Receptor Selectivity and Therapeutic Potential of Kratom in Substance Use Disorders

AbstractPurpose of ReviewKratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth) contains several alkaloids, some interacting with opioid receptors and attracting recreational use in the western world. Human self-report has consistently documented the use of kratom for treating pain, mood elevation, and substance use disorders (SUDs). These anecdotal uses are also supported by preclinical findings. According to preclinical research, kratom may induce these positive effects without any respiratory suppression, unlike traditional opioids. This review summarizes kratom as a potential substitution for opioids and compiles all the latest inventions to determine if this natural product or its active alkaloids could offer a better alternative compared to the current treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and other SUDs.Recent FindingsAccording to recent reports, kratom has been found to be very efficient for managing dependence, including attenuating opioid withdrawal. There are encouraging findings in pre-clinical paradigms of kratom as a feasible, safe, and efficient treatment for OUD.SummaryPresently, kratom administration at low-moderate doses appears, based on preclinical work and self-report to have therapeutic potential for treating OUD irrespective of the etiology. Kratom leaf extracts and especially the purified, major alkaloid mitragynine, appear to have legitimate potential for being developed as treatments for pain, substance use disorders, and opioid withdrawal. These therapeutic uses have b...
Source: Current Addiction Reports - Category: Addiction Source Type: research