2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Aqueous Solubility and Lipophilicity of Several Alkaloids Found in Kratom

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Owen McDougal and Anna Shuey

Abstract

Kratom is an herbal substance derived from Mitragyna speciosa and is rising in popularity due to its opioid-like effects. Alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are commonly associated with inducing these effects through µ-opioid receptor activity in the brain and spinal cord. With over 50 alkaloids identified in kratom, many are understudied. This study aims to determine whether additional alkaloids have the capacity to reach central nervous system receptors. The alkaloids examined include 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine, speciogynine, speciociliatine, mitraphylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxine, and paynantheine. Two assays were conducted to assess absorption properties: aqueous solubility and lipophilicity. Aqueous solubility assesses the ability of alkaloids to dissolve at pH values representative of the gastrointestinal tract, while lipophilicity (LogD at pH 7.4) evaluates their potential to cross lipid membranes.

Results show that the alkaloids have potential to both dissolve in aqueous environments of varying pH values and cross lipid membranes. These findings suggest that understudied alkaloids may reach the central nervous system, lending credibility to their contribution to kratom’s opioid-like effects, since these compounds must reach their target site to have an effect. With improved understanding of how kratom alkaloids are processed by the body, we can better understand the role kratom plays in user experiences.

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