The Indonesian government’s research and innovation agency, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), have embarked on a series of studies focused on the traditional and pharmacological applications of the Southeast Asian herbal substance Kratom, or mitragyna speciosa.

Most lately, research into diabetes treatment using Kratom, Kratom as a cancer drug and the potential for Kratom as an analgesic have been the subjects in focus. Research both in the lab and out in the field is ongoing and early results are extremely interesting.

Dr Masteria Yunovilsa Putra, a senior researcher at BRIN, explains: "Currently, the testing process for Kratom as a diabetes medication is being conducted with in vivo and in vitro tests. Empirically, data has also been obtained from several friends in Kalimantan who have a history of diabetes and consume Kratom; it turns out that their glucose levels have decreased and their condition has improved compared to before consuming Kratom."

He shared this information during the BRIN Insight Every Friday (BRIEF) edition 133, themed "Kratom: Traditional Uses vs Modern Applications" last month.

He added: "Kratom is believed to help with intestinal infections, muscle pain, cough, and diarrhea, as well as to enhance energy and mood.

"In the 19th century, individuals addicted to opium in Malaysia and Thailand turned to Kratom to manage their addiction."

According to Dr Masteria, Kratom extract demonstrates antioxidant properties that protect cells from free radicals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide. Both the crude extract and its alkaloids show anti-inflammatory activity by potentially inhibiting the enzymes COX-2 and 5-LOX, making kratom a promising adjunct therapy for cancer with fewer side effects.

He said: “There are at least 40 alkaloid compounds present in Kratom leaves, with five primary compounds: mitragynine, paynantheine, speciogynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and speciocilatine. The most studied compounds for their analgesic properties and potential for addiction are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Research is particularly focused on these two for their potential as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and cancer treatments.”

"The Kratom extract exhibits analgesic effects in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Our in vivo studies indicate that, at certain doses, the alkaloids in Kratom provide analgesic effects that are twice as potent as those of the crude extract.”

Dr Masteria further noted that chronic administration of Kratom alkaloids, even at increased doses, leads to fewer withdrawal symptoms compared to morphine. He said: "Moreover, when Kratom alkaloids are used to treat individuals who are undergoing morphine withdrawal, they tend to alleviate withdrawal symptoms."

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Trade, has officially regulated the handling, utilization, and trade of Kratom, as outlined in Minister of Trade Regulation Number 20 of 2024.