Comprehensive methodology for identification of Kratom in police laboratories

Abstract Leaves of Mitragyna speciosa Korth ( Rubiaceae ), commonly known as Kratom, are a popular narcotic product among recreational users all over the world. This product is widely distributed on the Internet and via smart-shops and is often a subject of examination in police laboratories. A majo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forensic science international 2013-12, Vol.233 (1), p.238-243
Main Authors: Kowalczuk, Anna Paulina, Łozak, Anna, Zjawiony, Jordan Kordian
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Authentication
Chemical composition
Chromatographic analysis
Chromatography
Chromatography, Liquid
Chromatography, Thin Layer
Drug dosages
Forensic science
Forensic sciences
Forensic Toxicology - methods
Humans
Identification
Internet
Investigations
Leaves
Membrane filters
Metabolites
Methodology
Methods
Microscopic examination
Mitragyna - chemistry
Mitragyna speciosa
Pathology
Plant Leaves - chemistry
Police
Potassium
Psychotropic Drugs - isolation & purification
Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids - isolation & purification
Street Drugs
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Summary:Abstract Leaves of Mitragyna speciosa Korth ( Rubiaceae ), commonly known as Kratom, are a popular narcotic product among recreational users all over the world. This product is widely distributed on the Internet and via smart-shops and is often a subject of examination in police laboratories. A major psychoactive component of Kratom is mitragynine which occurs exclusively in this species. The variety of combinations among M. speciosa products, cases of plant or chemical composition adulteration, give rise to a need to develop an universal methodology for identification of both, plant material and its active metabolite, mitragynine. Herein we propose a comprehensive authentication procedure which involves the microscopic analysis of plant material and inexpensive mitragynine detection using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The developed methodology was successfully applied for the plant material investigation. Five samples of dried, shredded or powdered Kratom leaves, purchased via the Internet and one sample delivered by police have been identified.
ISSN:0379-0738
1872-6283
DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.09.016