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Yunusa S, Müller CP, Hassan Z. Mitragynine (Kratom)-Withdrawal behaviour and cognitive impairments can be ameliorated by an epigenetic mechanism. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2070-2084. [PMID: 38523471 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Kratom is a preparation from Mitragyna speciosa, which is used as a natural drug preparation for many purposes around the world. However, an overdose of Kratom may cause addiction-like problems including aversive withdrawal states resulting in cognitive impairments via unknown mechanisms. Its main psychoactive alkaloid is mitragynine, showing opioid-like properties. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Here, we analysed the neuropharmacological effects of mitragynine compared with morphine withdrawal in rats and searched for a pharmacological treatment option that may reverse the occurring cognitive deficits that usually aggravate withdrawal. KEY RESULTS We found that withdrawal from 14-day mitragynine (1-10 mg·kg-1·day-1) treatment caused dose-dependent behavioural withdrawal signs resembling those of morphine (5 mg·kg-1·day-1) withdrawal. However, mitragynine (5 and 10 mg·kg-1·day-1) withdrawal also induced impairments in a passive avoidance task. Mitragynine withdrawal not only reduced hippocampal field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) amplitudes in basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) but also reduced epigenetic markers, such as histone H3K9 and H4K12 expression. At the same time, it up-regulates HDAC2 expression. Targeting the epigenetic adaptations with the HDAC inhibitor, SAHA, reversed the effects of mitragynine withdrawal on epigenetic dysregulation, hippocampal input/output curves, paired-pulse facilitation, LTP and attenuated the cognitive deficit. However, SAHA amplified the effects of morphine withdrawal. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The data from this work show that changes in histone expression and downstream hippocampal plasticity may explain mitragynine, but not morphine, withdrawal behaviours and cognitive impairments. Thus, it may provide a new treatment approach for aversive Kratom/mitragynine withdrawal and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleiman Yunusa
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Bauchi State University Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - Christian P Müller
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Annuar NAK, Azlan UK, Mediani A, Tong X, Han R, Al-Olayan E, Baharum SN, Bunawan H, Sarian MN, Hamezah HS, Jantan I. An insight review on the neuropharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of mitragynine. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116134. [PMID: 38219389 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitragynine is one of the main psychoactive alkaloids in Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (kratom). It has opium-like effects by acting on μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors in the brain. The compound also interacts with other receptors, such as adrenergic and serotonergic receptors and neuronal Ca2+ channels in the central nervous system to have its neuropharmacological effects. Mitragynine has the potential to treat diseases related to neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as its modulation on the opioid receptors has been reported extensively. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date and critical overview on the neuropharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and safety of mitragynine as a prospective psychotropic agent. Its multiple neuropharmacological effects on the brain include antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative, stimulant, cognitive, and anxiolytic activities. The potential of mitragynine to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms related to opioid dependence, its pharmacokinetics and toxic effects were also discussed. The interaction of mitragynine with various receptors in the brain produce diverse neuropharmacological effects, which have beneficial properties in neurological disorders. However, further studies need to be carried out on mitragynine to uncover its complex mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic profiles, addictive potential, and safe dosage to prevent harmful side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Aisyah Khairul Annuar
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ummi Kalthum Azlan
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmed Mediani
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Xiaohui Tong
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Rongchun Han
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ebtesam Al-Olayan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syarul Nataqain Baharum
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hamidun Bunawan
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Murni Nazira Sarian
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hamizah Shahirah Hamezah
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ibrahim Jantan
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Beckerdite E, Wu AHB. Untargeted High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Detection of Natural Products and Confiscated Powders and Pills. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2737:185-193. [PMID: 38036822 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3541-4_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Drug testing for clinical toxicology purposes is difficult given the variety of drugs and substances that can be abused. High-resolution mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for the qualitative identification of compounds in the blood and urine of exposed individuals. The interpretation of results can be greatly improved if caregivers and/or laboratorians are able to communicate with patients, family members, friends, or law enforcement (where appropriate), in order to obtain and test the drugs, plants, herbals, or chemicals that were taken. Methods are needed for the extraction, purification, and untargeted mass spectral analysis of drugs from the donated or seized materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Beckerdite
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alan H B Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Yunusa S, Hassan Z, Müller CP. Mitragynine inhibits hippocampus neuroplasticity and its molecular mechanism. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1488-1501. [PMID: 37924443 PMCID: PMC10661785 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00541-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitragynine (MIT), the primary indole alkaloid of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), has been associated with addictive and cognitive decline potentials. In acute studies, MIT decreases spatial memory and inhibits hippocampal synaptic transmission in long-term potentiation (LTP). This study investigated the impacts of 14-day MIT treatment on hippocampus synaptic transmission and its possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS Under urethane anesthesia, field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSP) of the hippocampal CA1 region were recorded in the Sprague Dawley (SD) rats that received MIT (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg), morphine (MOR) 5 mg/kg, or vehicle (ip). The effects of the treatments on basal synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), and LTP were assessed in the CA1 region. Analysis of the brain's protein expression linked to neuroplasticity was then performed using a western blot. RESULTS The baseline synaptic transmission's amplitude was drastically decreased by MIT at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses, although the PPF ratio before TBS remained unchanged, the PPF ratio after TBS was significantly reduced by MIT (10 mg/kg). Strong and persistent inhibition of LTP was generated in the CA1 region by MIT (5 and 10 mg/kg) doses; this effect was not seen in MIT (1 mg/kg) treated rats. In contrast to MIT (1 mg/kg), MIT (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly raised the extracellular glutamate levels. After exposure to MIT, GluR-1 receptor expression remained unaltered. However, NMDAε2 receptor expression was markedly downregulated. The expression of pCaMKII, pERK, pCREB, BDNF, synaptophysin, PSD-95, Delta fosB, and CDK-5 was significantly downregulated in response to MIT (5 and 10 mg/kg) exposure, while MOR (5 mg/kg) significantly raised synaptophysin and Delta fosB expression. CONCLUSION Findings from this work reveal that a smaller dose of MIT (1 mg/kg) poses no risk to hippocampal synaptic transmission. Alteration in neuroplasticity-associated proteins may be a molecular mechanism for MIT (5 and 10 mg/kg)-induced LTP disruption and cognitive impairments. Data from this work posit that MIT acted differently from MOR on neuroplasticity and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleiman Yunusa
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Bauchi State University Gadau, PMB 65 Itas/Gadau, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Christian P Müller
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Psychiatric and Psychotherapeutic University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Farkas DJ, Inan S, Heydari LN, Johnson CT, Zhao P, Bradshaw HB, Ward SJ, Rawls SM. Cannabinoid mechanisms contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of the kratom alkaloid mitragynine against neuropathic, but not inflammatory pain. Life Sci 2023; 328:121878. [PMID: 37392779 PMCID: PMC10527577 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Mitragynine (MG) is an alkaloid found in Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), a plant used to self-treat symptoms of opioid withdrawal and pain. Kratom products are commonly used in combination with cannabis, with the self-treatment of pain being a primary motivator of use. Both cannabinoids and kratom alkaloids have been characterized to alleviate symptoms in preclinical models of neuropathic pain such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). However, the potential involvement of cannabinoid mechanisms in MG's efficacy in a rodent model of CIPN have yet to be explored. MAIN METHODS Prevention of oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and formalin-induced nociception were assessed following intraperitoneal administration of MG and CB1, CB2, or TRPV1 antagonists in wildtype and cannabinoid receptor knockout mice. The effects of oxaliplatin and MG exposure on the spinal cord endocannabinoid lipidome was assessed by HPLC-MS/MS. KEY FINDINGS The efficacy of MG on oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was partially attenuated upon genetic deletion of cannabinoid receptors, and completely blocked upon pharmacological inhibition of CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 channels. This cannabinoid involvement was found to be selective to a model of neuropathic pain, with minimal effects on MG-induced antinociception in a model of formalin-induced pain. Oxaliplatin was found to selectively disrupt the endocannabinoid lipidome in the spinal cord, which was prevented by repeated MG exposure. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that cannabinoid mechanisms contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of the kratom alkaloid MG in a model of CIPN, which may result in increased therapeutic efficacy when co-administered with cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Farkas
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Saadet Inan
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laila N Heydari
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Clare T Johnson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Pingwei Zhao
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Sara Jane Ward
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Ortiz YT, Bilbrey JA, Felix JS, Kienegger EA, Mottinelli M, Mukhopadhyay S, McCurdy CR, McMahon LR, Wilkerson JL. Cannabidiol and mitragynine exhibit differential interactive effects in the attenuation of paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia, acute antinociception, and schedule-controlled responding in mice. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:937-950. [PMID: 37243887 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00498-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For many chemotherapy patients peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating side effect. Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) contains the alkaloid mitragynine (MG), which produces analgesia in multiple preclinical pain models. In humans, anecdotal reports suggest cannabidiol (CBD) may enhance kratom-related analgesia. We examined the interactive activity of MG and CBD in a mouse chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) model. We also examined MG + CBD in acute antinociception and schedule-controlled responding assays, as well as examined underlying receptor mechanisms. METHODS Male and female C57BL/6J mice received a cycle of intraperitoneal (ip) paclitaxel injections (cumulative dose 32 mg/kg). The von Frey assay was utilized to assess CIPN allodynia. In paclitaxel-naïve mice, schedule-controlled responding for food was conducted under a fixed ratio (FR)-10, and hot plate antinociception was examined. RESULTS MG dose-relatedly attenuated CIPN allodynia (ED50 102.96 mg/kg, ip), reduced schedule-controlled responding (ED50 46.04 mg/kg, ip), and produced antinociception (ED50 68.83 mg/kg, ip). CBD attenuated allodynia (ED50 85.14 mg/kg, ip) but did not decrease schedule-controlled responding or produce antinociception. Isobolographic analysis revealed 1:1, 3:1 MG + CBD mixture ratios additively attenuated CIPN allodynia. All combinations decreased schedule-controlled responding and produced antinociception. WAY-100635 (serotonin 5-HT1A receptor antagonist) pretreatment (0.01 mg/kg, ip) antagonized CBD anti-allodynia. Naltrexone (pan opioid receptor antagonist) pretreatment (0.032 mg/kg, ip) antagonized MG anti-allodynia and acute antinociception but produced no change in MG-induced decreased schedule-controlled behavior. Yohimbine (α2 receptor antagonist) pretreatment (3.2 mg/kg, ip) antagonized MG anti-allodynia and produced no change in MG-induced acute antinociception or decreased schedule-controlled behavior. CONCLUSIONS Although more optimization is needed, these data suggest CBD combined with MG may be useful as a novel CIPN therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma T Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1406 S. Coulter., Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Joshua A Bilbrey
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jasmine S Felix
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Erik A Kienegger
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marco Mottinelli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sushobhan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christopher R McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lance R McMahon
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1406 S. Coulter., Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Jenny L Wilkerson
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1406 S. Coulter., Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA.
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Farkas DJ, Cooper ZD, Heydari LN, Hughes AC, Rawls SM, Ward SJ. Kratom Alkaloids, Cannabinoids, and Chronic Pain: Basis of Potential Utility and Role in Therapy. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023. [PMID: 37466474 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic neuropathic pain is as a severe detriment to overall quality of life for millions of Americans. Current pharmacological treatment options for chronic neuropathic pain are generally limited in efficacy and may pose serious adverse effects such as risk of abuse, nausea, dizziness, and cardiovascular events. Therefore, many individuals have resorted to methods of pharmacological self-treatment. This narrative review summarizes the existing literature on the utilization of two novel approaches for the treatment of chronic pain, cannabinoid constituents of Cannabis sativa and alkaloid constituents of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), and speculates on the potential therapeutic benefits of co-administration of these two classes of compounds. Methods: We conducted a narrative review summarizing the primary motivations for use of both kratom and cannabis products based on epidemiological data and summarize the pre-clinical evidence supporting the application of both kratom alkaloids and cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain. Data collection was performed using the PubMed electronic database. The following word combinations were used: kratom and cannabis, kratom and pain, cannabis and pain, kratom and chronic pain, and cannabis and chronic pain. Results: Epidemiological evidence reports that the self-treatment of pain is a primary motivator for use of both kratom and cannabinoid products among adult Americans. Further evidence shows that use of cannabinoid products may precede kratom use, and that a subset of individuals concurrently uses both kratom and cannabinoid products. Despite its growing popularity as a form of self-treatment of pain, there remains an immense gap in knowledge of the therapeutic efficacy of kratom alkaloids for chronic pain in comparison to that of cannabis-based products, with only three pre-clinical studies having been conducted to date. Conclusion: There is sufficient epidemiological evidence to suggest that both kratom and cannabis products are used to self-treat pain, and that some individuals actively use both drugs, which may produce potential additive or synergistic therapeutic benefits that have not yet been characterized. Given the lack of pre-clinical investigation into the potential therapeutic benefits of kratom alkaloids against forms of chronic pain, further research is warranted to better understand its application as a treatment alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Farkas
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ziva D Cooper
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Laila N Heydari
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amanda C Hughes
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sara Jane Ward
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Prevete E, Kuypers KPC, Theunissen EL, Esposito G, Ramaekers JG, Pasquini M, Corazza O. Clinical Implications of Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa) Use: a Literature Review. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:317-334. [PMID: 37266188 PMCID: PMC10177737 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00478-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This work aims to provide an up-to-date review of the preclinical and clinical scientific literature on the therapeutic value of kratom to better understand the underlying mechanisms related to its use and inform future therapeutic applications. Recent Findings A growing number of studies, mainly of cross-sectional nature, describe the widespread use of kratom by individuals to self-treat pain, psychiatric symptoms, and substance use disorders (SUD) outside a controlled clinical setting. Preclinical evidence suggests kratom is effective as an analgesic agent and might decrease the self-administration of other drugs. A randomized controlled trial has further supported kratom's therapeutic value as an analgesic. Investigations in nonclinical samples of long-term kratom users also indicate its therapeutic benefit in managing SUD symptoms (e.g., craving) and long-term or acute symptoms (e.g., withdrawal) for alcohol, opioids, and other illicit drugs. However, episodes of kratom-related intoxications have also been reported, often due to the adulteration and the contamination of kratom products mainly sold online or mixed toxicities when consumed outside clinical and traditional settings. Summary Evidence on the clinical implications of kratom use is still limited and uncertain, with kratom research constantly evolving. Therefore, further randomized trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kim Paula Colette Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Eef Lien Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 84, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Johannes Gerardus Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 84, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Pharmacological and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB UK
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Mukhopadhyay S, Gupta S, Wilkerson JL, Sharma A, McMahon LR, McCurdy CR. Receptor Selectivity and Therapeutic Potential of Kratom in Substance Use Disorders. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00472-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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Mat NH, Bakar SNS, Murugaiyah V, Chawarski MC, Hassan Z. Analgesic effects of main indole alkaloid of kratom, mitragynine in acute pain animal model. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114251. [PMID: 36503042 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mitragynine exerts its analgesic effect mainly via opioid receptors activation. Additionally, the effect may be mediated via mitragynine's anti-inflammatory property and non-opioid receptor pain pathways, namely through the TRPV1 receptor. No studies identify hitherto, hence, the current study aimed to investigate the mitragynine's analgesic effect via the anti-inflammatory property, non-opioid receptor (TRPV1) and the effective dose (ED) to alleviate pain. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were pre-treated intraperitoneally with either mitragynine (1, 5, 10, 13, 15 or 30 mg/kg), vehicle, or indomethacin (1 mg/kg) 30 min before inducing inflammatory pain using acetic acid. The writhes and pain-related withdrawal behaviour occurrence were counted within a 1-h duration. Percentage of writhes inhibition, pain-related withdrawal behaviour aggregate, ED50 and ED95 were determined. The body temperature was recorded and TRPV1 expression in the rats' brains was measured. Mitragynine (except 1 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes compared with the vehicle administered group. Mitragynine (30 mg/kg) demonstrated 99.5% inhibition of writhing behaviour and low withdrawal behaviour score compared with vehicle and indomethacin and successfully blocked the hypothermia induced by acetic acid. The overall ED50 and ED95 values of mitragynine were 3.62 and 20.84 mg/kg, respectively. The percentage of writhing inhibition and withdrawal behaviour were similar in both genders. Mitragynine (15 and 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced the TRPV1 expression in the brain of the rats. Mitragynine alleviated pain-like behaviour and showed analgesic effects via anti-inflammatory and non-opioid receptor pathways. The findings also suggest that mitragynine might regulate some physiological functions of the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noorul Hamizah Mat
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Vikneswaran Murugaiyah
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Marek C Chawarski
- Departments of Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
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The role of AMPA and NMDA receptors in mitragynine effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114169. [PMID: 36273648 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Mitragynine, an indole alkaloid from the plant Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom), has been reported to modify hippocampal synaptic transmission. However, the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission modulating synaptic plasticity in mitragynine-induced synaptic changes is still unknown. Here, we determined the role of AMPA- and NMDA glutamate receptors in mitragynine-induced synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Male Sprague Dawley rats received either vehicle or mitragynine (10 mg/kg), with or without the AMPA receptor antagonist, NBQX (3 mg/kg), or the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801 (0.2 mg/kg). Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) during baseline, paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and long-term potentiation (LTP) were recorded in-vivo in the hippocampal CA1 area of anaesthetised rats. Basal synaptic transmission and LTP were significantly impaired after mitragynine, NBQX, and MK-801 alone, without an effect on PPF. Combined effects suggest a weak functional AMPA- as well as NMDA receptor antagonist action of mitragynine.
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Obeng S, Leon F, Patel A, Zuarth Gonzalez JD, Chaves Da Silva L, Restrepo LF, Gamez-Jimenez LR, Ho NP, Guerrero Calvache MP, Pallares VLC, Helmes JA, Shiomitsu SK, Soto PL, McCurdy CR, McMahon LR, Wilkerson JL, Hiranita T. Interactive Effects of µ-Opioid and Adrenergic- α 2 Receptor Agonists in Rats: Pharmacological Investigation of the Primary Kratom Alkaloid Mitragynine and Its Metabolite 7-Hydroxymitragynine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 383:182-198. [PMID: 36153006 PMCID: PMC9667981 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary kratom alkaloid mitragynine is proposed to act through multiple mechanisms, including actions at µ-opioid receptors (MORs) and adrenergic-α 2 receptors (Aα 2Rs), as well as conversion in vivo to a MOR agonist metabolite (i.e., 7-hydroxymitragynine). Aα 2R and MOR agonists can produce antinociceptive synergism. Here, contributions of both receptors to produce mitragynine-related effects were assessed by measuring receptor binding in cell membranes and, in rats, pharmacological behavioral effect antagonism studies. Mitragynine displayed binding affinity at both receptors, whereas 7-hydroxymitragynine only displayed MOR binding affinity. Compounds were tested for their capacity to decrease food-maintained responding and rectal temperature and to produce antinociception in a hotplate test. Prototypical MOR agonists and 7-hydroxymitragynine, but not mitragynine, produced antinociception. MOR agonist and 7-hydroxymitragynine rate-deceasing and antinociceptive effects were antagonized by the opioid antagonist naltrexone but not by the Aα 2R antagonist yohimbine. Hypothermia only resulted from reference Aα 2R agonists. The rate-deceasing and hypothermic effects of reference Aα 2R agonists were antagonized by yohimbine but not naltrexone. Neither naltrexone nor yohimbine antagonized the rate-decreasing effects of mitragynine. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine increased the potency of the antinociceptive effects of Aα 2R but not MOR reference agonists. Only mitragynine produced hypothermic effects. Isobolographic analyses for the rate-decreasing effects of the reference Aα 2R and MOR agonists were also conducted. These results suggest mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine may produce antinociceptive synergism with Aα 2R and MOR agonists. When combined with Aα 2R agonists, mitragynine could also produce hypothermic synergism. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Mitragynine is proposed to target the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) and adrenergic-α2 receptor (Aα2R) and to produce behavioral effects through conversion to its MOR agonist metabolite 7-hydroxymitragynine. Isobolographic analyses indicated supra-additivity in some dose ratio combinations. This study suggests mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine may produce antinociceptive synergism with Aα2R and MOR agonists. When combined with Aα2R agonists, mitragynine could also produce hypothermic synergism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Obeng
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Francisco Leon
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Avi Patel
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Julio D Zuarth Gonzalez
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Lucas Chaves Da Silva
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Luis F Restrepo
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Lea R Gamez-Jimenez
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Nicholas P Ho
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Maria P Guerrero Calvache
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Victoria L C Pallares
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Justin A Helmes
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Sakura K Shiomitsu
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Paul L Soto
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Christopher R McCurdy
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Lance R McMahon
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Jenny L Wilkerson
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
| | - Takato Hiranita
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.O., A.P., J.D.Z.G., L.C.D.S., L.F.R., L.R.G-J., N.P.H., M.P.G.C., V.L.C.P., J.A.H., S.K.S., L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.), Medicinal Chemistry (S.O., F.L., C.R.M.), and Pharmaceutics (C.R.M.), and Translational Drug Development Core (C.R.M.), Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (F.L.); Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P.L.S.), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, Texas (L.R.M., J.L.W., T.H.); Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama (S.O.); Department of Pharmacology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (T.H.)
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Tobacyk J, Parks BJ, Lovelady N, Brents LK. Qualitative content analysis of public responses to an FDA inquiry on the impact of scheduling changes to kratom. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 108:103817. [PMID: 35952436 PMCID: PMC10243221 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The legal status of kratom in the United States is complex and varies by state. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration have repeatedly subjected kratom to regulatory review. However, there hasn't been a systematic review of the public's perception of kratom. The present study analyzed open-ended responses from the public to an FDA solicitation for information regarding kratom with the goal of providing a comprehensive assessment of motives for kratom use. METHODS To guide decisions regarding kratom regulation, the FDA solicited comments regarding kratom abuse potential, medical usefulness, and impact of scheduling changes from July through August 2021 and posted them to the Federal Register website. We analyzed comments posted during the first 6 weeks of comment solicitation (6,353) using an inductive approach via qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Respondents reported 106 independent health-related reasons for kratom use, with most categorized as mental health, pain management, substance use disorder, or miscellaneous purposes that included increasing focus, treating insomnia, and decreasing fatigue. Neurological diseases and digestive disorders were also reported. Relatively few (< 2%) responses reported recreational use, abuse potential, or adverse effects of kratom. CONCLUSIONS Although kratom is not approved as a safe and effective therapy for any indication, individuals use kratom for a broad spectrum of health-related purposes. Limitations of this study include potential bias for respondents with perceived positive experiences using kratom, lack of demographics data, and lack of independent verification of claims made by respondents. Regardless, this study reflects perceptions regarding the therapeutic uses of kratom and provides insight into potential individual-level consequences of regulating kratom in the U.S. It is important to study the public's perception of kratom use, which can aid regulatory purposes and provide clinically important information on individuals' use and valuation of kratom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tobacyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 611, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Brian J Parks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 611, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Nakita Lovelady
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Lisa K Brents
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Mail Slot 611, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Farkas DJ, Foss JD, Ward SJ, Rawls SM. Kratom alkaloid mitragynine: Inhibition of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice is dependent on sex and active adrenergic and opioid receptors. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 13:198-206. [PMID: 36093282 PMCID: PMC9459671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitragynine (MG) is an alkaloid found in Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) that is used as an herbal remedy for pain relief and opioid withdrawal. MG acts at μ-opioid and α-adrenergic receptors in vitro, but the physiological relevance of this activity in the context of neuropathic pain remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the effects of MG in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and to investigate the potential impact of sex on MG's therapeutic efficacy. Inhibition of oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was measured following intraperitoneal administration of MG. Both male and female C57BL/6J mice were used to characterize potential sex-differences in MG's therapeutic efficacy. Pharmacological mechanisms of MG were characterized through pretreatment with the opioid and adrenergic antagonists naltrexone, prazosin, yohimbine, and propranolol (1, 2.5, 5 mg/kg). Oxaliplatin produced significant mechanical allodynia of equal magnitude in both male and females, which was dose-dependently attenuated by repeated MG exposure. MG was more potent in males vs females, and the highest dose of MG (10 mg/kg) exhibited greater anti-allodynic efficacy in males. Mechanistically, activity at µ-opioid, α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors, but not β-adrenergic receptors contributed to the effects of MG against oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Repeated MG exposure significantly attenuated oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity with greater potency and efficacy in males, which has crucial implications in the context of individualized pain management. The opioid and adrenergic components of MG indicate that it shares pharmacological properties with clinical neuropathic pain treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Farkas
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Jeffery D. Foss
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Sara Jane Ward
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Scott M. Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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15
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Grundmann O, Hendrickson RG, Greenberg MI. Kratom: History, pharmacology, current user trends, adverse health effects and potential benefits. Dis Mon 2022; 69:101442. [PMID: 35732553 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2022.101442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) is a tree native to Southeast Asia with dose-dependent stimulant and opioid-like effects. Dried, powdered leaf material is among the kratom products most commonly consumed in the US and Europe, but other formulations also exist including enriched extracts, resins, tinctures, and edibles. Its prevalence in the US remains debated and the use pattern includes self-treatment of mood disorders, pain, and substance use disorders. Most of the adverse effects of kratom and its alkaloid mitragynine have been reported in the literature as case reports or part of surveys necessitating confirmation by clinical trials. Toxicities associated with kratom consumption have focused on hepatic, cardiac, and CNS effects with the potential to cause fatalities primarily as part of polydrug exposures. Kratom may also present with drug-drug interactions primarily through CYP 3A4 and 2D6 inhibition, although the clinical significance remains unknown to date. The variability in composition of commercially available kratom products complicates generalization of findings and requires further investigation by employing clinical trials. Healthcare professionals should remain cautious in counseling patients on the use of kratom in a therapeutic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Grundmann
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Room P3-20, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
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16
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Physiological dependence to mitragynine indicated by a rapid cross-dependence procedure with heroin-dependent mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:897-908. [PMID: 35107609 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The potential of mitragynine to produce physiological dependence (withdrawal) was assessed using a rapid assessment procedure with male ICR mice exposed to heroin-admixed food followed by naloxone (subcutaneously, s.c.) precipitation of withdrawal. Initial studies indicated that 3 days of exposure to 3.0 mg/g of heroin-admixed food followed by naloxone (0.6 mg/kg) reliably precipitated withdrawal jumping and weight loss. Lower concentrations of heroin-admixed food and lower doses of naloxone produced fewer withdrawal signs. A longer exposure to heroin-admixed food did not produce significantly greater amounts of jumping or weight loss. Further, these withdrawal signs were dose-dependently reversed by s.c. administration of heroin immediately following naloxone administration. Mitragynine (s.c.) also dose-dependently suppressed naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs. Additionally, both jumping and weight loss were suppressed over a comparable range of mitragynine doses when administered by gavage with a noticeably, but not significantly, higher potency than with s.c. administration. The ED50 values for mitragynine for the suppression of withdrawal by any route (354-911 μmol/kg) were greater than the minimally effective dose that decreased locomotor activity (251 μmol/kg) and from 40- to 104-fold greater than those for heroin. The results suggest inherent opioid dependence liability of mitragynine. The in vivo potency relations between mitragynine and heroin are consistent with a conclusion of dependence-producing effects, indicated by the suppression of withdrawal, comparable to standard opioid μ-receptor agonists, differing primarily in terms of potency. The present paper provides a method for the rapid assessment of physiological dependence liability applicable to other kratom plant constituents or any potential opioid dependence-producing agents.
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17
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Nukitram J, Cheaha D, Sengnon N, Wungsintaweekul J, Limsuwanchote S, Kumarnsit E. Ameliorative effects of alkaloid extract from Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. Leaves on methamphetamine conditioned place preference in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 284:114824. [PMID: 34763040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil., popularly known as Kratom (KT), is a medicinal plant used for pain suppression in Southeast Asia. It has been claimed to assist drug users withdraw from methamphetamine (METH) dependence. However, its use was controversial and not approved yet. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was conducted to characterize local field potential (LFP) patterns in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the hippocampus (HP) in mice with METH conditioned place preference (CPP) that were treated with KT alkaloid extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Swiss albino ICR mice were implanted with intracraneal electrodes into the NAc and HP. To induce METH CPP, animals were injected intraperitoneally once a day with METH (1 mg/kg) and saline (0.9% w/v) alternately and put into METH/saline compartments to experience the associations between drug/saline injection and the unique environmental contexts for 10 sessions. Control group received saline injection paired with both saline/saline compartments. On post-conditioning day, effects of 40 (KT40), 80 (KT80) mg/kg KT alkaloid extract and 20 mg/kg bupropion (BP) on CPP scores and LFP powers and NAc-HP coherence were tested. RESULTS Two-way ANOVA revealed significant induction of CPP by METH sessions (P < 0.01). Multiple comparisons indicated that METH CPP was completely abolished by KT80 (P < 0.001). NAc gamma I (30.0-44.9 Hz) and HP delta (1.0-3.9 Hz) powers were significantly increased in mice with METH CPP (P < 0.01). The elevated NAc gamma I was significantly suppressed by KT80 (P < 0.05) and the increased HP delta was significantly reversed by KT40 (P < 0.01) and KT80 (P < 0.001). In addition, NAc-HP coherence was also significantly increased in gamma I (30.0-44.9 Hz) frequency range (P < 0.05) but it was reversed by KT80 (P < 0.05). Treatment with BP did not produce significant effect on these parameters. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that KT alkaloid extract significantly reversed CPP scores and LFP patterns induced by METH administration. The ameliorative effects of the extract might be beneficial for treatment of METH craving and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakkrit Nukitram
- Physiology Program, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Dania Cheaha
- Biology Program, Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Narumon Sengnon
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Juraithip Wungsintaweekul
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Supattra Limsuwanchote
- Pharmacology Program, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Ekkasit Kumarnsit
- Physiology Program, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand.
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18
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Prevete E, Kuypers KPC, Theunissen EL, Corazza O, Bersani G, Ramaekers JG. A systematic review of (pre)clinical studies on the therapeutic potential and safety profile of kratom in humans. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2805. [PMID: 34309900 PMCID: PMC9285932 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant traditionally used as an ethnomedicinal remedy for several conditions in South East Asia. Despite the increased interest in its therapeutical benefits in Western countries, little scientific evidence is available to support such claims, and existing data remain limited to kratom's chronic consumption. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to investigate (pre)clinical evidence on the efficacy of kratom as a therapeutic aid and its safety profile in humans. METHODS A systematic literature search using PubMed and the Medline database was conducted between April and November 2020. RESULTS Both preclinical (N = 57) and clinical (N = 18) studies emerged from our search. Preclinical data indicated a therapeutic value in terms of acute/chronic pain (N = 23), morphine/ethanol withdrawal, and dependence (N = 14), among other medical conditions (N = 26). Clinical data included interventional studies (N = 2) reporting reduced pain sensitivity, and observational studies (N = 9) describing the association between kratom's chronic (daily/frequent) use and safety issues, in terms of health consequences (e.g., learning impairment, high cholesterol level, dependence/withdrawal). CONCLUSIONS Although the initial (pre)clinical evidence on kratom's therapeutic potential and its safety profile in humans is encouraging, further validation in large, controlled clinical trials is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Neuropsychology and PsychopharmacologyFaculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Kim Paula Colette Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and PsychopharmacologyFaculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Eef Lien Theunissen
- Department of Neuropsychology and PsychopharmacologyFaculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmacological and Biological SciencesCollege LaneUniversity of HertfordshireHatfieldUnited Kingdom,Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesFaculty of Pharmacy and MedicineSapienza University of RomeLatinaItaly
| | - Giuseppe Bersani
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesFaculty of Pharmacy and MedicineSapienza University of RomeLatinaItaly
| | - Johannes Gerardus Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and PsychopharmacologyFaculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtthe Netherlands
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19
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Hiranita T, Obeng S, Sharma A, Wilkerson JL, McCurdy CR, McMahon LR. In vitro and in vivo pharmacology of kratom. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 93:35-76. [PMID: 35341571 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Kratom products have been historically and anecdotally used in south Asian countries for centuries to manage pain and opioid withdrawal. The use of kratom products has dramatically increased in the United States. More than 45 kratom alkaloids have been isolated, yet the overall pharmacology of the individual alkaloids is still not well characterized. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize in vitro and in vivo opioid activities of the primary kratom alkaloid mitragynine and its more potent metabolite 7-hydroxymitragynine. Following are experimental procedures described to characterize opioid receptor activity; receptor binding and functional assays, antinociceptive assays, operant conditioning assays, and respiratory plethysmography. The capacity of kratom alkaloids to confer tolerance and physical dependence as well as their pharmacokinetic properties are also summarized. The data reviewed here suggest that kratom products and mitragynine possess low efficacy agonist activity at the mu-opioid receptor in vivo. In addition, kratom products and mitragynine have been demonstrated to antagonize the effects of high efficacy mu-opioid agonists. The data further suggest that 7-hydroxymitragynine formed in vivo by metabolism of mitragynine may be minimally involved in the overall behavioral profile of mitragynine and kratom, whereas 7-hydroxymitragynine itself, at sufficiently high doses administered exogenously, shares many of the same abuse- and dependence-related behavioral effects associated with traditional opioid agonists. The apparent low efficacy of kratom products and mitragynine at mu-opioid receptors supports the development of these ligands as effective and potentially safe medications for opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takato Hiranita
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Samuel Obeng
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jenny L Wilkerson
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Christopher R McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Lance R McMahon
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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20
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Hanapi NA, Chear NJY, Azizi J, Yusof SR. Kratom Alkaloids: Interactions With Enzymes, Receptors, and Cellular Barriers. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:751656. [PMID: 34867362 PMCID: PMC8637859 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.751656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Parallel to the growing use of kratom, there is a wealth of evidence from self-report, preclinical, and early clinical studies on therapeutic benefits of its alkaloids in particular for treating pain, managing substance use disorder, and coping with emotional or mental health conditions. On the other hand, there are also reports on potential health risks concerning kratom use. These two aspects are often discussed in reviews on kratom. Here, we aim to highlight specific areas that are of importance to give insights into the mechanistic of kratom alkaloids pharmacological actions. This includes their interactions with drug-metabolizing enzymes and predictions of clinical drug-drug interactions, receptor-binding properties, interactions with cellular barriers in regards to barrier permeability, involvement of membrane transporters, and alteration of barrier function when exposed to the alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Aziah Hanapi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | | | - Juzaili Azizi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Siti R Yusof
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
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21
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Lee JH, Kim N, Park S, Kim SK. Analgesic effects of medicinal plants and phytochemicals on chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain through glial modulation. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00819. [PMID: 34676990 PMCID: PMC8532132 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) frequently occurs in cancer patients. This side effect lowers the quality of life of patients and may cause the patients to abandon chemotherapy. Several medications (e.g., duloxetine and gabapentin) are recommended as remedies to treat CIPN; however, usage of these drugs is limited because of low efficacy or side effects such as dizziness, nausea, somnolence, and vomiting. From ancient East Asia, the decoction of medicinal herbal formulas or single herbs have been used to treat pain and could serve as alternative therapeutic option. Recently, the analgesic potency of medicinal plants and their phytochemicals on CIPN has been reported, and a majority of their effects have been shown to be mediated by glial modulation. In this review, we summarize the analgesic efficacy of medicinal plants and their phytochemicals, and discuss their possible mechanisms focusing on glial modulation in animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hwan Lee
- Department of PhysiologyCollege of Korean MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Nari Kim
- Department of Science in Korean MedicineGraduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Sangwon Park
- Department of Korean MedicineGraduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Sun Kwang Kim
- Department of PhysiologyCollege of Korean MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
- Department of Science in Korean MedicineGraduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
- Department of Korean MedicineGraduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulKorea
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22
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Gutridge AM, Chakraborty S, Varga BR, Rhoda ES, French AR, Blaine AT, Royer QH, Cui H, Yuan J, Cassell RJ, Szabó M, Majumdar S, van Rijn RM. Evaluation of Kratom Opioid Derivatives as Potential Treatment Option for Alcohol Use Disorder. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:764885. [PMID: 34803709 PMCID: PMC8596301 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.764885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose:Mitragyna speciosa extract and kratom alkaloids decrease alcohol consumption in mice at least in part through actions at the δ-opioid receptor (δOR). However, the most potent opioidergic kratom alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine, exhibits rewarding properties and hyperlocomotion presumably due to preferred affinity for the mu opioid receptor (µOR). We hypothesized that opioidergic kratom alkaloids like paynantheine and speciogynine with reduced µOR potency could provide a starting point for developing opioids with an improved therapeutic window to treat alcohol use disorder. Experimental Approach: We characterized paynantheine, speciociliatine, and four novel kratom-derived analogs for their ability to bind and activate δOR, µOR, and κOR. Select opioids were assessed in behavioral assays in male C57BL/6N WT and δOR knockout mice. Key Results: Paynantheine (10 mg∙kg−1, i.p.) produced aversion in a limited conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm but did not produce CPP with additional conditioning sessions. Paynantheine did not produce robust antinociception but did block morphine-induced antinociception and hyperlocomotion. Yet, at 10 and 30 mg∙kg−1 doses (i.p.), paynantheine did not counteract morphine CPP. 7-hydroxypaynantheine and 7-hydroxyspeciogynine displayed potency at δOR but limited µOR potency relative to 7-hydroxymitragynine in vitro, and dose-dependently decreased voluntary alcohol consumption in WT but not δOR in KO mice. 7-hydroxyspeciogynine has a maximally tolerated dose of at least 10 mg∙kg−1 (s.c.) at which it did not produce significant CPP neither alter general locomotion nor induce noticeable seizures. Conclusion and Implications: Derivatizing kratom alkaloids with the goal of enhancing δOR potency and reducing off-target effects could provide a pathway to develop novel lead compounds to treat alcohol use disorder with an improved therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Gutridge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Soumen Chakraborty
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Heath Sciences and Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Balazs R Varga
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Heath Sciences and Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Elizabeth S Rhoda
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Alexander R French
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Arryn T Blaine
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Quinten H Royer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Haoyue Cui
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Jinling Yuan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Robert J Cassell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Susruta Majumdar
- Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Heath Sciences and Pharmacy at St. Louis and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Richard M van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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23
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[Kratom - a short review for pain medicine]. Schmerz 2021; 36:128-134. [PMID: 34533652 PMCID: PMC8447806 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-021-00588-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Der Konsum des psychotrop wirksamen Kratoms (botanischer Name: Mitragyna speciosa) erfolgt teilweise zum Zweck der Selbstmedikation bei chronischen und akuten Schmerzen. Eine zunehmende Verbreitung des Konsums in Deutschland ist in Zukunft möglich. Ziele der Arbeit Diese Übersicht vermittelt daher Schmerztherapeuten pharmakologische Aspekte sowie Essenzielles zur psychischen Wirkung, zur Wirkung auf Schmerzen und zu den Risiken von Kratom, inkl. Abhängigkeit. Material und Methoden Es erfolgte eine strukturierte Literaturrecherche in PubMed bis Mitte Januar 2021. Wir fanden 426 relevante Literaturstellen. Acht davon beschäftigten sich spezifisch mit Kratom und Schmerz. Ergebnisse Neben weiteren Alkaloiden enthält Kratom das an Opioidrezeptoren wirksame (7-Hydroxy‑)Mitragynin. Der Konsum birgt Risiken, u. a. aufgrund nichtstandardisierter Verabreichung, aber auch durch direkte gesundheitliche Schäden bis hin zur möglichen Entwicklung einer Abhängigkeit. Diskussion Aktuell kann evidenzbasiert keine Empfehlung zur Nutzung von Kratom als Analgetikum gegeben werden. Für Schmerztherapeuten ist es wichtig, einen eventuellen Kratomkonsum zu erfragen und den Patienten über die potenziellen Risiken von Kratom zu informieren.
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24
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Buckhalter S, Soubeyrand E, Ferrone SAE, Rasmussen DJ, Manduca JD, Al-Abdul-Wahid MS, Frie JA, Khokhar JY, Akhtar TA, Perreault ML. The Antidepressant-Like and Analgesic Effects of Kratom Alkaloids are accompanied by Changes in Low Frequency Oscillations but not ΔFosB Accumulation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:696461. [PMID: 34413776 PMCID: PMC8369573 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.696461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitragyna speciosa (“kratom”), employed as a traditional medicine to improve mood and relieve pain, has shown increased use in Europe and North America. Here, the dose-dependent effects of a purified alkaloid kratom extract on neuronal oscillatory systems function, analgesia, and antidepressant-like behaviour were evaluated and kratom-induced changes in ΔFosB expression determined. Male rats were administered a low or high dose of kratom (containing 0.5 or 1 mg/kg of mitragynine, respectively) for seven days. Acute or repeated low dose kratom suppressed ventral tegmental area (VTA) theta oscillatory power whereas acute or repeated high dose kratom increased delta power, and reduced theta power, in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), prefrontal cortex (PFC), cingulate cortex (Cg) and VTA. The repeated administration of low dose kratom additionally elevated delta power in PFC, decreased theta power in NAc and PFC, and suppressed beta and low gamma power in Cg. Suppressed high gamma power in NAc and PFC was seen selectively following repeated high dose kratom. Both doses of kratom elevated NAc-PFC, VTA-NAc, and VTA-Cg coherence. Low dose kratom had antidepressant-like properties whereas both doses produced analgesia. No kratom-induced changes in ΔFosB expression were evident. These results support a role for kratom as having both antidepressant and analgesic properties that are accompanied by specific changes in neuronal circuit function. However, the absence of drug-induced changes in ΔFosB expression suggest that the drug may circumvent this cellular signaling pathway, a pathway known for its significant role in addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshana Buckhalter
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Eric Soubeyrand
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah A E Ferrone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Duncan J Rasmussen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua D Manduca
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jude A Frie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Tariq A Akhtar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa L Perreault
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Kratom pharmacology: Clues from planarians exposed to mitragynine. Physiol Behav 2021; 239:113499. [PMID: 34146575 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mitragynine (MG), the most prevalent bioactive alkaloid in kratom, displays nanomolar affinity for µ, κ and δ opioid receptors and produces opioid-dependent antinociception and dependence in rats. Here, using a battery of behavioral assays, we investigated MG effects in planarians. Acute MG exposure (< 100 μM) did not affect planarian motility or environmental preference, but reduced motility was detected during abstinence from chronic MG (1, 10 μM). MG (10 μM) produced place conditioning effects that were reduced by naltrexone (10 μΜ). These results suggest that MG produces opioid-sensitive reinforcing effects in planarians and MG pharmacology is conserved across different species.
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