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Yuan Y, Xu T, Huang Y, Shi J. Strategies for developing μ opioid receptor agonists with reduced adverse effects. Bioorg Chem 2024; 149:107507. [PMID: 38850778 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107507] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Opioids are currently the most effective and widely used painkillers in the world. Unfortunately, the clinical use of opioid analgesics is limited by serious adverse effects. Many researchers have been working on designing and optimizing structures in search of novel μ opioid receptor(MOR) agonists with improved analgesic activity and reduced incidence of adverse effects. There are many strategies to develop MOR drugs, mainly focusing on new low efficacy agonists (potentially G protein biased agonists), MOR agonists acting on different Gα subtype, targeting opioid receptors in the periphery, acting on multiple opioid receptor, and targeting allosteric sites of opioid receptors, and others. This review summarizes the design methods, clinical applications, and structure-activity relationships of small-molecule agonists for MOR based on these different design strategies, providing ideas for the development of safer novel opioid ligands with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yuan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611756, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yu Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611756, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Liang Z, Guo Y, Ellin N, King TI, Berthold EC, Mukhopadhyay S, Sharma A, McCurdy CR, Prentice BM. Formation of multiple ion types during MALDI imaging mass spectrometry analysis of Mitragyna speciosa alkaloids in dosed rat brain tissue. Talanta 2024; 274:125923. [PMID: 38569366 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125923] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Mitragyna speciosa, more commonly known as kratom, has emerged as an alternative to treat chronic pain and addiction. However, the alkaloid components of kratom, which are the major contributors to kratom's pharmaceutical properties, have not yet been fully investigated. In this study, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry was used to map the biodistribution of three alkaloids (corynantheidine, mitragynine, and speciogynine) in rat brain tissues. The alkaloids produced three main ion types during MALDI analysis: [M + H]+, [M - H]+, and [M - 3H]+. Contrary to previous reports suggesting that the [M - H]+ and [M - 3H]+ ion types form during laser ablation, these ion types can also be produced during the MALDI matrix application process. Several strategies are proposed to accurately map the biodistribution of the alkaloids. Due to differences in the relative abundances of the ions in different biological regions of the tissue, differences in ionization efficiencies of the ions, and potential overlap of the [M - H]+ and [M - 3H]+ ion types with endogenous metabolites of the same empirical formula, a matrix that mainly produces the [M + H]+ ion type is optimal for accurate mapping of the alkaloids. Alternatively, the most abundant ion type can be mapped or the intensities of all ion types can be summed together to generate a composite image. The accuracy of each of these approaches is explored and validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongling Liang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Yingchan Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nicholas Ellin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Tamara I King
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Erin C Berthold
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sushobhan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Christopher R McCurdy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Boone M Prentice
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Liang Z, Guo Y, Sharma A, McCurdy CR, Prentice BM. A multi-modal image fusion workflow incorporating MALDI imaging mass spectrometry and microscopy for the study of small pharmaceutical compounds. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.12.584673. [PMID: 38559145 PMCID: PMC10980041 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.12.584673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Multi-modal imaging analyses of dosed tissue samples can provide more comprehensive insight into the effects of a therapeutically active compound on a target tissue compared to single-modal imaging. For example, simultaneous spatial mapping of pharmaceutical compounds and endogenous macromolecule receptors is difficult to achieve in a single imaging experiment. Herein, we present a multi-modal workflow combining imaging mass spectrometry with immunohistochemistry (IHC) fluorescence imaging and brightfield microscopy imaging. Imaging mass spectrometry enables direct mapping of pharmaceutical compounds and metabolites, IHC fluorescence imaging can visualize large proteins, and brightfield microscopy imaging provides tissue morphology information. Single-cell resolution images are generally difficult to acquire using imaging mass spectrometry, but are readily acquired with IHC fluorescence and brightfield microscopy imaging. Spatial sharpening of mass spectrometry images would thus allow for higher fidelity co-registration with higher resolution microscopy images. Imaging mass spectrometry spatial resolution can be predicted to a finer value via a computational image fusion workflow, which models the relationship between the intensity values in the mass spectrometry image and the features of a high spatial resolution microscopy image. As a proof of concept, our multi-modal workflow was applied to brain tissue extracted from a Sprague Dawley rat dosed with a kratom alkaloid, corynantheidine. Four candidate mathematical models including linear regression, partial least squares regression (PLS), random forest regression, and two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2-D CNN), were tested. The random forest and 2-D CNN models most accurately predicted the intensity values at each pixel as well as the overall patterns of the mass spectrometry images, while also providing the best spatial resolution enhancements. Herein, image fusion enabled predicted mass spectrometry images of corynantheidine, GABA, and glutamine to approximately 2.5 μm spatial resolutions, a significant improvement compared to the original images acquired at 25 μm spatial resolution. The predicted mass spectrometry images were then co-registered with an H&E image and IHC fluorescence image of the μ-opioid receptor to assess co-localization of corynantheidine with brain cells. Our study also provides insight into the different evaluation parameters to consider when utilizing image fusion for biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongling Liang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Yingchan Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Christopher R. McCurdy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Boone M. Prentice
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
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Bachu AK, Singal P, Griffin B, Harbaugh L, Prasad S, Jain L, Mohiuddin S, Papudesi BN, Nagi T, Youssef NA, Chopra A, Ahmed S. Kratom use and mental health: A systematic literature review and case example. J Addict Dis 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37942896 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2023.2273192] [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: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aims to synthesize and critically evaluate the existing literature on kratom use and its possible association with induction of psychotic and manic symptoms, in order to identify potential areas for future research that would improve our understanding of the risks of kratom consumption. METHODS An electronic search was performed using five major databases: including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. keywords such as kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, mania, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, case report, and case series. The retrieved articles on initial search were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study, and then data synthesis was performed to analyze relevant information from the included studies. RESULTS Six prior papers were found using (1 case series and 5 case reports). These included 10 cases, involving kratom use association with mania and psychosis. The ages of patients ranged from 28 to 55 years mean age was 38, and (SD 13.74), the majority were males (8 out of 11). Patients had durations of kratom use ranging from 2 wk to 15 years. Significant association was found between kratom use and the worsening of psychotic and manic symptoms in individuals with psychiatric conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our research highlights the possibility of worsening preexisting psychiatric conditions in the context of kratom use. This study emphasizes the need for clinical evaluation of patients for kratom use. Additional research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the potential mental health implications of kratom use, especially among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Bachu
- Baptist Health - UAMS Psychiatry Residency Program, North Little Rock, AR, USA
- AHN Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Prakamya Singal
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Brittany Griffin
- Baptist Health - UAMS Psychiatry Residency Program, North Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Lauren Harbaugh
- Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Smith, AR, USA
| | - Sakshi Prasad
- National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
| | - Lakshit Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Syed Mohiuddin
- Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Smith, AR, USA
| | | | - Tarika Nagi
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Harlem Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nagy A Youssef
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amit Chopra
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT, USA
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Han J, Ham JR, Lee MJ, Lee HJ, Son YJ, Lee MK. "Nulichal" Barley Extract Suppresses Nitric Oxide and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production by Lipopolysaccharides in RAW264.7 Macrophage Cell Line. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2023; 28:370-376. [PMID: 37842259 PMCID: PMC10567604 DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2023.28.3.370] [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] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The cultivar "Nulichal," a type of naked waxy barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), was developed by the National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Korea, in 2010. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the "Nulichal" ethanol extract (NRE) using various assays. The NRE exhibited a total phenolic content of 7.55±0.30 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and a flavonoid content of 1.74±0.08 mg rutin equivalent/g. Cell viability assays showed no toxicity of NRE on RAW264.7 macrophage cells up to concentrations of 500 μg/mL. The NRE (300 and 500 μg/mL) significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). It also down-regulated the mRNA expression and protein levels of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the NRE treatment significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, and their mRNA expression compared to LPS treatment alone. The NRE demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The ferric reducing antioxidant power assay also showed increased antioxidant activity with increasing NRE concentrations. These findings suggest that the NRE can be used as a functional food with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisu Han
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sunchon National University, Jeonnam 57922, Korea
| | - Ju Ri Ham
- Mokpo Marine Food-Industry Research Center, Jeonnam 5861, Korea
| | - Mi Ja Lee
- Crop Foundation Research Division, National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Jeonbuk 5565, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Lee
- Crop Foundation Research Division, National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Jeonbuk 5565, Korea
| | - Young-Jin Son
- Department of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, Jeonnam 57922, Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sunchon National University, Jeonnam 57922, Korea
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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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Garmon EH, Olson K. Narrative Review of Kratom, an Emerging Psychoactive Substance With Perianesthetic Implications. Anesth Analg 2022; 135:1180-1188. [PMID: 35986675 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Opioid overprescribing, with resultant overdose and death, has led to a national focus on alternative treatments for pain. With the decline in legal access to opioids, kratom has gained popularity as a legal, "natural," and easily accessible nonprescription analgesic for consumers wishing to self-medicate for pain, opioid use disorder, and other mental health conditions. While implications of kratom use in patients with chronic pain and/or opioid use disorder have been published, information on perianesthetic implications is lacking. Anesthesiologists should be informed about kratom, including the potential for unexpected physiologic derangements and adverse drug interactions resulting from complex pharmacologic activity, cytochrome P450 interactions, and common adulterations of the drug that may result in unpredictable clinical effects. This article explores the relevance of kratom to perioperative anesthetic care, including suggestions for anesthesiologists extrapolated from published information in nonoperative settings that may improve patient safety in individuals using kratom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily H Garmon
- From the Baylor Scott and White Temple Department of Anesthesiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Kandice Olson
- Mountain West Anesthesia, Provo, Utah.,Department of Anesthesiology, Utah Vallery Hospital, Provo, Utah
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8
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Raslan MA. Natural Products for the Treatment of Drug Addiction: Narrative Review. Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202200702. [PMID: 36285806 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is considered a chronic disorder affecting the individual's life, his/her family and society. Up till now the treatment of drug addiction is considered a problematic issue. Synthetic drugs available for the treatment of drug addiction are few, of limited efficacy and associated with serious side effects. Therefore, there is a continuous search for better therapeutic agents for drug addiction. Natural products represent a promising source for drug addiction treatment. This review summaries drug addiction definition, its mechanism of action, its types, its diagnosis, factors affecting its development and different available approaches for its treatment especially the use of natural products. Six plants were discussed thoroughly in this review, including, Tabernanthe iboga Baill., Mitragyna speciosa Korth., Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep, Hypericum perforatum L., Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona A Raslan
- Pharmacognosy Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Center, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
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Basheer M, Khudhair Jasim R, Harn GL. Controversial usages of kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa): For good or for evil. World J Pharmacol 2022; 11:16-26. [DOI: 10.5497/wjp.v11.i3.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant that grows well in tropical climates such as in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, people discovered it possessed a stimulating effect that relieved tiredness. Furthermore, it contains analgesic and medicinal properties for the treatment of pain, diarrhea, muscle discomfort, and blood pressure and to enhance stamina. Nevertheless, long term or regular consumption of kratom leads to addiction. This is because the main alkaloid of kratom, mitragynine, binds to opioid receptors and exerts a euphoric effect similar to that of morphine, which may lead to death. Due to this reason, kratom has been listed as a regulated substance in many countries including the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Bhutan, Finland, Lithuania, Denmark, Poland, Sweden, Australia, and Myanmar. Usages of kratom carry two pharmacological effects depending on dosage. Low-dose kratom exerts a stimulating effect that refreshes the user. High-dose kratom exerts sedative effects that can lead to addiction similar to that of morphine. Despite the euphoric effect of kratom, the beneficial values of kratom to human health is indisputable. Therefore, a complete banning of kratom may cause a loss to pharmaceutical industry. Rather, a controlled or selective usage of kratom will be a better choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtadha Basheer
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Rana Khudhair Jasim
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Gam Lay Harn
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia
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The Prevalence and Psychosocial Correlates of Ketum ( Mitragyna speciosa) Use among Individuals on Methadone Maintenance Therapy Programme in Hospital Taiping, Malaysia. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040746. [PMID: 35455923 PMCID: PMC9032760 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketum use is significantly prevalent amongst individuals in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of Ketum use in individuals who are in the Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) Programme at the Hospital Taiping. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the methadone clinic at the Hospital Taiping. The study instruments used were Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS), Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) questionnaire, and Kratom Dependence Scale (KDS). A total of 215 subjects were recruited for this study. The prevalence of ketum users was 49.3% (n = 106). Chinese and Indian ethnicity had a lower tendency to use ketum compared to Malay ethnicity, with OR = 0.386 (95% CI 0.134, 1.113) and 0.119 (95% CI 0.035, 0.408), respectively. Individuals who used other illicit drugs had a higher tendency to use ketum with the adjusted OR = 9.914 (95% CI: 1.109, 88.602). Every one unit increase in SOWS increased the odds of being a ketum user by 1.340 (95% CI: 1.070, 1.677), whereas every one unit increase in duration in the MMT programme reduced the odds of being a ketum user by 0.990 (95% CI: 0.982, 0.998). Ketum use is prevalent amongst those in the MMT programme in this study. The high prevalence of ketum use is of concern and further interventions should be carried out to address this.
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11
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Hartley C, Bulloch M, Penzak SR. Clinical Pharmacology of the Dietary Supplement, Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 62:577-593. [PMID: 34775626 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) consists of over 40 alkaloids with two of them, mitragynine (MG) and 7-OH-mitragynine (7-OH-MG) being the main psychoactive compounds. MG and 7-OH-MG each target opioid receptors and have been referred to as atypical opioids. They exert their pharmacologic effects on the μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors. In addition, they affect adrenergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic pathways. Kratom has been touted as an inexpensive, legal alternative to standard opioid replacement therapy such as methadone and buprenorphine. Other uses for kratom include chronic pain, attaining a "legal high," and numerous CNS disorders including anxiety depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kratom induces analgesia and mild euphoria with a lower risk of respiratory depression or adverse central nervous system effects compared to traditional opioid medications. Nonetheless, kratom has been associated with both physical and psychological dependence with some individuals experiencing classic opioid withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation. Kratom use has been linked to serious adverse effects including liver toxicity, seizures, and death. These risks are often compounded by poly-substance abuse. Further, kratom may potentiate the toxicity of coadministered medications through modulation of cytochrome P450, P-glycoprotein, and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase enzymes (UGDT). In 2016 the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) took steps to classify kratom as a federal schedule 1 medication; however, due to public resistance, this plan was set aside. Until studies are conducted that define kratom's role in treating opioid withdrawal and/or other CNS conditions, kratom will likely remain available as a dietary supplement for the foreseeable future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Hartley
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, United States
| | - Marilyn Bulloch
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, United States
| | - Scott R Penzak
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, United States
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Brose J, Lau KH, Dang TTT, Hamilton JP, Martins LDV, Hamberger B, Hamberger B, Jiang J, O’Connor SE, Buell CR. The Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) Genome: a resource for data-mining potent pharmaceuticals that impact human health. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab058. [PMID: 33677570 PMCID: PMC8759815 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) produces numerous compounds with pharmaceutical properties including the production of bioactive monoterpene indole and oxindole alkaloids. Using a linked-read approach, a 1,122,519,462 bp draft assembly of M. speciosa "Rifat" was generated with an N50 scaffold size of 1,020,971 bp and an N50 contig size of 70,448 bp that encodes 55,746 genes. Chromosome counting revealed that "Rifat" is a tetraploid with a base chromosome number of 11, which was further corroborated by orthology and syntenic analysis of the genome. Analysis of genes and clusters involved in specialized metabolism revealed genes putatively involved in alkaloid biosynthesis. Access to the genome of M. speciosa will facilitate an improved understanding of alkaloid biosynthesis and accelerate the production of bioactive alkaloids in heterologous hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brose
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kin H Lau
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Thu Thuy Thi Dang
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - John P Hamilton
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Lívia do Vale Martins
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Britta Hamberger
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Bjoern Hamberger
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jiming Jiang
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- MSU AgBioResearch, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sarah E O’Connor
- Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - C Robin Buell
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- MSU AgBioResearch, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051397. [PMID: 33807728 PMCID: PMC7961374 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051397] [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: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has been increasing, and this problem affects several countries worldwide. There is a class of NPSs of natural origin, consisting of plants and fungi, which have a wide range of alkaloids, responsible for causing relaxing, stimulating or hallucinogenic effects. The consumption of some of these substances is prompted by religious beliefs and cultural reasons, making the legislation very variable or even ambiguous. However, the abusive consumption of these substances can present an enormous risk to the health of the individuals, since their metabolism and effects are not yet fully known. Additionally, NPSs are widely spread over the internet, and their appearance is very fast, which requires the development of sophisticated analytical methodologies, capable of detecting these compounds. Thus, the objective of this work is to review the toxicological aspects, traditional use/therapeutic potential and the analytical methods developed in biological matrices in twelve plant specimens (Areca catechu, Argyreia nervosa, Ayahuasca, Catha edulis, Datura stramonium, Lophophora williamsii, Mandragora officinarum, Mitragyna speciosa, Piper methysticum Forst, Psilocybe, Salvia divinorum and Tabernanthe iboga).
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14
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Ya K, Methaneethorn J, Tran QB, Trakulsrichai S, Wananukul W, Lohitnavy M. Development of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model of Mitragynine, Psychoactive Alkaloid in Kratom ( Mitragyna Speciosa Korth.), In Rats and Humans. J Psychoactive Drugs 2020; 53:127-139. [PMID: 34003732 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1849877] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitragynine is a major psychoactive alkaloid in leaves of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.). To understand its disposition in organs, this study aimed to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model that predicts mitragynine concentrations in plasma and organ of interests in rats and humans. The PBPK model consisted of six organ compartments (i.e. lung, brain, liver, fat, slowly perfused tissues, and rapidly perfused tissue). From systematic searching, three pharmacokinetic studies of mitragynine (two studies in rats and 1 study in humans) were retrieved from the literature. Berkeley Madonna Software (version 8.3.18) was used for model development and model simulation. The developed PBPK model consisted of biologically relevant features following involvement of (i) breast cancer-resistant protein (BCRP) in brain, (ii) a hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)-mediated metabolism in the liver, and (iii) a diffusion-limited transport in fat. The simulations adequately describe simulated and observed data in the two species with different dosing regimens. PBPK models of mitragynine in rats and humans were successfully developed. The models may be used to guide optimal mitragynine dosing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimheang Ya
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Health & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Pharmacokinetic Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Janthima Methaneethorn
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Health & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Pharmacokinetic Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Quoc Ba Tran
- Center for Advanced Chemistry, Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.,Faculty of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Satariya Trakulsrichai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand.,Ramathibodi Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Winai Wananukul
- Ramathibodi Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Manupat Lohitnavy
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Health & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Pharmacokinetic Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
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15
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Eastlack SC, Cornett EM, Kaye AD. Kratom-Pharmacology, Clinical Implications, and Outlook: A Comprehensive Review. Pain Ther 2020; 9:55-69. [PMID: 31994019 PMCID: PMC7203303 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-020-00151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kratom, or Mitragyna, is a tropical plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, with unique pharmacological properties. It is commonly consumed by preparing the leaves into decoction or tea, or by grinding them into a powder. Recent evidence has revealed that kratom has physiological effects similar to opioids, including pain relief and euphoria, as well as stimulant properties, which together raise potential concern for dependence and addiction. Moreover, growing evidence suggests that the prevalence of kratom use is increasing in many parts of the world, raising important considerations for healthcare providers. This manuscript will discuss the most current epidemiology, pharmacology, toxicity, and management related to kratom, while seeking to provide a contemporary perspective on the issue and its role in the greater context of the opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Eastlack
- LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Elyse M Cornett
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
- Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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16
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Ramachandram DS, Damodaran T, Zainal H, Murugaiyah V, Ramanathan S. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mitragynine, the principle alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa: present knowledge and future directions in perspective of pain. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 31:jbcpp-2019-0138. [PMID: 31665120 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as Ketum or Biak in Malaysia and Kratom in Thailand, is a native plant to Southeast Asia and has various pharmacological benefits. Mitragynine (MG) is the principal alkaloid found in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa and has been reported to be responsible for the plant's therapeutic actions. Traditionally, local communities use Kratom preparations for relief from different types of pain. The potential analgesic effects of MG using rodent models have been reported in literatures. We have reviewed the published analgesic and pharmacokinetic studies and all of these findings showed the routes of drug administration, doses employed, and type of vehicles used to solubilize the drug, varied considerably; hence this posted difficulties in predicting the drug's pharmacokinetic-response relationship. A rational approach is warranted for accurate prediction of dose-response relationship; as this is essential for the development of MG as an alternative medicinal drug for pain management. PKPD modeling would serve as a better method to understand the dose-response relationship in future MG preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hadzliana Zainal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Surash Ramanathan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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17
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Hassan Z, Suhaimi FW, Ramanathan S, Ling KH, Effendy MA, Müller CP, Dringenberg HC. Mitragynine (Kratom) impairs spatial learning and hippocampal synaptic transmission in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:908-918. [PMID: 31081443 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119844186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitragynine is the major alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) or Kratom, a psychoactive plant widely abused in Southeast Asia. While addictive effects of the substance are emerging, adverse cognitive effects of this drug and neuropharmacological actions are insufficiently understood. AIMS In the present study, we investigated the effects of mitragynine on spatial learning and synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats received daily (for 12 days) training sessions in the Morris water maze, with each session followed by treatment either with mitragynine (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg; intraperitoneally), morphine (5 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) or a vehicle. In the second experiment, we recorded field excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the hippocampal CA1 area in anesthetized rats and assessed the effects of mitragynine on baseline synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation, and long-term potentiation. Gene expression of major memory- and addiction-related genes was investigated and the effects of mitragynine on Ca2+ influx was also examined in cultured primary neurons from E16-E18 rats. RESULTS/OUTCOMES Escape latency results indicate that animals treated with mitragynine displayed a slower rate of acquisition as compared to their control counterparts. Further, mitragynine treatment significantly reduced the amplitude of baseline (i.e. non-potentiated) field excitatory postsynaptic potentials and resulted in a minor suppression of long-term potentiation in CA1. Bdnf and αCaMKII mRNA expressions in the brain were not affected and Ca2+ influx elicited by glutamate application was inhibited in neurons pre-treated with mitragynine. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION These data suggest that high doses of mitragynine (5 and 10 mg/kg) cause memory deficits, possibly via inhibition of Ca2+ influx and disruption of hippocampal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurina Hassan
- 1 Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Farah W Suhaimi
- 1 Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Surash Ramanathan
- 1 Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- 2 Department of Biomedical Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad A Effendy
- 1 Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Christian P Müller
- 3 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hans C Dringenberg
- 4 Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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18
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Matson M, Schenk N. Fatality of 33-Year-Old Man Involving Kratom Toxicity. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1933-1935. [PMID: 31121058 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Kratom is an herbal product commonly used for its effects which are similar to opioids and stimulants. Few studies demonstrate the dangers and lethality of Kratom, and most fatalities from Kratom involve other abused substances. In the current case report, a 33-year-old white man with a known history of opioid abuse and mental illnesses was found unresponsive in his basement with no obvious signs of trauma. After resuscitative efforts, he was pronounced dead and taken for autopsy evaluation. Blood from the inferior vena cava was analyzed for common abused substances. The laboratory toxicology work-up revealed positive findings of caffeine, cotinine, and naloxone with low levels of Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. However, a marked level of mitragynine at 1.9 mg/L was observed, the highest reported to date. Given the facts and evidence, the medical examiner certified the cause of death as "mitragynine toxicity" and the manner of death was classified as an "accident."
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Matson
- Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, 800 West Jefferson Street, Kirksville, MO
| | - Noel Schenk
- Davis Behavioral Health, 934 South Main Street, #6, Layton, UT
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19
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Jagabalan JDY, Murugaiyah V, Zainal H, Mansor SM, Ramanathan S. Intestinal permeability of mitragynine in rats using in situ absorption model. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2019; 21:351-363. [PMID: 29667422 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2018.1461088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal permeability of mitragynine was investigated in situ using a single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) absorption model, in small intestine of rat using mitragynine in the absence/presence of the permeability markers, P-gp and/or CYP3A4 inhibitors. Mitragynine demonstrated high intestinal permeability (Peff of 1.11 × 10-4 cm/s) that is in the range of highly permeable drugs such as propranolol (Peff of 1.27 × 10-4 cm/s) indicating that it readily crosses the intestine. The addition of azithromycin (P-glycoprotein inhibitor) and ciprofloxacin (CYP3A4 inhibitor) or combination of both has no effect on intestinal permeability of mitragynine across the rat small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vikneswaran Murugaiyah
- b School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Universiti Sains Malaysia , Penang 11800 , Malaysia
| | - Hadzliana Zainal
- b School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Universiti Sains Malaysia , Penang 11800 , Malaysia
| | | | - Surash Ramanathan
- a Centre for Drug Research , Universiti Sains Malaysia , Penang 11800 , Malaysia
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20
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Meireles V, Rosado T, Barroso M, Soares S, Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Caramelo D, Simão AY, Fernández N, Duarte AP, Gallardo E. Mitragyna speciosa: Clinical, Toxicological Aspects and Analysis in Biological and Non-Biological Samples. MEDICINES 2019; 6:medicines6010035. [PMID: 30836609 PMCID: PMC6473843 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The abuse of psychotropic substances is a well-known phenomenon, and many of them are usually associated with ancestral traditions and home remedies. This is the case of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), a tropical tree used to improve work performance and to withstand great heat. According to several published studies, the main reasons for kratom consumption involve improving sexual performance and endurance, but also social and recreational uses for the feeling of happiness and euphoria; it is also used for medical purposes as a pain reliever, and in the treatment of diarrhea, fever, diabetes, and hypertension. However, this plant has gained more popularity amongst young people over the last years. Since it is available on the internet for purchase, its use is now widely as a drug of abuse, namely as a new psychoactive substance, being a cheaper alternative to opioids that does not require medical prescription in most countries. According to internet surveys by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction in 2008 and 2011, kratom was one of the most widely supplied new psychoactive substances. The composition of kratom is complex; in fact, more than 40 different alkaloids have been identified in Mitragyna speciosa so far, the major constituent being mitragynine, which is exclusive to this plant. Besides mitragynine, alkaloids such as corynantheidine and 7-hydroxamitragynine also present pharmacological effects, a feature that may be attributed to the remaining constituents as well. The main goal of this review is not only to understand the origin, chemistry, consumption, and analytical methodologies for analysis and mechanism of action, but also the use of secondary metabolites of kratom as therapeutic drugs and the assessment of potential risks associated with its consumption, in order to aid health professionals, toxicologists, and police authorities in cases where this plant is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Meireles
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Rosado
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Mário Barroso
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses-Delegação do Sul, 1169-201 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Débora Caramelo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Ana Y Simão
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Nicolás Fernández
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Toxicología y Química Legal, Laboratorio de Asesoramiento Toxicológico Analítico (CENATOXA). Junín 956 7mo piso. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina.
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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21
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Chemical constituents and nitric oxide inhibitory activity of supercritical carbon dioxide extracts from Mitragyna speciosa leaves. ARAB J CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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22
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Yusoff NH, Mansor SM, Müller CP, Hassan Z. Opioid receptors mediate the acquisition, but not the expression of mitragynine-induced conditioned place preference in rats. Behav Brain Res 2017; 332:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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23
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Vázquez López JL, Schild L, Günther T, Schulz S, Neurath H, Becker A. The effects of kratom on restraint-stress-induced analgesia and its mechanisms of action. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 205:178-185. [PMID: 28501425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mitragyna speciosa and its extracts are called kratom (dried leaves, extract). They contain several alkaloids with an affinity for different opioid receptors. They are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of different diseases, as a substitute by opiate addicts, and to mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Apart from their medical properties, they are used to enhance physical endurance and as a means of overcoming stress. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms underlying the effects of kratom on restraint-stress-induced analgesia which occurs during or following exposure to a stressful or fearful stimulus. METHODS To gain further insights into the action of kratom on stress, we conducted experiments using restraint stress as a test system and stress-induced analgesia as a test parameter. Using transgenic mu opioid-receptor (MOR) deficient mice, we studied the involvement of this receptor type. We used nor-binaltorphimine (BNT), an antagonist at kappa opioid receptors (KOR), to study functions of this type of receptor. Membrane potential assay was also employed to measure the intrinsic activity of kratom in comparison to U50,488, a highly selective kappa agonist. RESULTS Treatment with kratom diminished stress-induced analgesia in wildtype and MOR knockout animals. Pretreatment of MOR deficient mice with BNT resulted in similar effects. In comparison to U50,488, kratom exhibited negligible intrinsic activity at KOR alone. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the use of kratom as a pharmacological tool to mitigate withdrawal symptoms is related to its action on KOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Vázquez López
- Otto-von-Guericke University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Schild
- Otto-von-Guericke-University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathobiochemistry, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena University Hospital, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena University Hospital, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Hartmud Neurath
- Center of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Georg August University, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Axel Becker
- Otto-von-Guericke University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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24
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Feng LY, Battulga A, Han E, Chung H, Li JH. New psychoactive substances of natural origin: A brief review. J Food Drug Anal 2017; 25:461-471. [PMID: 28911631 PMCID: PMC9328809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based drugs of abuse are as old as recorded human history. Although traditional addictive substances, such as opium, cannabis and coca, have been controlled by the United Nations anti-drug conventions, many, if not most, natural plants with addictive or abuse liability remain elusive. Therefore, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned the emerging threat from new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are mostly derived or modified from the constituents of natural origin. For example, synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones are derived from the cannabis and khat plant, respectively. In this review, we briefly discussed the chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of five common NPS of natural origin, i.e., khat, kratom, salvia, magic mushroom and mandrake. Through the review, we hope that professionals and general public alike can pay more attention to the potential problems caused by natural NPS, and suitable control measures will be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yi Feng
- Ph.D. Program in Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Altansuvd Battulga
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Eunyoung Han
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heesun Chung
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.
| | - Jih-Heng Li
- Ph.D. Program in Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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25
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Hassan Z, Bosch OG, Singh D, Narayanan S, Kasinather BV, Seifritz E, Kornhuber J, Quednow BB, Müller CP. Novel Psychoactive Substances-Recent Progress on Neuropharmacological Mechanisms of Action for Selected Drugs. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:152. [PMID: 28868040 PMCID: PMC5563308 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A feature of human culture is that we can learn to consume chemical compounds, derived from natural plants or synthetic fabrication, for their psychoactive effects. These drugs change the mental state and/or the behavioral performance of an individual and can be instrumentalized for various purposes. After the emergence of a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) and a period of experimental consumption, personal and medical benefits and harm potential of the NPS can be estimated on evidence base. This may lead to a legal classification of the NPS, which may range from limited medical use, controlled availability up to a complete ban of the drug form publically accepted use. With these measures, however, a drug does not disappear, but frequently continues to be used, which eventually allows an even better estimate of the drug's properties. Thus, only in rare cases, there is a final verdict that is no more questioned. Instead, the view on a drug can change from tolerable to harmful but may also involve the new establishment of a desired medical application to a previously harmful drug. Here, we provide a summary review on a number of NPS for which the neuropharmacological evaluation has made important progress in recent years. They include mitragynine ("Kratom"), synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., "Spice"), dimethyltryptamine and novel serotonergic hallucinogens, the cathinones mephedrone and methylone, ketamine and novel dissociative drugs, γ-hydroxybutyrate, γ-butyrolactone, and 1,4-butanediol. This review shows not only emerging harm potentials but also some potential medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Darshan Singh
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Narayanan
- School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | | | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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26
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Fluyau D, Revadigar N. Biochemical Benefits, Diagnosis, and Clinical Risks Evaluation of Kratom. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:62. [PMID: 28484399 PMCID: PMC5402527 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree with a long history of traditional use in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. Kratom is also known as Thom, Thang, and Biak. Its leaves and the teas brewed from them have long been used by people in that region to manage pain and opioid withdrawal and to stave off fatigue. Kratom is actually consumed throughout the world for its stimulant effects and as an opioid substitute (in form of tea, chewed, smoked, or ingested in capsules). Some case reports have associated kratom exposure with psychosis, seizures, intrahepatic cholestasis, other medical conditions, and deaths. The clinical manifestations of kratom effects are not well defined and the clinical studies are limited. Data research suggest that both stimulant and sedative dose-dependent effects do exist, in addition to antinociceptive, antidepressant activity, anxiolytic-like effects, and anorectic effects, but a growing concern for the drug's effects and safety of use has resulted in national and international attention primarily due to an increase in hospital visits and deaths in several countries that are believed to have been caused by extracts of the plant. There is a dearth of double blind controlled studies. In this study, we aim to use existing literature to clarify both benefits and risks of kratom as well as its diagnosis evaluation as kratom misuse is an emerging trend in the Western world. METHODS Literature review using databases such as Embase, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Mendeley from 2007 to 2017 were evaluated by all authors to analyze current state on benefits, risks, and diagnosis evaluation of kratom (M. speciosa). RESULTS Data analysis suggested that kratom possesses some benefits such as stimulant and sedative effects as wells as antinociceptive effects. It seems to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediator release and vascular permeability and can enhance immunity. In addition, it may be an antidepressant and anorectic. However, kratom can cause intrahepatic cholestasis, seizure, arrhythmia, impair memory function, coma, and death. Psychological manifestations described are euphoria and feeling relaxed to severe symptoms such as aggression, hostility, and psychosis. Medical manifestations described are polyuria, dry mouth, vomiting, and jerky movements. Currently, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) are suggested as the most promising to rapidly screen kratom products providing a positive success rate. CONCLUSION Our data analysis has not determined if biochemical benefits of kratom may prove to outweigh its toxicity and risks. On the contrary, it seems that its potential side effects outweigh the benefits, and severe and real health hazards can, insidiously, lead to death. Kratom clinical, psychological, and medical manifestations can be disturbing. Kratom (M. speciosa) use, among multiple compounds of the leaf, appear to be increasing in the Western world. Promising methods to accurately identify kratom compounds are still ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimy Fluyau
- Brain Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Váradi A, Marrone GF, Palmer TC, Narayan A, Szabó MR, Le Rouzic V, Grinnell SG, Subrath JJ, Warner E, Kalra S, Hunkele A, Pagirsky J, Eans SO, Medina JM, Xu J, Pan YX, Borics A, Pasternak GW, McLaughlin JP, Majumdar S. Mitragynine/Corynantheidine Pseudoindoxyls As Opioid Analgesics with Mu Agonism and Delta Antagonism, Which Do Not Recruit β-Arrestin-2. J Med Chem 2016; 59:8381-97. [PMID: 27556704 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural products found in Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, represent diverse scaffolds (indole, indolenine, and spiro pseudoindoxyl) with opioid activity, providing opportunities to better understand opioid pharmacology. Herein, we report the pharmacology and SAR studies both in vitro and in vivo of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (3), an oxidative rearrangement product of the corynanthe alkaloid mitragynine. 3 and its corresponding corynantheidine analogs show promise as potent analgesics with a mechanism of action that includes mu opioid receptor agonism/delta opioid receptor antagonism. In vitro, 3 and its analogs were potent agonists in [(35)S]GTPγS assays at the mu opioid receptor but failed to recruit β-arrestin-2, which is associated with opioid side effects. Additionally, 3 developed analgesic tolerance more slowly than morphine, showed limited physical dependence, respiratory depression, constipation, and displayed no reward or aversion in CPP/CPA assays, suggesting that analogs might represent a promising new generation of novel pain relievers.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Váradi
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Gina F Marrone
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Travis C Palmer
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Ankita Narayan
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Márton R Szabó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged, H-6726 Hungary
| | - Valerie Le Rouzic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Steven G Grinnell
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Joan J Subrath
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Evelyn Warner
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Amanda Hunkele
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Jeremy Pagirsky
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Shainnel O Eans
- Department of Pharmacodyanamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 032610, United States
| | - Jessica M Medina
- Department of Pharmacodyanamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 032610, United States
| | - Jin Xu
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Ying-Xian Pan
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Attila Borics
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Szeged, H-6726 Hungary
| | - Gavril W Pasternak
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Jay P McLaughlin
- Department of Pharmacodyanamics, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida 032610, United States
| | - Susruta Majumdar
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program and Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York 10065, United States
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Suhaimi FW, Yusoff NHM, Hassan R, Mansor SM, Navaratnam V, Müller CP, Hassan Z. Neurobiology of Kratom and its main alkaloid mitragynine. Brain Res Bull 2016; 126:29-40. [PMID: 27018165 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kratom or its main alkaloid, mitragynine is derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa Korth which is indigenous to Southeast Asian countries. This substance has become widely available in other countries like Europe and United States due to its opium- and coca-like effects. In this article, we have reviewed available reports on mitragynine and other M. speciosa extracts. M. speciosa has been proven to have a rewarding effect and is effective in alleviating the morphine and ethanol withdrawal effects. However, studies in human revealed that prolonged consumption of this plant led to dependence and tolerance while cessation caused a series of aversive withdrawal symptoms. Findings also showed that M. speciosa extracts possess antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and muscle relaxant properties. Available evidence further supports the adverse effects of M. speciosa preparations, mitragynine on cognition. Pharmacological activities are mainly mediated via opioid receptors as well as neuronal Ca2+ channels, expression of cAMP and CREB protein and via descending monoaminergic system. Physicochemical properties of mitragynine have been documented which may further explain the variation in pharmacological responses. In summary, current researchs on its main indole alkaloid, mitragynine suggest both therapeutic and addictive potential but further research on its molecular effects is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah W Suhaimi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nurul H M Yusoff
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Rahimah Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sharif M Mansor
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia.
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Swogger MT, Hart E, Erowid F, Erowid E, Trabold N, Yee K, Parkhurst KA, Priddy BM, Walsh Z. Experiences of Kratom Users: A Qualitative Analysis. J Psychoactive Drugs 2015; 47:360-7. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2015.1096434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Following "the Roots" of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): The Evolution of an Enhancer from a Traditional Use to Increase Work and Productivity in Southeast Asia to a Recreational Psychoactive Drug in Western Countries. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:968786. [PMID: 26640804 PMCID: PMC4657101 DOI: 10.1155/2015/968786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of substances to enhance human abilities is a constant and cross-cultural feature in the evolution of humanity. Although much has changed over time, the availability on the Internet, often supported by misleading marketing strategies, has made their use even more likely and risky. This paper will explore the case of Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (kratom), a tropical tree used traditionally to combat fatigue and improve work productivity among farm populations in Southeast Asia, which has recently become popular as novel psychoactive substance in Western countries. Specifically, it (i) reviews the state of the art on kratom pharmacology and identification; (ii) provides a comprehensive overview of kratom use cross-culturally; (iii) explores the subjective experiences of users; (iv) identifies potential risks and side-effects related to its consumption. Finally, it concludes that the use of kratom is not negligible, especially for self-medication, and more clinical, pharmacological, and socioanthropological studies as well as a better international collaboration are needed to tackle this marginally explored phenomenon.
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Discriminative stimulus properties of mitragynine (kratom) in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:2227-38. [PMID: 25616583 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3866-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Mitragynine (MG) is the primary active alkaloid extracted from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa or kratom and exhibits pharmacological activities mediated by opioid receptors. The plant has been traditionally used for its opium and psychostimulant-like effects to increase work efficiency or as a substitute in the self-treatment of opiate addiction. OBJECTIVES The present study was performed to investigate the discriminative stimulus effects of MG in rats. The pharmacological mechanism of MG action and its derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG) with a specific focus on opioid receptor involvement was examined in rats trained to discriminate morphine from vehicle. In order to study the dual actions of MG, the effect of cocaine substitution to the MG discriminative stimulus was also performed in MG-trained rats. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats were trained to discriminate MG from vehicle in a two-lever drug discrimination procedure under a tandem variable-interval (VI 60') fixed-ratio (FR 10) schedule of food reinforcement. RESULTS Rats acquired the MG discrimination (15.0 mg/kg, i.p.) which was similar to the acquisition of morphine discrimination (5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) in another group of rats. MG substituted fully to the morphine discriminative stimulus in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting pharmacological similarities between the two drugs. The administration of 7-HMG derivative in 3.0 mg/kg (i.p.) dose engendered full generalisation to the morphine discriminative stimulus. In addition, the MG stimulus also partially generalised to cocaine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) stimulus. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates that the discriminative stimulus effect of MG possesses both opioid- and psychostimulant-like subjective effects.
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Ilmie MU, Jaafar H, Mansor SM, Abdullah JM. Subchronic toxicity study of standardized methanolic extract of Mitragyna speciosa Korth in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:189. [PMID: 26136645 PMCID: PMC4470260 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitragyna speciosa Korth, or better known as ketum, has long been used by traditional folk around Southeast Asia to prevent fatigue from working under hot tropical weather and as a replacement of opium, which can then cause addiction. To date, no findings have been reported of the toxic effect of ketum subchronically (28 days). Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of subchronic effect of standardized methanolic extract of ketum (SMEMS) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were orally administered with 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg of SMEMS for 28 days. Body weights were recorded daily. They were terminated at day 28 to obtain data for hematology, biochemistry, and histopathology of the brain, liver, kidney, lung, heart, sciatic nerve, and spinal cord. The SMEMS affected body weight compared to control group. Biochemistry findings showed that liver and kidney were affected with the abnormal values in AST, creatinine, globulin, glucose, total protein, and urea. However, SMEMS produced toxic effect more to liver, kidney, and lung than other organs as observed histopathologically. The results suggested subchronic exposure of ketum is toxic to the physiology of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd U Ilmie
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Hasnan Jaafar
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Sharif M Mansor
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia Georgetown, Malaysia
| | - Jafri M Abdullah
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kota Bharu, Malaysia ; Centre for Neuroscience Services and Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia Kota Bharu, Malaysia ; Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Jalan Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia Kota Bharu, Malaysia
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Sukwan C, Wray S, Kupittayanant S. The effects of Ginseng Java root extract on uterine contractility in nonpregnant rats. Physiol Rep 2014; 2:2/12/e12230. [PMID: 25472610 PMCID: PMC4332211 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginseng Java or Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Geartn has long been used in herbal recipes because of its various therapeutic properties. Ginseng Java is believed to be beneficial to the female reproductive system by inducing lactation and restoring uterine functions after the postpartum period. There are, however, no scientific data on verifying the effects on the uterus to support its therapeutic relevance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Ginseng Java root extract and its possible mechanism(s) of action on uterine contractility. Female virgin rats were humanely killed by CO2 asphyxia and uteri removed. Isometric force was measured in strips of longitudinal myometrium. The effects of Ginseng Java root extract at its IC50 concentration (0.23 mg/mL) on spontaneous, oxytocin‐induced (10 nmol/L), and depolarized (KCl 40 mmol/L) contraction were investigated. After establishing regular phasic contractions, the application of Java root extract significantly inhibited spontaneous uterine contractility (n =5). The extract also significantly inhibited the contraction induced by high KCl solution (n =5) and oxytocin (n =5). The extract also inhibited oxytocin‐induced contraction in the absence of external Ca entry (n =7) and the tonic force induced by oxytocin in the presence of high KCl solution. Taken together, the data demonstrate a potent and consistent ability of extract from Ginseng Java root to reduce myometrial contractility. The tocolytic effects were demonstrated on both spontaneous and agonist‐induced contractions. The fact that force was inhibited in depolarized conditions suggests that the possible mechanisms may be blockade of Ca influx via L‐type Ca channels. The data in Ca‐free solutions suggest that the extract also reduces IP3‐induced Ca release from the internal store. These tocolytic effects do not support the use of ginseng to help with postpartum contractility, but instead suggest it may be helpful in reducing inappropriate uterine contractions, such as in threatened preterm delivery. The data demonstrate a potent and consistent ability of extract from Ginseng Java root to reduce myometrial contractility. The tocolytic effects were demonstrated on both spontaneous and agonist‐induced contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catthareeya Sukwan
- Agricultural Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Susan Wray
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, U.K
| | - Sajeera Kupittayanant
- School of Physiology, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
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Abstract
Kratom use is a growing problem in the United States. Kratom exposures reported to Texas poison centers between January 1998 and September 2013 were identified. No kratom exposures were reported from 1998 to 2008 and 14 exposures were reported from 2009 to September 2013. Eleven patients were male, and 11 patients were in their 20s. The kratom was ingested in 12 patients, inhaled in 1, and both ingested and inhaled in 1. Twelve patients were managed at a healthcare facility and the remaining 2 were managed at home.
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Matsumoto K, Narita M, Muramatsu N, Nakayama T, Misawa K, Kitajima M, Tashima K, Devi LA, Suzuki T, Takayama H, Horie S. Orally active opioid μ/δ dual agonist MGM-16, a derivative of the indole alkaloid mitragynine, exhibits potent antiallodynic effect on neuropathic pain in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 348:383-92. [PMID: 24345467 PMCID: PMC6067406 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.208108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
(E)-Methyl 2-((2S,3S,7aS,12bS)-3-ethyl-7a-hydroxy-8-methoxy-1,2,3,4,6,7,7a,12b-octahydroindolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-yl)-3-methoxyacrylate (7-hydroxymitragynine), a main active constituent of the traditional herbal medicine Mitragyna speciosa, is an indole alkaloid that is structurally different from morphine. 7-Hydroxymitragynine induces a potent antinociceptive effect on mouse acute pain through μ-opioid receptors. In this study, we developed dual-acting μ- and δ-opioid agonists MGM-15 and MGM-16 from 7-hydroxymitragynine for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. MGM-16 showed a higher potency than that of 7-hydroxymitragynine and MGM-15 in in vitro and in vivo assays. MGM-16 exhibited a high affinity for μ- and δ-opioid receptors, with K(i) values of 2.1 and 7.0 nM, respectively. MGM-16 showed μ- and δ-opioid full agonistic effects in a guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thiotriphosphate) binding assay and in a functional test using electrically elicited guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens contractions. Systemic administration of MGM-16 produced antinociceptive effects in a mouse acute pain model and antiallodynic effects in a chronic pain model. The antinociceptive effect of MGM-16 was approximately 240 times more potent than that of morphine in a mouse tail-flick test, and its antiallodynic effect was approximately 100 times more potent than that of gabapentin in partial sciatic nerve-ligated mice, especially with oral administration. The antinociceptive effect of MGM-16 was completely and partially blocked by the μ-selective antagonist β-funaltrexamine hydrochloride (β-FNA) and by the δ-selective antagonist naltrindole, respectively, in a tail-flick test. The antiallodynic effect of MGM-16 was completely blocked by β-FNA and naltrindole in a neuropathic pain model. These findings suggest that MGM-16 could become a class of a compound with potential therapeutic utility for treating neuropathic pain.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Oral
- Animals
- CHO Cells
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Hyperalgesia/drug therapy
- Hyperalgesia/physiopathology
- Ileum/drug effects
- Ileum/physiopathology
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Male
- Mice
- Muscle Contraction
- Muscle, Smooth/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth/physiology
- Neuralgia/drug therapy
- Neuralgia/physiopathology
- Physical Stimulation
- Rabbits
- Radioligand Assay
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Sciatic Neuropathy/drug therapy
- Sciatic Neuropathy/physiopathology
- Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/chemistry
- Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/pharmacology
- Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids/therapeutic use
- Stereoisomerism
- Touch
- Vas Deferens/drug effects
- Vas Deferens/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Matsumoto
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai International University, Chiba, Japan (K.Ma., N.M., K.T., S.H.); Department of Toxicology (K.Ma., M.N., T.S.) and Department of Pharmacology (K.Ma., M.N.), Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Molecular Structure and Biological Function, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan (T.N., K.Mi., M.K., H.T.); and Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York (L.A.D.)
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Sabetghadam A, Ramanathan S, Sasidharan S, Mansor SM. Subchronic exposure to mitragynine, the principal alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa, in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 146:815-823. [PMID: 23422336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mitragyna speciosa is a popular medicinal plant in Southeast Asia which is commonly used for its morphine-like effects. Although the analgesic properties of Mitragyna speciosa and its ability to ameliorate withdrawal signs after abrupt cessation of opioid abuse are well known, information about the long-term safety of the plant's active compounds is lacking. In this work, we evaluated the effects of sub-chronic exposure to mitragynine, the principal alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa leaves in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received three doses of mitragynine (1, 10, 100mg/kg, p.o) for 28 days respectively. Food intake and relative body weight were measured during the experiment. After completion of drug treatment biochemical, hematological, and histological analyses were performed. RESULTS No mortality was observed in any of the treatment groups. The groups of rats treated with the lower and intermediate doses showed no toxic effects during the study. However, the relative body weight of the group of female rats treated with the 100mg/kg dose was decreased significantly. Food intake also tended to decrease in the same group. Only relative liver weight increased after treatment with the high dose of mitragynine (100mg/ kg) in both the male and female treatment groups of rats. Biochemical and hematological parameters were also altered especially in high dose treatment group which corresponds to the histopathological changes. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated that mitragynine is relatively safe at lower sub-chronic doses (1-10mg/kg) but exhibited toxicity at a highest dose (sub-chronic 28 days: 100mg/kg). This was confirmed by liver, kidney, and brain histopathological changes, as well as hematological and biochemical changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Sabetghadam
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
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Lim EL, Seah TC, Koe XF, Wahab HA, Adenan MI, Jamil MFA, Majid MIA, Tan ML. In vitro evaluation of cytochrome P450 induction and the inhibition potential of mitragynine, a stimulant alkaloid. Toxicol In Vitro 2012; 27:812-24. [PMID: 23274770 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CYP450 enzymes are key determinants in drug toxicities, reduced pharmacological effect and adverse drug reactions. Mitragynine, an euphoric compound was evaluated for its effects on the expression of mRNAs encoding CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 and protein expression and resultant enzymatic activity. The mRNA and protein expression of CYP450 isoforms were carried out using an optimized multiplex qRT-PCR assay and Western blot analysis. CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzyme activities were evaluated using P450-Glo™ assays. The effects of mitragynine on human CYP3A4 protein expression were determined using an optimized hCYP3A4-HepG2 cell-based assay. An in silico computational method to predict the binding conformation of mitragynine to the active site of the CYP3A4 enzyme was performed and further validated using in vitro CYP3A4 inhibition assays. Mitragynine was found to induce mRNA and protein expression of CYP1A2. For the highest concentration of 25 μM, induction of mRNA was approximately 70% that of the positive control and was consistent with the increased CYP1A2 enzymatic activity. Thus, mitragynine is a significant in vitro CYP1A2 inducer. However, it appeared to be a weak CYP3A4 inducer at the transcriptional level and a weak CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitor. It is therefore, unlikely to have any significant clinical effects on CYP3A4 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Lin Lim
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Hassan Z, Muzaimi M, Navaratnam V, Yusoff NHM, Suhaimi FW, Vadivelu R, Vicknasingam BK, Amato D, von Hörsten S, Ismail NIW, Jayabalan N, Hazim AI, Mansor SM, Müller CP. From Kratom to mitragynine and its derivatives: physiological and behavioural effects related to use, abuse, and addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012. [PMID: 23206666 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kratom (or Ketum) is a psychoactive plant preparation used in Southeast Asia. It is derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa Korth. Kratom as well as its main alkaloid, mitragynine, currently spreads around the world. Thus, addiction potential and adverse health consequences are becoming an important issue for health authorities. Here we reviewed the available evidence and identified future research needs. It was found that mitragynine and M. speciosa preparations are systematically consumed with rather well defined instrumentalization goals, e.g. to enhance tolerance for hard work or as a substitute in the self-treatment of opiate addiction. There is also evidence from experimental animal models supporting analgesic, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory as well as strong anorectic effects. In humans, regular consumption may escalate, lead to tolerance and may yield aversive withdrawal effects. Mitragynine and its derivatives actions in the central nervous system involve μ-opioid receptors, neuronal Ca²⁺ channels and descending monoaminergic projections. Altogether, available data currently suggest both, a therapeutic as well as an abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
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Sabetghadam A, Navaratnam V, Mansor SM. Dose-Response Relationship, Acute Toxicity, and Therapeutic Index between the Alkaloid Extract ofMitragyna speciosaand Its Main Active Compound Mitragynine in Mice. Drug Dev Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Sabetghadam
- Centre for Drug Research; Universiti Sains Malaysia; P. Pinang; 11800; Malaysia
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Saingam D, Assanangkornchai S, Geater AF, Balthip Q. Pattern and consequences of krathom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) use among male villagers in southern Thailand: a qualitative study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2012; 24:351-8. [PMID: 23083922 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Krathom is currently the most popular illicit substance in use in southern Thailand. Research regarding its effects and health impacts is scarce. This study explored the pattern of krathom use and users' perceptions of the consequences of its use. METHODS An in-depth qualitative interview. A group of 34 self-identified regular users, occasional users, non-users and ex-users of krathom was used in this study. Health volunteer as a key-contact person helped the researcher to invite villagers to participate in the study using snowballing technique. The process of data analysis was guided by Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory. RESULTS The core category, 'Understanding krathom use', was generated from three inter-related categories: (i) reasons for continuing krathom use, (ii) the way of applying krathom, and (iii) perceiving positive and realizing the negative effects of krathom use and their 18 subcategories. CONCLUSIONS The study findings reveal the importance of considering krathom use from the perspective and belief of the villagers. Krathom is addictive with its own characteristic symptoms and signs. The results provide support for policy interventions to control the availability of krathom according to the community context. In addition, krathom misuse by adolescents must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darika Saingam
- Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
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Rosenbaum CD, Carreiro SP, Babu KM. Here today, gone tomorrow…and back again? A review of herbal marijuana alternatives (K2, Spice), synthetic cathinones (bath salts), kratom, Salvia divinorum, methoxetamine, and piperazines. J Med Toxicol 2012; 8:15-32. [PMID: 22271566 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-011-0202-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their widespread Internet availability and use, many of the new drugs of abuse remain unfamiliar to health care providers. The herbal marijuana alternatives, like K2 or Spice, are a group of herbal blends that contain a mixture of plant matter in addition to chemical grade synthetic cannabinoids. The synthetic cathinones, commonly called "bath salts," have resulted in nationwide emergency department visits for severe agitation, sympathomimetic toxicity, and death. Kratom, a plant product derived from Mitragyna speciosa Korth, has opioid-like effects, and has been used for the treatment of chronic pain and amelioration of opioid-withdrawal symptoms. Salvia divinorum is a hallucinogen with unique pharmacology that has therapeutic potential but has been banned in many states due to concerns regarding its psychiatric effects. Methoxetamine has recently become available via the Internet and is marked as "legal ketamine." Moreover, the piperazine derivatives, a class of amphetamine-like compounds that includes BZP and TMFPP, are making a resurgence as "legal Ecstasy." These psychoactives are available via the Internet, frequently legal, and often perceived as safe by the public. Unfortunately, these drugs often have adverse effects, which range from minimal to life-threatening. Health care providers must be familiar with these important new classes of drugs. This paper discusses the background, pharmacology, clinical effects, detection, and management of synthetic cannabinoid, synthetic cathinone, methoxetamine, and piperazine exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Rosenbaum
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
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Utar Z, Majid MIA, Adenan MI, Jamil MFA, Lan TM. Mitragynine inhibits the COX-2 mRNA expression and prostaglandin E₂ production induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 136:75-82. [PMID: 21513785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE [corrected] Mitragyna speciosa Korth (Rubiaceae) is one of the medicinal plants used traditionally to treat various types of diseases especially in Thailand and Malaysia. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in its crude form are well documented. In this study, the cellular mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of mitragynine, the major bioactive constituent, was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of mitragynine on the mRNA and protein expression of COX-1 and COX-2 and the production of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) were investigated in LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of COX-1 and COX-2. Protein expression of COX-1 and COX-2 were assessed using Western blot analysis and the level of PGE(2) production was quantified using Parameter™ PGE(2) Assay (R&D Systems). RESULTS Mitragynine produced a significant inhibition on the mRNA expression of COX-2 induced by LPS, in a dose dependent manner and this was followed by the reduction of PGE(2) production. On the other hand, the effects of mitragynine on COX-1 mRNA expression were found to be insignificant as compared to the control cells. However, the effect of mitragynine on COX-1 protein expression is dependent on concentration, with higher concentration of mitragynine producing a further reduction of COX-1 expression in LPS-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that mitragynine suppressed PGE(2) production by inhibiting COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Mitragynine may be useful for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulkhurnain Utar
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Sains@USM Complex, 10, Persiaran Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Khan H, Saeed M, Gilani AUH, Khan MA, Khan I, Ashraf N. Antinociceptive Activity of Aerial Parts of Polygonatum verticillatum
: Attenuation of Both Peripheral and Central Pain Mediators. Phytother Res 2011; 25:1024-30. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Peshawar; Peshawar 25120 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saeed
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Peshawar; Peshawar 25120 Pakistan
| | - Anwar ul Hassan Gilani
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Aga Khan University Medical College; Karachi 74800 Pakistan
| | - Murad Ali Khan
- Chemistry Department; Kohat University of Science and Technology; Pakistan
| | - Inamullah Khan
- Department of Pharmacy; University of Peshawar; Peshawar 25120 Pakistan
| | - Nadeem Ashraf
- Pharmacology Section, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical Sciences; University of Karachi; Karachi - 75270 Pakistan
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Chittrakarn S, Keawpradub N, Sawangjaroen K, Kansenalak S, Janchawee B. The neuromuscular blockade produced by pure alkaloid, mitragynine and methanol extract of kratom leaves (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2010; 129:344-349. [PMID: 20371282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY The effects of pure alkaloid, mitragynine and a methanolic extract of kratom leaves were investigated on neuromuscular junction and compound nerve action potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wistar rats were killed by cervical dislocation and decapitated. The phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragms, hemidiaphragms and sciatic nerve were isolated. RESULTS Kratom methanolic extract present at 0.1-1 mg/mL and mitragynine (0.0156 mg/mL) decreased the muscle twitch on the isolated phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm and hemidiaphragm preparation. Muscle relaxation caused by kratom extract (1 mg/mL) was greater than the effect of mitragynine. Pancuronium and succinylcholine potentiated the effect of kratom extract. It also had a direct relaxation effect on the hemidiaphragm muscle. The muscle relaxation caused by kratom extract was not antagonized by neostigmine, tetraethylammonium and calcium chloride. High concentrations of kratom extract (10-40 mg/mL) and mitragynine (2 mg/mL) blocked the nerve conduction, amplitude and duration of compound nerve action potential. CONCLUSIONS The mechanism of action of kratom extract might not act as a competitive antagonist of acetylcholine yet its dominant effect was at the neuromuscular junction and not at the skeletal muscle or somatic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somsmorn Chittrakarn
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla, Thailand.
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LÜ W, LIU X, LIU D, SHI L, SUN Q. Vapor-Phase Synthesis of 3-Methylindole over Fe-, Co-, or Ni-Promoted Ag/SiO2 Catalysts. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2067(08)60145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Lu S, Tran BN, Nelsen JL, Aldous KM. Quantitative analysis of mitragynine in human urine by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2009; 877:2499-505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2009.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Revised: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Chee JW, Amirul A, Majid M, Mansor S. Factors influencing the release of Mitragyna speciosa crude extracts from biodegradable P(3HB-co-4HB). Int J Pharm 2008; 361:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2008.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2007] [Revised: 04/17/2008] [Accepted: 05/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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MGM-9 [(E)-methyl 2-(3-ethyl-7a,12a-(epoxyethanoxy)-9-fluoro-1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b-octahydro-8-methoxyindolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-yl)-3-methoxyacrylate], a derivative of the indole alkaloid mitragynine: a novel dual-acting mu- and kappa-opioid agonist with potent antinociceptive and weak rewarding effects in mice. Neuropharmacology 2008; 55:154-65. [PMID: 18550129 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2007] [Revised: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 05/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitragynine is a major indole alkaloid isolated from the Thai medicinal plant Mitragyna speciosa that has opium-like properties, although its chemical structure is quite different from that of morphine. We attempted to develop novel analgesics derived from mitragynine, and thus synthesized the ethylene glycol-bridged and C10-fluorinated derivative of mitragynine, MGM-9 [(E)-methyl 2-(3-ethyl-7a,12a-(epoxyethanoxy)-9-fluoro-1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b-octahydro-8-methoxyindolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-2-yl)-3-methoxyacrylate]. We hypothesized that a dual-acting mu- and kappa-opioid agonist could produce potent antinociceptive effects with fewer rewarding effects compared with mu agonists. In this study, MGM-9 exhibited high affinity for mu- and kappa-opioid receptors with Ki values of 7.3 and 18 nM, respectively. MGM-9 showed a potent opioid agonistic effect, and its effects were meditated by mu- and kappa-opioid receptor mechanisms in in vitro assays. Subcutaneous and oral administration of MGM-9 produced potent antinociceptive effects in mouse tail-flick, hot-plate, and writhing tests. When administered orally, the antinociceptive effect of MGM-9 was seven to 22 times more potent than that of morphine. The antinociceptive effects of MGM-9 were mediated by both mu- and kappa-opioid receptors. Subcutaneous administration of MGM-9 twice daily for 5 days led to antinociceptive tolerance. In the gastrointestinal transit study, MGM-9 inhibited gastrointestinal transit, but its effect was weaker than that of morphine at equi-antinociceptive doses. Furthermore, MGM-9 induced less hyperlocomotion and fewer rewarding effects than morphine. The rewarding effect of MGM-9 was blocked by a mu antagonist and enhanced by a kappa antagonist. Taken together, the results suggest that MGM-9 is a promising novel analgesic that has a stronger antinociceptive effect and weaker adverse effects than morphine.
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Chittrakarn S, Sawangjaroen K, Prasettho S, Janchawee B, Keawpradub N. Inhibitory effects of kratom leaf extract (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) on the rat gastrointestinal tract. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2008; 116:173-178. [PMID: 18191353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Revised: 11/11/2007] [Accepted: 11/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) is an indigenous plant of Thailand used traditionally in folk medicine although it is claimed to cause addiction. It is used to treat diarrhea, however, there is no scientific evidence to support the use. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of kratom leaves on the rat gastrointestinal tract. Kratom extract at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) caused a dose dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats and also inhibited intestinal transit. The antidiarrheal effect was not antagonized by naloxzone. The inhibition of intestinal transit by kratom extract was significantly different from the control when treated with a single dose for 1 day. For longer-term treatments of 15 and 30 days, kratom extract did not decrease the intestinal transit time indicating that adaptation had occurred. Kratom extract at a dose level of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 30 days and morphine at 3 mg/kg (i.p.) caused a decrease in the increment of body weight that was significantly different from the control and kratom extract at lower doses (50 and 100 mg/kg). However it had no effect on the level of plasma cholecystokinin. The results suggested that methanolic kratom extract exhibited its antidiarrheal effect on rat gastrointestinal tract. The effects may occur via pathways in addition to the action on opioid receptors. High does of kratom extract decreased the increment of body weight similar to the effect of morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somsmorn Chittrakarn
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
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Ogbunugafo H, Okochi V, Okpuzor J, Odesanmi O, Ebigwe F. The Butanol Extract of Mitragyna ciliata Root: Potential as a Trypanocide. INT J PHARMACOL 2008. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2008.102.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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