Comparative Analysis of Mitragynine and Alkaloid Content in Cultivated M. speciosa Leaves and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.10852Keywords:
Kratom, Mitragynine, Alkaloid content, Propagation method, α-glucosidase inhibition, Molecular docking, Kratom, Mitragynine, Alkaloid content, Propagation method, α-glucosidase inhibition, Molecular dockingAbstract
Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) is a Southeast Asian medicinal plant rich in indole and oxindole alkaloids, with mitragynine as its major bioactive component. However, the influence of propagation method, variety, and leaf maturity on alkaloid biosynthesis remains underexplored. This study conducted a comparative analysis of total alkaloid and mitragynine content in kratom leaves from 3 varieties - green vein, red vein, and “Hang Kang” - propagated by seed or stem cutting and harvested at 2 maturity stages (4th and 6th leaf pairs). Methanolic extracts yielded the highest alkaloid levels, and mitragynine was isolated and structurally confirmed by HPLC, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Quantitative results showed that seed-propagated semi-mature leaves of the Hang Kang variety (HK-S-seed) contained the highest total alkaloids (1.59 %w/w) and mitragynine (10.37%, or 103.70 mg/g alkaloid extract). Additionally, α-glucosidase inhibitory assays revealed strong activity of mitragynine (IC₅₀ = 48.09 µg/mL), exceeding that of acarbose on a µg/mL basis. Molecular docking further supported these findings, showing high binding affinities of mitragynine and related alkaloids (−9.84 to −11.87 kcal/mol). Collectively, the results highlight the impact of cultivation variables on bioactive compound accumulation and suggest the potential of mitragynine as a natural scaffold for α-glucosidase inhibition.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mitragynine was isolated and structurally confirmed by NMR and HPLC methods.
- Seed-propagated Hang Kang leaves showed highest mitragynine content (10.37%).
- Mitragynine exhibited strong α-glucosidase inhibition with IC₅₀ of 48.09 µg/mL.
- Molecular docking revealed high binding affinity of mitragynine to the enzyme.
- Cultivation method and leaf maturity influence alkaloid and mitragynine biosynthesis.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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