Kratom in the news

On this page you can find a selection of articles on Kratom:

2008

  • MGM-9, a novel painkiller derived from mitragynine, stronger than morphine
    "Although its chemical structure is quite different from that of morphine, we attempted to develop novel analgesics derived from mitragynine, and thus synthesized (...) MGM-9. Our research suggests that MGM-9 is a promising novel analgesic that has a stronger antinociceptive effect and weaker adverse effects than morphine."
    Read the article here: 'MGM-9 stronger than morphine' from August 2008.
  • Self-treatment of opioid withdrawal using kratom
    Kratom (Mitragynia speciosa korth) is recognized increasingly as a remedy for opioid withdrawal by individuals who self-treat chronic pain. The predominant alkaloid of kratom, mitragynine, binds mu- and kappa-opioid receptors, but has additional receptor affinities that might augment its effectiveness at mitigating opioid withdrawal.
    Read the article here: ' Self-treatment of opioid withdrawal using kratom' from June 2008.
  • Kratom is legal, but still of concern to the Police
    A Finnish newspaper recently reported that the police is worried about the sale over the Internet of mind altering substances, including Kratom, which are currently legal there.
    Read the article here: 'Legal Internet Drugs Worry Police' from March 2008.
  • Opioid receptors and legal highs: Salvia divinorum and Kratom
    Salvia divinorum and Mitragyna speciosa ("Kratom"), two unscheduled dietary supplements whose active agents are opioid receptor agonists, have discrete psychoactive effects that have contributed to their increasing popularity. Salvia divinorum contains the highly selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist salvinorin A; this compound produces visual hallucinations and synesthesia. Mitragynine, the major alkaloid identified from Kratom, has been reported as a partial opioid agonist producing similar effects to morphine. An interesting minor alkaloid of Kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine, has been reported to be more potent than morphine. Both Kratom alkaloids are reported to activate supraspinal mu- and delta- opioid receptors, explaining their use by chronic narcotics users to ameliorate opioid withdrawal symptoms.
    Read the article here: 'Opioid receptors and legal highs' from February 2008.

2007

2006

  • Kratom plantation raided, trees destroyed
    Phatthalung - Authorities raided a plantation of kratom trees whose leaves are classed as an illegal narcotic substance. Kratom, traditionally used as a stimulant, is said to be widely abused by young militants in the restive South.
    Read the article 'Kratom plantation raided, trees destroyed'.

2005

  • Ketum in Malaysia:
    Malaysia is one of few countries where kratom, or ketum as it is called locally, is prohibited. Two interesting articles about the restrictive policy of the Malaysian government were recently published in a Malaysian newspaper.
    Read the articles 'Drug in demand' and 'Ketum trees may be spared for research'.

  • Could the DEA be on to kratom?
    In 2005 the DEA published an article on kratom in their monthly Microgram newsletter. Apparently they have only now found about this plant. Do we have to fear that kratom will soon be made illegal in the US, and after that in other countries?
    Read the complete article 'Herbal Drug Update: Kratom'.


2004