Exploring new uses for a plant to help with opioid addiction and pain relief
Recovery is Achievable: Biocatalytic approaches to Diversifying Mitragynine Analogs for Opioid Substitution Therapies
This study is looking at the plant Kratom to see how its main ingredient, mitragynine, can help people with chronic pain and those trying to recover from opioid addiction, with the goal of finding safer treatment options that have fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11009952 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the medicinal plant Kratom, which has been used for centuries to treat chronic pain and opioid withdrawal. The study focuses on understanding the chemical properties of Kratom's main component, mitragynine, and its analogs to develop effective opioid substitution therapies. By analyzing how these compounds interact with opioid receptors in the body, the research aims to identify safer alternatives for pain management and addiction recovery. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that have fewer side effects compared to traditional opioids.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals dealing with opioid use disorder or chronic pain who are seeking alternative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing opioid addiction or chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for individuals struggling with opioid addiction and chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited clinical research on Kratom, preliminary studies suggest that its components may offer promising alternatives to traditional opioid treatments.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Natalia — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Harris, Natalia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.