Volume 202, 18 April 2017, Pages 302–325
Review
- a Natural Health Products and Food Research Group, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 4355 Mathissi Place, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5G 4S8
- b Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, 3247 University Way, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada V1V 1V7
- c Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 3247 University Way, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada V1V 1V7
- Received 3 September 2016, Revised 14 March 2017, Accepted 15 March 2017, Available online 19 March 2017
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
The genus Mitragyna
(Rubiacaeae) has been traditionally used in parts of Africa, Asia and
Oceania. In recent years, there has been increased interest in species
of Mitragyna with the introduction of products to western markets and regulatory uncertainty.
Aim of the study
This paper reviewed the traditional ethnomedicinal uses of leaves for species belonging to the genus Mitragyna
with reference to the botany and known chemistry in order to highlight
areas of interest for products currently being sold as kratom.
Materials and methods
A
literature search was conducted using Web of Science, Google Scholar,
the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Internet Archive, Hathi Trust, and
Biodiversity Heritage Library search engines in the spring of 2015, fall
of 2016 and winter of 2017 to document uses of bark, leaf and root
material.
Results
Leaves of M. speciosa (kratom) had the most common documented ethnomedicinal uses as an opium substitute or remedy for addiction. Other species of Mitragyna
were reportedly used for treating pain, however the mode of preparation
was most often cited as topical application. Other uses of Mitragyna included treatment of fever, skin infections, and as a mild anxiolytic.
Conclusions
Mitragyna
species have been used medicinally in various parts of the world and
that there is significant traditional evidence of use. Modern products
that include formulations as topical application of liniments, balms or
tinctures may provide effective alternatives for treatment of certain
types of pains. Future research is required to establish safety and
toxicology limits, medicinal chemistry parameters and the potential for
different physiological responses among varying genetic populations to
support regulatory requirements for Mitragyna spp.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Kratom;
- Mitragyna;
- M. speciosa;
- Review;
- Mitragynine;
- 7-hydroxymitragynine
