu-opioid receptor and produce antinociceptive effects in rats.
- Minor alkaloids in kratom may contribute to the overall effects of the plant, despite their low abundance.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex chemistry and pharmacology of kratom.
For further reading:
Link:https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01055
Full Citation:
Chear, N. J. Y., Len, F., Sharma, A., Kanumuri, S. R. R., Zwolinski, G., Abboud, K. A., Singh, D., Restrepo, L. F., Patel, A., Hiranita, T., Ramanathan, S., Hampson, A. J., McMahon, L. R., &
McCurdy, C. R. (2021). Exploring the Chemistry of Alkaloids from Malaysian Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) and the Role of Oxindoles on Human Opioid Receptors. Journal of Natural Products, 84(4), 1034-1043
