History, Science and Therapeutic Potential
o 1st Edition
o Latest edition
o Editors: Jack E. Henningfield, Chad E. Beyer, Robert B. Raffa
,Table of contents
Section 1: Background
1. Botany, geographical distribution, and phytochemistry of Mitragyna
speciosa (Korth.) and related species
Satya Swathi Nadakuduti, Mengzi Zhang, Larissa C. Laforest and Brian Pearson
2. The scientific evolution of kratom: a historical overview
Thiruventhan Karunakaran, Yathindra Marimuthu, Balasingam Vicknasingam and
Marek C. Chawarski
3. Recent patterns and reasons for use
Marc T. Swogger, Kirsten E. Smith, Tianna Torrice and Oliver Grundmann
Section 2: Basic science
4. Chemistry and metabolites: ADME
Manoj Gundeti, Christopher R. Mccurdy and Abhisheak Sharma
Section 3: Current therapeutic uses
5. Kratom-related physical dependence and addiction
Kirsten E. Smith, Darshan Singh and Oliver Grundmann
6. Current therapeutic uses
Norsyifa Harun, Siti Rafidah Yusof and Farah Wahida Suhaimi
Section 4: Pharmaceutical drug development of kratom-derived products
7. Regulation and policy regarding kratom-derived dietary supplements and direct-to-
consumer sales
Robert Durkin, Oliver Grundmann and Kirsten E. Smith
8. Patentability and exclusivity of kratom based natural products
Robert Paradiso
Section 5: Concerns
9. Kratom drug–drug (and other) interactions
Robert B. Raffa and Jeanette Mathews
10. Susceptible populations
Robert B. Raffa and Jeanette Mathews
Section 6: Commentaries/Perspectives
11. Kratom purity and quality control issues: an in-depth analysis
Frank Breve
12. Kratom entrepreneurship | exploiting the commercial potential of kratom and its
active alkaloids
,Chad E. Beyer
13. Equity investment into kratom, mitragynine, and related products
Zachariah Mcintosh-Pearce
14. Medical marijuana as a template for understanding kratom
Soren Shade
, Chapter 1: Botany, Geographical Distribution, and Phytochemistry of Mitragyna speciosa
(Korth.) and Related Species from Kratom: History, Science, and Therapeutic Potential by
Satya Swathi Nadakuduti, Mengzi Zhang, Larissa C. Laforest, and Brian Pearson.
1. Mitragyna speciosa belongs to which plant family?
A. Solanaceae
B. Rubiaceae
C. Fabaceae
D. Apocynaceae
Answer: B. Rubiaceae
Rationale: Mitragyna speciosa is part of the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee
(Coffea). This classification helps explain its stimulant-like effects at low doses.
2. The main psychoactive compound in Mitragyna speciosa is:
A. Mitragynine
B. Morphine
C. Codeine
D. Mescaline
Answer: A. Mitragynine
Rationale: Mitragynine is the major alkaloid responsible for kratom’s stimulant and opioid-like
properties.
3. Which region is Mitragyna speciosa primarily native to?
A. South America
B. Central Africa
C. Southeast Asia
D. Northern Europe
Answer: C. Southeast Asia
Rationale: Kratom naturally grows in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua
New Guinea, where tropical climates favor its growth.
4. The alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine is known for:
A. Anti-inflammatory action
B. Potent opioid receptor agonism
C. Sedative effects only
D. Antipsychotic properties
Answer: B. Potent opioid receptor agonism
Rationale: 7-hydroxymitragynine binds strongly to μ-opioid receptors, contributing to kratom’s
analgesic and euphoric effects.
5. The ideal environmental condition for kratom growth includes:
A. Cold and dry
B. Hot and humid
C. Moderate with low rainfall