Description
This alkaloid has been isolated from Mitragyna speciosa Korth, and is amorphous
although it yields a series of crystalline salts and derivatives. The hydrochloride
crystallizes as colourless leaflets from EtOH-Et20 with m.p. 243°C; the picrate
forms thin, orange-red needles, m.p. 223-4°C and the methiodide is a pale
yellow powder which, although amorphous, has a sharp melting point of
21 1. 5°C. The alkaloid also forms compounds with acetic acid, m.p. 142°C,
decomposing at 175-6°, and with trichloroacetic acid, m.p. 157°C.
Mitragynine exerts a general depressant effect on plain muscle and facilitates
the passage of autonomic impulses. It is, however, ineffective against pathogenic
organisms.
Uses
Mitragynine is a neurochemical, having both stimulant and opiate-like effects depending on the dosage. Currently, Mitragynine is being investigated for its ability to treat hard drug addiction.
Uses
A neurochemical, having both stimulant and opiate-like effects depending on the dosage. Currently, Mitragynin is being investigated for its ability to treat hard drug addiction.
References
Field., J. Chern. Soc., 119,887 (1921)
Raymond-Hamet, Millat., Bull. sci. pharrnacol., 40, 593 (1933)
lng, Raison., J. Chern. Soc., 986 (1939)
Loudon., Chern. Soc. Spec. Publ., 3, 12 (1955)
Hendrickson., Chern. & Ind., 713 (1961)
Joshi, Raymond-Hamet, Taylor., ibid, 573 (1963)
Pharmacology:
Grewal., J. Pharrn. expo Ther., 46,251 (1932)
