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A Coincidence of Addiction to “Kratom” and Severe Primary Hypothyroidism

Sheleg, Sergey V. MD; Collins, Gregory B. MD

doi: 10.1097/ADM.0b013e318221fbfa
Case Report

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.

From the Cleveland Clinic Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center, Cleveland, OH.

Send correspondence and reprint requests to: Family Medicine Center, 4411 Montgomery Road, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45212. E-mail: ssheleg@yahoo.com.

Received December 06, 2010

Accepted April 28, 2011

© 2011 American Society of Addiction Medicine