The Evaluation of Chemical and Physico-Chemical Properties of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. Leaves
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Abstract
Introduction and objective: Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil., commonly known as kratom, belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Kratom leaves have medicinal properties for relieving stomach pain and body aches, curing dysentery and diarrhea, and tranquilizing the body. However, the standard methods for quality control of this plant have not been established in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the chemical and physico-chemical properties of M. speciosa leaves.
Methods: Seventeen samples of M. speciosa leaves were obtained from many provinces throughout Thailand and compared to the authentic sample received from the Herbarium Laboratory. The samples of M. speciosa leaves were preliminarily examined for chemical properties using color reaction. Chemical identification was performed using the thin layer chromatography (TLC) method and their chemical and physico-chemical properties were also determined.
Results: All 17 M. speciosa leave samples, based on the color reactions of the preliminary examination, were positive for alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolics; and based on the TLC method, they were positive for alkaloids including mitragynine. As for their chemical and physico-chemical properties, shown as mean ± SD, the moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble extractive and ethanol-soluble extractive contents were 5.60 ± 0.68%, 4.67 ± 0.37%, 0.14 ± 0.02%, 19.52 ± 1.68% and 17.12 ± 2.81% w/w, respectively.
Discussion: The examination of chemical and physico-chemical properties and the verification of the chemical identity of M. speciosa leaf raw materials are beneficial for controlling chemical quality to meet the criteria for standardizing herbal medicines and to ensure their good quality and consistency for effective consumption.
Conclusion and recommendation: The results of this study have led to the establishment of a monograph and the standardization of dried M. speciosa leaves in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia to be used as a reference standard of Thailand.
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