Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is a compound derived from the alkaloid Mitragynine that makes its presence known due to its several beneficial properties. This article will discuss everything related to this alkaloid derivative –including its pharmacology, mechanism of action, health benefits, potential risks, and much more.
Let’s dig in!
What Is Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl?
Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is a semi-synthetic derivative of Mitragynine. Mitragynine is one of the main and most abundantly found alkaloids in the Kratom plant. Historically, it was first isolated by a scientist named Zarembo as a microbial metabolite of Mitragynine by a type of fungus.
Although this derivative compound is usually synthetically manufactured by chemically modifying Mitragynine, it can also be produced naturally in the blood as a metabolite of 7-HydroxyMitragynine – another commonly found alkaloid in Kratom plants.
It has recently started garnering huge attention due to its strong ability to resolve discomfort while avoiding most of the adverse effects related to the usage of other pharmacological alternatives.
What’s The Science Behind Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl?
Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is a rearranged chemical product of Mitragynine, where the indole ring undergoes oxidation, causing the formation of spiro- pseudoindoxyl core in the end product.
This altered chemistry gives it a unique pharmacological profile. It simultaneously acts as μ receptor agonist and δ receptor antagonist. Moreover, it is a G-protein biased agonist at μ receptors, making it suitable for relieving discomfort with lesser side effects than most opioids.
Unlike the other chemical compounds acting like certain depressants, it acts as a partial agonist, activating specific discomfort signaling pathways rather than the whole. Moreover, it also minimizes the recruitment of β-arrestin-2 at the μ receptors. β-arrestin-2 is most likely the culprit behind the adverse effects associated with some depressant usage, like respiratory depression, constipation, dependence, and tolerance
Furthermore, another unique aspect of its mechanism of action is that it shows some affinity for other receptor sites, such as adrenergic and serotonergic receptors, which greatly enhances its therapeutic effects.
Scientific Reviews On Its Mechanism Of Action
Scientific research on Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is still in its early stages and there is still a long way to go. Despite this, from what little data we are able to collect on this compound, it shows favorable therapeutic effects.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in 2016 showed that Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl has a far greater affinity for receptors than both Mitragynine and 7-HydroxyMitragynine, making it better at relieving discomfort. Moreover, it also found that antinociceptive (inhibition of the detection of stimuli causing discomfort) tolerance and dependence developed after 29 days with Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, as compared to morphine, which developed after only 5 days. Moreover, it also showed lower chances of respiratory depression and constipation than morphine.
Another study conducted by a scientist named Leonardo T. Yamamoto showed that Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl has better results than both Mitragynine and Morphine in producing opioid-like effects.
A study published in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology in 2021 also tested the significance of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl by administering it as a treatment for withdrawal in morphine-dependent subjects. It showed that this derived alkaloid produces less physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms in Morphine dependent patients.
Comparison Between Mitragynine, 7-HydroxyMitragynine, And Mitragygnine Pseudoindoxyl
Although Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is a novel product, it is derived from Mitragynine and 7-HydroxyMitragynine. Here is a comparison between the three to help you understand better which one is the best option:
Mitragynine
Mitragynine naturally occurs in the Kratom plant as the most abundant alkaloid. It is an indole alkaloid, containing an indole core. Indole core usually refers to a bicyclic structure, containing a six membered benzene ring fused to a five membered pyrrole ring.
It is moderately potent alkaloid in terms of efficacy and can relieve any type of discomfort effectively. It also produces other effects like boosting focus and energy. However, it’s excessive quantity can cause some mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and others.
Good thing is that it is completely legal in the US on a federal level. However, some states and counties have banned or regulated it independently.
7- HydroxyMitragynine
It is the second most abundant alkaloid in Kratom and a natural metabolite of Mitragynine. Structurally, it is similar to Mitragynine — except it has a hydroxyl group at the 7th position.
Moreover, it has good potency. Yes, it is more powerful than Mitragynine and 13 times more potent than the over-the-counter medication. It effectively manages discomfort, increases energy levels, and improves sleep. At persistently higher doses, it can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, and whatnot.
Like Mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine is legal in the US but subject to a ban or restrictions in some states.
Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl
It is a semi-synthetic mitragynine-derived compound produced by the oxidation of indole rings. Structurally, it is a modified version of Mitragynine with a pseudo-indoxyl core. It is a receptor agonist with decreased recruitment of β-arrestin-2.
It is potent in managing discomfort of any type without causing side effects usually associated with some pharmaceutical products. There are fewer chances of suffering from respiratory depression, constipation, dependence, and tolerance.
Moreover, it has a lesser risk of causing side effects like nausea and vomiting than the other two alkaloids. It is currently under study for any potential effects; therefore, it is not being used widely—except for research purposes.
Risks Associated With Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl Usage
Although Mitragynine Pseudondoxyl has positive pre-clinical study results, further studies are still needed before it can be used therapeutically for discomfort management.
As it is still in experimental phases and has been tested only in animals, clinical trials in humans are still needed to be sure of its effects and safety. Moreover, there is no reliable data on its long-term side effects in humans, making it unsuitable for human usage for now.
Furthermore, as it is a semi-synthetic derivative, it can face stricter regulatory guidelines than naturally occurring alkaloids Mitragynine and 7- HydroxyMitragynine. As it is a depressant receptor agonist and works similarly to certain dependence-causing substances, government regulatory bodies can be wary of approving it in the wake of the recent strong depressant epidemic. This regulation can also come from being relatively understudied on its long-term therapeutic effects and adverse reactions.
How Can Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl Impact Our Lives?
Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl has promising therapeutic applications, especially in discomfort management. Due to its potent functioning, people suffering from chronic conditions, neuropathic discomfort, post-operative discomfort, and others can benefit from its usage.
With the decreased chances of respiratory depression, tolerance, and dependence, it can be a perfect option for those patients who can’t use other opioids due to the risk of suffering from opioids related side effects.
Moreover, its unique pharmacology, which enables it to act on multiple receptor sites, including adrenergic and serotonergic receptors, might help patients suffering from neuropathic discomfort. It’s important to note that opioids usually seem ineffective in treating neuropathic pain and fail to provide relief. However, this might not be the case with Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl.
Conclusion
Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is a novel chemical compound that has a unique mechanism of action that makes it an ideal option for discomfort management as compared to other opioids.
Although Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl is still under study, it shows promising results that can improve the outlook on discomfort medications. Its potent antinociceptive effects with lesser potential for associated risks make it a good option for managing discomfort.
However, there is still a great need for it to be extensively studied for its long-term and consistent effects on the human body while also establishing a side effect profile for its safe usage.
We never know. In the wake of the recent strong depressant crisis, Mitragynine Pseudondoxyl might just be the right answer to all our discomforts!