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                            Library & Multimedia
 Temperature and pH-Dependent Stability of Mitragyna Alkaloids
NCJ Number
              301189
Journal

*Journal of Analytical Toxicology* Volume: 44 Issue: 4 Dated: 2020 Pages: 314-324
Author(s)
          S. Basiliere;
                        S. Kerrigan
Date Published

2020
Length
              11 pages
Annotation
              This study examined the stability of MG, 7-hydroxymitragynine (MG-OH), speciociliatine (SC), speciogynine (SG) and paynantheine (PY).
Abstract
              Mitragynine (MG) is the principal psychoactive alkaloid in kratom. The drug produces a variety of dose-dependent effects that appeal to recreational drug users and individuals seeking therapeutic benefits in the absence of medical supervision. Because of documented intoxications, hospitalizations, and fatalities, MG and other alkaloids from Mitragyna speciosa are of increasing importance to the forensic toxicology community; however, the chemical stability of these compounds has not been thoroughly described. In the current study, the short-term stability of the Mitragyna alkaloids was determined over a range of pH (2–10) and temperature (4–80°C) over 8 hours. Liquid chromatography--quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to estimate half-lives and identify degradation products where possible. The stability of MG and other alkaloids was highly dependent on pH and temperature. All of the Mitragyna alkaloids studied were acid labile. Under alkaline conditions, MG undergoes chemical hydrolysis of the methyl ester to produce 16-carboxymitragynine. MG-OH was the most unstable alkaloid studied, with significant drug loss at 8 hours experienced at temperatures of 40°C and above. No significant drug losses were observed for MG in aqueous solution (pH 2–10) at 4, 20 or 40°C. Diastereoisomers of MG (SC and SG) demonstrated even greater stability. These findings are discussed within the context of the identification of Mitragyna alkaloids in toxicological specimens. (publisher abstract modified)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2016-DN-BX-0006


  
  
        
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        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Award
        Improved Detection of Kratom Alkalids in Forensic Toxicology
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2020
    
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