Kratom: Difference between revisions
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Due to the low evidence of mitragynine in the urine, this may indicate kratom is not processed through the kidneys, it is therefore hypothesized that patients with impaired renal function may benefit from such a pain killer. The ability for Kratom to be metabolized quickly and remain in the system for nearly a day opens opportunities for it to be used as an effective longer-lasting medication. The fewer side effects observed open the possibility of longer-term treatments for chronic pain. Like other opiates, mitragynine possesses the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to opioid receptors thus allowing the patient to experience relief from pain. While further research must be done to determine whether mitragynine posses any anti-inflammatory properties, blocking out pain is a solid start. The ability for mitragynine to act on the opioid receptor in a similar fashion to other opiates- activating the G-protein pathway that raises action potential thresholds and inhibiting adenylyl cyclase- all without the recruitment of beta-arrestin allows for the possibility for mitragynine to act as a safer and effective pain killer. Since beta-arrestin is not recruited, respiratory depression is not a concern for patients taking mitragynine as an analgesic. Although this is the case further research is needed in order to determine if Kratom is as mentally and physically addictive as other opioids. In addition, mitragynine was found to be metabolized in the liver thus indicating the possibility of eventual overuse and liver cirrhosis. Currently, research struggles to determine specific dosing, purity, and risk of overdose in humans as animal studies only take research so far<ref name="wikimitra"/>. | Due to the low evidence of mitragynine in the urine, this may indicate kratom is not processed through the kidneys, it is therefore hypothesized that patients with impaired renal function may benefit from such a pain killer. The ability for Kratom to be metabolized quickly and remain in the system for nearly a day opens opportunities for it to be used as an effective longer-lasting medication. The fewer side effects observed open the possibility of longer-term treatments for chronic pain. Like other opiates, mitragynine possesses the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to opioid receptors thus allowing the patient to experience relief from pain. While further research must be done to determine whether mitragynine posses any anti-inflammatory properties, blocking out pain is a solid start. The ability for mitragynine to act on the opioid receptor in a similar fashion to other opiates- activating the G-protein pathway that raises action potential thresholds and inhibiting adenylyl cyclase- all without the recruitment of beta-arrestin allows for the possibility for mitragynine to act as a safer and effective pain killer. Since beta-arrestin is not recruited, respiratory depression is not a concern for patients taking mitragynine as an analgesic. Although this is the case further research is needed in order to determine if Kratom is as mentally and physically addictive as other opioids. In addition, mitragynine was found to be metabolized in the liver thus indicating the possibility of eventual overuse and liver cirrhosis. Currently, research struggles to determine specific dosing, purity, and risk of overdose in humans as animal studies only take research so far<ref name="wikimitra"/>. | ||
== | == Legality == | ||
According to the World Health Organization, in 2018 approximately 35.6 million people suffered from a drug use disorder, overwhelmingly opioid-related<ref>“Opioid Overdose.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/opioid-overdose.</ref>. Mitragynine shows promising results to reduce opioid abuse. Over the past couple of years, The United States drug enforcement agency tried to enforce an emergency order that scheduled mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as a schedule 1 drug. Many Americans stood up against this action and the enforcement was withdrawn<ref name="wikimitra"/>. This allows for the study of Kratom’s potential risks and benefits without intervention. The food and drug administration is encouraging more in-depth research; at this point in time, it is needed to bring about FDA and DEA approval here in the United States. While neither regulates the substance it remains legal and attainable at local smoke shops and online. With more attention being brought to Kratom hopefully more in-depth research will be completed. | |||
== Structural highlights == | == Structural highlights == | ||