Alkaloid extraction optimization from Mitragyna speciosa (kratom): A methodological evaluation

Mitragyna speciosa , commonly known as kratom, is a psychoactive plant in the Rubiaceae family. Traditionally, the fresh leaves of Mitragyna speciosa have been consumed in Southeast Asia for their therapeutic properties for centuries. Kratom has been used to relieve pain, reduce opioid use and relieve withdrawal, and increase sexual desire. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies have been prompted by its unique pharmacological properties due to its rich alkaloid content. In continuation of our previous investigation on alkaloids [ 1 ] [ 2 ], Τhe present study was focused on the evaluation of the alkaloid yield and composition in kratom extracts. Dried M. speciosa leaves were treated using various extraction techniques including maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction SFE-CO2, using variaty of solvents mostly methanol, propan-2-ol, water and binary mixtures. Quantitative analysis of the extracts was carried out using HPLC-MS-PDA, supported by calibration curves constructed for representative indole alkaloids specifically mitragynine, 7-hydroxy mitragynine, mitraphylline, speciogynine and speciociliatine ([ Fig. 1 ]). In addition, the present work includes a comparative investigation of recovery methods for alkaloids, employing solid-phase extraction, macroporous resin and acid base extraction. Our study demonstrates that extraction techniques significantly impact the yield and chemical profile of alkaloids obtained from plant material, directly influencing the potency and effectiveness of downstream products. Fig. 1 Structure of mitragynine, speciogynine and speciociliatine Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany