Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025

A Planarian Motility Assay to Gauge the Biomodulating Properties of Natural Products
Published on: May 30, 2020
Kratom pharmacology: Clues from planarians exposed to mitragynine
Sarah Uddin1, Sonita Wiah1, Tony Kim1
1Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Mitragynine (MG), the most prevalent bioactive alkaloid in kratom, displays nanomolar affinity for µ, κ and δ opioid receptors and produces opioid-dependent antinociception and dependence in rats. Here, using a battery of behavioral assays, we investigated MG effects in planarians. Acute MG exposure (< 100 μM) did not affect planarian motility or environmental preference, but reduced motility was detected during abstinence from chronic MG (1, 10 μM). MG (10 μM) produced place conditioning effects that were reduced by naltrexone (10 μΜ). These results suggest that MG produces opioid-sensitive reinforcing effects in planarians and MG pharmacology is conserved across different species.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
MAPK Signaling Cascades
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes

