A coincidence of addiction to "Kratom" and severe primary hypothyroidism

J Addict Med. 2011 Dec;5(4):300-1. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0b013e318221fbfa.

Abstract

Here we present a case of a coincidence of addiction to "Kratom" (botanically known as Mitragyna speciosa Korth) and developed severe primary hypothyroidism. We are discussing a possibility that high dose of indole alkaloid mitragynine (the major alkaloid identified from "Kratom") might reduce the normal response of the thyroid gland to thyroid-stimulating hormone resulting in primary hypothyroidism. Further experimental investigations of mitragynine as a possible suppressor of thyroid gland function would be a matter of interest.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Buprenorphine / therapeutic use
  • Comorbidity
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Hypoparathyroidism / epidemiology*
  • Hypoparathyroidism / rehabilitation
  • Male
  • Mitragyna / adverse effects*
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects*
  • Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids / adverse effects*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Secologanin Tryptamine Alkaloids
  • Buprenorphine
  • mitragynine
  • Thyroxine