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Endogenous Opioid Activity as the Mechanism of Action for Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom): The Current State of the Evidence

  • 0West Virginia University School of Medicine-Charleston, Charleston, WV, USA. adbowe@hsc.wvu.edu.
Advances in Neurobiology +

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June 14, 2024

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June 14, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Kratom, a Southeast Asian botanical, offers dose-dependent effects from stimulation to pain relief. Its traditional use and increasing global recreational popularity are explored, detailing its unique pharmacological actions.

Area Of Science

  • Ethnobotany
  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience

Background

  • Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a botanical from Southeast Asia with a long history of traditional medicinal use.
  • Its ritualistic use spans centuries, but recreational use has surged globally, particularly in the United States.
  • Kratom contains compounds with diverse pharmacological activities.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To review the literature on kratom's structural, functional, and cultural characteristics.
  • To provide an overview of historical and current kratom use patterns.
  • To summarize existing data on kratom's pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.

Main Methods

  • Literature review of scientific publications on kratom.
  • Analysis of ethnobotanical and historical records of kratom use.
  • Synthesis of pharmacological and pharmacokinetic data.

Main Results

  • Kratom exhibits a unique, dose-dependent parabolic effect profile, ranging from stimulant to opioid/analgesic effects.
  • Pharmacological studies identify kratom as a mu opioid receptor (MOR) and kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, explaining its analgesic properties.
  • Evidence suggests simultaneous action on dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors, contributing to its stimulant effects.

Conclusions

  • Kratom's complex pharmacology underlies its varied effects.
  • Understanding kratom's pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics is crucial given its increasing use.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate kratom's mechanisms and potential therapeutic or adverse effects.

Keywords:

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