Corynoxine: What to Know About Kratom’s Neuroprotective Component

What to know about Corynoxine found in Kratom

Written by: KRI Team

Last Updated: October 14, 2024

While most research into kratom has been devoted to its main alkaloids, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, not much is known about its other 40+ compounds. They all have some effect on users, yet few have been researched in depth. This lack of clinical study has added to the mystery of this Southeastern tree that has recently caught the Western world’s attention.

We’ll tell you everything available about corynoxine and how it applies to fans of kratom.

Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa is a tree native to Southeast Asia

What is Kratom?

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves are chewed due to their energy-enhancing properties, and they are known to provide stimulative and sedative effects, depending on the amount consumed. It was long used by farmers, fishermen, and others who worked long, labor-intensive days. Now popular in other parts of the world, kratom is available as capsules, extracts, gummies, and finely ground powder.

Kratom is known to have the following effects:

Enhanced energy, concentration, and focus
Provides a sense of well-being
Sedation
Pain relief (analgesic)
Relaxation
May be used as an opioid replacement

While kratom does provide a wide range of benefits, it doesn’t come without possible side effects. Some regular users of kratom have reported the following:

Upset stomach
Dry mouth
Vomiting
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Addiction

What is Corynoxine?

Corynoxine is one of the many alkaloid compounds found in kratom. Although it’s shy in comparison to kratom’s other alkaloids, which have gotten much more attention from the scientific community, its specific purpose in the kratom tree remains unknown. Some researchers believe it could be related to the aromatic ring in its molecular structure, which could influence pollination or act as a defense mechanism.

How Does Corynoxine Do?

Corynoxine in the body can influence many different functions. Although little research has been conducted, researchers have identified how it affects the body.

Dopamine Regulation: Corynoxine has been mainly studied for its impact on the brain’s dopamine system. This neurotransmitter plays an essential role in regulating mood. Corynoxine is believed to slow down the release of dopamine, which could improve imbalances and help to improve neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s Disease.

Autophagy Induction: Autophagy is the process of cleaning out damaged cells. Some researchers believe that corynoxine can help remove harmful substances from the brain, which in turn could improve cognitive function.

Vasorelaxant Activity: Corynoxine can help the body relax blood vessels. Although mild, it has the potential to influence blood pressure and circulation.

Sedative and Motor Skill Effects: Corynoxine may reduce locomotive activity, which could help lower anxiety and assist with sleep and relaxation. A 2021 study suggests that corynoxine showed strong pain-relieving effects on rats.

Neuroprotective Potential: Since corynoxine influences dopamine and can clear out damaged cells, some researchers believe it could act as a neuroprotectant.

There is study focused on corynoxine and its significance in treating Parkinson’s Disease

Neuroprotective Properties of Corynoxine

There has been very little clinical research addressing how corynoxine affects the body, specifically when this alkaloid has been extracted from kratom. However, a 2014 study suggests that corynoxine may have neuroprotective properties. The study focused on corynoxine and its significance in treating Parkinson’s Disease. While the alkaloid used in this study was extracted from the plant Uncaria rhynchophylla, we can infer that if extracted from Mitragyna speciosa, the results would have most likely been similar. This study suggests that:

Corynoxine B induces autophagy (the process of clearing out cellular waste).
Corynoxine is an enantiomer (mirror image) of Cory B and also induces autophagy.
Corynoxine induces autophagy through the Akt/mTOR pathway, reducing specific protein levels involved in this pathway.

Since this alkaloid identifies and removes damaged cells (or parts contained within them), it helps to remove harmful substances within the brain on a cellular level. The accumulation of damaged cell parts characterizes Parkinson’s Disease; it’s believed that it could be beneficial as a neuroprotective.

A more recent study suggests that corynoxine shows promise as a neuroprotective agent. The study revealed that mature Mitragyna speciosa leaves had higher corynoxine concentrations than young leaves. The study’s findings suggest that this alkaloid might contribute to neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting brain health. Since older, more mature kratom leaves contain higher concentrations of corynoxine, it can be inferred that red-vein kratom varieties should contain the highest levels.

Final Thoughts on Corynoxine and its Neuroprotective Properties

Corynoxine shows promise as a neuroprotectant, mainly due to its ability to induce autophagy, which helps clear damaged proteins and improve cellular function. This mechanism could potentially benefit those suffering from neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, where cellular waste management is compromised. However, most of the research is in its early phases, and more studies, especially in humans, are necessary to determine whether kratom or corynoxine can be directly linked to improved brain function and cognitive health.