What is Mitraphylline? All About Kratom’s Anti-Inflammatory Alkaloid

Mitraphylline is one of the many alkaloids found in Mitragyna speciosa, the plant we call kratom. It may have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit kratom users, and more research will help answer questions about how it works, how much of a difference it can make, and whether or not kratom users should expect relief from inflammation. 

A basic overview of mitraphylline 

Some basic facts about mitraphylline include: 

• It belongs to the class of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids.
• It’s found in Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s claw), other Uncaria species, and Mitragyna speciosa.
• Potential medicinal properties include anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulatory properties, antioxidant capabilities, and potential anti-cancer activities. 
• Plants that contain mitraphylline have been used as medicine in Indigenous communities for generations
• Mitraphylline is not a controlled substance, but regulations may vary regarding the sale of supplements that contain it

Mitraphylline in Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom)

Mitraphylline is one of many alkaloids in kratom. The primary and most frequently discussed alkaloid in kratom is mitragynine, but mitraphylline makes up about 2% of the alkaloid content in kratom. This is comparable to the concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine in the plant.  

As with many other kratom-related topics, the potential effects of mitraphylline are not well-established in the scientific literature. A handful of studies provide insight into how mitraphylline may be useful as an anti-inflammatory agent. 

Mitraphylline as an anti-inflammatory alkaloid

To understand mitraphylline’s potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in kratom, we can turn to the research about its role in another substance: Uncaria tomentosa. 

Uncaria tomentosa, called cat’s claw (or uña de gato in Spanish), is used in South American traditional medicine for inflammatory conditions. Mitraphylline is the primary alkaloid found in the bark extract of cat’s clay

A 2012 study tested mitraphylline’s effect on inflammation in mice. The mice were given mitraphylline orally for 3 days before they were exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation. Then, researchers measured 16 different cytokines, which are the substances that cells either secrete or are affected by. 

The results found that mitraphylline reduced the release of several cytokines that cause inflammation. This means that the natural cat’s claw substance had a similar effect on inflammation as Dexamethasone, a prescription medication for controlling inflammation. Unlike Dexamethasone, though, mitraphylline reduced interleukin 4 production by 40%. 

Additionally, no toxicity was observed in these studies, up to 100 micrometers of mitraphylline. 

The takeaways from this study include: 

• This is the first study of live animals to see the effect of mitraphylline on a range of inflammation-related cytokines
• The results support the traditional use of cat’s claw for inflammatory conditions
• The results also show the potential of cat’s claw to be used as an anti-inflammatory agent that is comparable to a standard corticosteroid medication

Is kratom anti-inflammatory?

In 2023, “A Critical Review of the Neuropharmacological Effects of Kratom” investigated the possibility that kratom may inhibit the release of proinflammatory mediators. It may also reduce permeability and enhance immunity. 

Kratom was processed as a methanolic extract, which was found to inhibit two important inflammatory mediators: COX-2 mRNA and PGE2. Kratom appears to work by blocking specific pathways in the body that lead to inflammation.

This biological process reduces inflammation by: 

• Stopping the release of substances that cause inflammation
• Decreasing swelling in blood vessels
• Boosting the immune system

These anti-inflammatory properties may help protect the brain from damage. Even though these results are promising, the researchers note that more research is necessary to understand how kratom works and how it should be used medically. 

Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of kratom use

As with any substance that affects the body, kratom use comes with both potential benefits and risks. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about kratom consumption, including whether or not you want to use it for anti-inflammation purposes. 

Potential benefits of kratom

Four of the potential benefits of kratom include inflammation reduction, pain relief, mood enhancement, and opioid withdrawal symptom management. 

Yes, one of the promising aspects of kratom is its potential anti-inflammatory properties. As discussed earlier, alkaloids like mitraphylline may help reduce inflammation in the body. This could have far-reaching implications for various health conditions, as chronic inflammation is linked to numerous diseases.

Pain relief is another frequently cited benefit of kratom use. Many users report that kratom is effective in managing chronic pain conditions, potentially offering an alternative to traditional pain medications. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand kratom’s pain-relieving mechanisms and its long-term efficacy.

As for mood enhancement, this is another area where kratom shows promise. Some studies suggest that kratom may have antidepressant-like effects, potentially offering relief for individuals struggling with mood disorders. Additionally, kratom has been used by some individuals to manage symptoms of anxiety, although more research is needed in this area.

Lastly, kratom has gained attention for its potential in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Some users have reported success in using kratom to ease the difficult process of opioid withdrawal, though this use should always be supervised by a healthcare professional.

Potential drawbacks of kratom

Despite its potential benefits, kratom use is not without risks. One of the primary concerns is the risk of dependence. 

Regular, heavy use of kratom may lead to physical dependence, with users experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance. This risk underscores the importance of responsible use and awareness of one’s consumption patterns.

Kratom use can also lead to various side effects, including:

• Nausea and constipation
• Sleep disturbances
• Liver problems
• Interactions with other medications

The lack of regulation in the kratom market is another significant drawback. Without standardized quality control measures, there’s a risk of contamination or inconsistency in kratom products. This emphasizes the importance of purchasing kratom from reputable sources and being aware of the potential risks associated with unregulated supplements.

Should you use kratom for inflammation management? 

As of now, there is research that suggests that kratom can work as an anti-inflammatory substance. However, this needs to be studied more before any final conclusions are drawn. 

Kratom users should be aware of several things before using kratom for inflammation management, including: 

• Kratom’s legality in their state or jurisdiction
• The potential for contraindications with your existing medications 
• The risks and benefits of kratom
• The importance of starting with small doses to establish a baseline for how kratom affects them before moving on
• Signs of kratom dependence

While the potential anti-inflammatory properties of kratom, particularly due to alkaloids like mitraphylline, are intriguing, it’s crucial to approach its use with caution and informed decision-making. 

The current research, though promising, is still in its early stages. As with any supplement or alternative treatment, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating kratom into your inflammation management regimen. They can help you weigh the potential benefits against the risks, considering your individual health profile and any medications you may be taking. 

Sources

• Brito, A.S.D, et al. “Immunostimulating activity of Uncaria tomentosa in RAW 264.7 macrophages.” Brazilian Journal of Biology. Vol. 85, Issue 5. Sept. 2023. 
• “Cat’s Claw.” Mt. Sinai. N.d.
• Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Inflammation: What You Need to Know.” Cleveland Clinic, 26 July 2024. 
• Hossain, Rahni, et al. “A Critical Review of the Neuropharmacological Effects of Kratom: An Insight from the Functional Array of Identified Natural Compounds.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 28,21 7372. 31 Oct. 2023, doi:10.3390/molecules28217372
• Johnson, Lindsay E, et al. “The Potential for Kratom as an Antidepressant and Antipsychotic.” The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine vol. 93,2 283-289. 29 Jun. 2020
• National Cancer Institute. “Immunomodulating Agent.” NIH.org. N.d.
• Rojas-Duran, R, et al. “Anti-inflammatory activity of Mitraphylline isolated from Uncaria tomentosa bark.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology vol. 143,3 (2012): 801-4. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.07.015
• Striley, Catherine W, et al. “Health Effects Associated With Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Polysubstance Use: A Narrative Review.”Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment vol. 16 11782218221095873. 20 May. 2022, doi:10.1177/11782218221095873