Investigating how kratom affects HIV medication metabolism
Official title: In vitro assessment of kratom pharmacokinetic CYP interactions with HIV ART drug metabolism
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10891675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how kratom, a herbal supplement that some people with HIV/AIDS use, might affect the way their HIV medications work in the body, to help ensure those treatments are safe and effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $75,159 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DA057851-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV/AIDS who also use kratom or are considering its use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use kratom or are not on HIV antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the potential interactions between kratom, a popular botanical used by many individuals, including those living with HIV/AIDS, and antiretroviral therapies (ART) used to treat HIV. The study aims to understand how kratom may influence the metabolism of these medications, which is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and safety. By conducting preclinical assays, the researchers will evaluate the effects of kratom and its active compound, mitragynine, on liver enzymes that metabolize ART drugs. This research is particularly important given the increasing use of kratom and its potential safety implications for patients on HIV treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and efficacy of HIV treatments for patients who use kratom.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been limited studies on kratom's interactions with drug metabolism, this research aims to fill a significant knowledge gap, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calderon, Angela Isabel — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Calderon, Angela Isabel
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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.