Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40016684›Full record

ArticleBMC complementary medicine and therapies2025

Modulatory effects of Kratom extract on the gut microbiota of rats: implications for health.

Nattaya Thongsepee, Sumet Amonyingcharoen, Pholasit Chamod, Wanwisa Himakhun, Kant Sangpairoj, Pongsakorn Martviset, Pathanin Chantree, Phornphan Sornchuer

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Nattaya ThongsepeeDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
Sumet AmonyingcharoenMedical Life Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand.
Pholasit ChamodDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
Wanwisa HimakhunDepartment of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
Kant SangpairojDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
Pongsakorn MartvisetDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
Pathanin ChantreeDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
Phornphan SornchuerDepartment of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand. psmicro@tu.ac.th.

Funding

Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thailand 2-19/2566
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundKratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a plant native to Southeast Asia, is commonly used as a supplement for fatigue, pain relief, mood enhancement, and euphoria. Kratom extract exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal effects, with studies showing its ability to modulate gut microbiota and stimulate beneficial bacteria growth. Given these properties, kratom treatment may produce significant effects in a rat model, warranting further investigation.

methodsMale Wistar rats were administered kratom extract orally on a daily basis for 28 days. Fresh fecal samples were collected and analyzed for changes in gut microbiome composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. Hematological parameters and lipid profiles were also measured to evaluate any systemic effects.

resultsThe administration of kratom extract did not significantly affect hematological parameters or lipid profiles. However, notable changes were observed in gut microbiota composition, with significant increases in specific bacteria such as Candidatus Stoquefichus and Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and a decrease in Corynebacterium. LEfSe and cladogram analyses corroborated the higher prevalence of Candidatus Stoquefichus, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae in the kratom treatment group compared to controls.

conclusionsKratom extract significantly alters gut microbiome composition in rats, promoting beneficial bacteria while also elevating certain taxa associated with negative health outcomes. These mixed effects highlight the need for further research on the long-term implications of kratom use for gut health and its broader health consequences, as well as potential therapeutic applications. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Indexed as

Gastrointestinal MicrobiomeMitragynaPlant ExtractsAnimalsBacteriaFecesMaleRatsRats, WistarPlant ExtractsGut microbiotaKratom extractMicrobial community analysisMitragyna speciosa

Identifiers

PMID40016684
PMCPMC11866890

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.