Probing the Molecular Mechanisms of Kratom's Antipsychotic Effects through a Multi-modal Computational Approach

Psychosis, marked by detachment from reality, includes symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Traditional herbal remedies like kratom are gaining attention for psychiatric conditions. This was aimed at comprehending the molecular mechanisms of Kratom's antipsychotic effects utilizing a multi-modal computational approach.

This study employed network pharmacology followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study to investigate the potential antipsychotic properties of kratom compounds by identifying their key molecular targets and interactions.

Compounds present in kratom interact with a variety of receptors and proteins that play a pivotal role in neurotransmission, neurodevelopment, and cellular signaling. These interactions, particularly with dopamine and serotonin receptors, various proteins, and pathways, suggest a complex influence on psychiatric conditions. Both mitragynine and zotepine (an atypical antipsychotic drug) display significant binding affinities for 5HTR2A receptors, suggesting their potential for modulating related physiological pathways. Mitragynine displayed higher flexibility in binding compared to zotepine, which showed a more stable interaction. Hydrogen bond analysis revealed a more variable interaction profile for mitragynine than zotepine.

The research findings suggest that the interaction between kratom compounds and essential brain receptors could influence psychiatric conditions. Notably, both mitragynine (a key kratom component) and zotepine (an antipsychotic) bind to the 5HTR2A receptor, suggesting the potential for kratom to modulate similar pathways. Interestingly, mitragynine's flexible binding mode compared to zotepine might indicate a more diverse range of effects. Overall, the findings suggest complex interactions between kratom and the brain's signaling system, warranting further investigation into its potential therapeutic effects.