A recent study published in Scientific Reports has revealed promising anti-inflammatory properties of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a plant native to Southeast Asia. Researchers found that kratom alkaloid extracts, particularly those rich in mitragynine, demonstrated dual inhibition of COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes—key mediators of inflammation. At concentrations below 25 ppm, the extracts effectively reduced inflammatory markers such as nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), while showing no cytotoxic effects on cells.
These findings suggest that kratom could offer a safer alternative to traditional NSAIDs, which often carry risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. However, the study also emphasized the importance of alkaloid concentration in achieving these effects. For more details on this groundbreaking research, visit the original study in Scientific Reports here.