TOXICOLOGICAL ANALYSIS in silico OF THE MAIN ALKALOIDS OF THE MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA PLANT AND THEIR TOXICOLOGICAL ACTIONS IN THE HUMAN BODY

Abstract

Mitragyna speciosa, a plant species popularly known as "Kratom", native to Southeast Asia, contains alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which confer stimulant effects at low doses. This study evaluated in silico (VEGA platform) the safety profile of 16 of its most abundant alkaloids for three parameters: i) oral carcinogenicity; ii) acute toxicity; and iii) hepatotoxicity. Based on the in silico predictions obtained on the VEGA platform, the evaluated M. speciosa alkaloids presented potential toxicological risks. The conclusion is that further in vitro and in vivo studies are urgently needed to validate these data, establish safe doses, and develop treatments for opioid dependence while minimizing health risks