Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for health
Abstract Background Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a plant native to Southeast Asia, is commonly used as a supplement for fatigue, pain relief, mood enhancement, and euphoria. Kratom extract exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal eff...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04836-8 |
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| author | Nattaya Thongsepee Sumet Amonyingcharoen Pholasit Chamod Wanwisa Himakhun Kant Sangpairoj Pongsakorn Martviset Pathanin Chantree Phornphan Sornchuer |
| author_facet | Nattaya Thongsepee Sumet Amonyingcharoen Pholasit Chamod Wanwisa Himakhun Kant Sangpairoj Pongsakorn Martviset Pathanin Chantree Phornphan Sornchuer |
| author_sort | Nattaya Thongsepee |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a plant native to Southeast Asia, is commonly used as a supplement for fatigue, pain relief, mood enhancement, and euphoria. Kratom extract exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal effects, with studies showing its ability to modulate gut microbiota and stimulate beneficial bacteria growth. Given these properties, kratom treatment may produce significant effects in a rat model, warranting further investigation. Methods Male Wistar rats were administered kratom extract orally on a daily basis for 28 days. Fresh fecal samples were collected and analyzed for changes in gut microbiome composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. Hematological parameters and lipid profiles were also measured to evaluate any systemic effects. Results The administration of kratom extract did not significantly affect hematological parameters or lipid profiles. However, notable changes were observed in gut microbiota composition, with significant increases in specific bacteria such as Candidatus Stoquefichus and Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and a decrease in Corynebacterium. LEfSe and cladogram analyses corroborated the higher prevalence of Candidatus Stoquefichus, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae in the kratom treatment group compared to controls. Conclusions Kratom extract significantly alters gut microbiome composition in rats, promoting beneficial bacteria while also elevating certain taxa associated with negative health outcomes. These mixed effects highlight the need for further research on the long-term implications of kratom use for gut health and its broader health consequences, as well as potential therapeutic applications. Clinical trial number Not applicable. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2cd1918a9d474d86a4650cb973ce3869 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2662-7671 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies |
| spelling | doaj-art-2cd1918a9d474d86a4650cb973ce38692025-08-20T02:16:48ZengBMCBMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies2662-76712025-02-0125111510.1186/s12906-025-04836-8Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for healthNattaya Thongsepee0Sumet Amonyingcharoen1Pholasit Chamod2Wanwisa Himakhun3Kant Sangpairoj4Pongsakorn Martviset5Pathanin Chantree6Phornphan Sornchuer7Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat UniversityMedical Life Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public HealthDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat UniversityDepartment of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat UniversityDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat UniversityDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat UniversityDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat UniversityDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat UniversityAbstract Background Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a plant native to Southeast Asia, is commonly used as a supplement for fatigue, pain relief, mood enhancement, and euphoria. Kratom extract exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal effects, with studies showing its ability to modulate gut microbiota and stimulate beneficial bacteria growth. Given these properties, kratom treatment may produce significant effects in a rat model, warranting further investigation. Methods Male Wistar rats were administered kratom extract orally on a daily basis for 28 days. Fresh fecal samples were collected and analyzed for changes in gut microbiome composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. Hematological parameters and lipid profiles were also measured to evaluate any systemic effects. Results The administration of kratom extract did not significantly affect hematological parameters or lipid profiles. However, notable changes were observed in gut microbiota composition, with significant increases in specific bacteria such as Candidatus Stoquefichus and Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and a decrease in Corynebacterium. LEfSe and cladogram analyses corroborated the higher prevalence of Candidatus Stoquefichus, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae in the kratom treatment group compared to controls. Conclusions Kratom extract significantly alters gut microbiome composition in rats, promoting beneficial bacteria while also elevating certain taxa associated with negative health outcomes. These mixed effects highlight the need for further research on the long-term implications of kratom use for gut health and its broader health consequences, as well as potential therapeutic applications. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04836-8Kratom extractMitragyna speciosaGut microbiotaMicrobial community analysis |
| spellingShingle | Nattaya Thongsepee Sumet Amonyingcharoen Pholasit Chamod Wanwisa Himakhun Kant Sangpairoj Pongsakorn Martviset Pathanin Chantree Phornphan Sornchuer Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for health BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Kratom extract Mitragyna speciosa Gut microbiota Microbial community analysis |
| title | Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for health |
| title_full | Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for health |
| title_fullStr | Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for health |
| title_full_unstemmed | Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for health |
| title_short | Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for health |
| title_sort | modulatory effects of kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats implications for health |
| topic | Kratom extract Mitragyna speciosa Gut microbiota Microbial community analysis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04836-8 |
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