Investigating the potential for abuse of kratom, an herbal substance.
A human abuse potential study of kratom
This study is looking at how kratom affects people who use opioids for fun, by giving them different doses to see how much they like it and how it works in their bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11058299 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to evaluate the abuse potential and pharmacokinetic profile of kratom, an herbal substance with opioid-like properties. The study will involve non-treatment seeking recreational opioid users who will participate in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Participants will experience different doses of kratom, along with positive control drugs and placebo, to assess subjective effects such as 'drug liking'. Blood samples will be collected to analyze how kratom is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are non-treatment seeking recreational opioid users who are interested in participating in studies related to substance use.
Not a fit: Patients who are not recreational opioid users or those seeking treatment for substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the safety and abuse potential of kratom, informing public health policies and treatment approaches.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on kratom's abuse potential, studies on other substances with similar properties have shown success in understanding their effects and risks.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verrico, Christopher D — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Verrico, Christopher D
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.