Purdue Researchers Develop Plant-Based Compounds to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder

Scientists at Purdue University have synthesized new plant-derived compounds that could help treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), a condition affecting more than 14 million Americans. The research, led by Richard Van Rijn in collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis, focuses on derivatives of alkaloids found in Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom. Unlike opioids such as morphine or fentanyl, these compounds show reduced potential for abuse and fewer adverse effects in early mouse studies. “Our synthesized compound does not display the side effects seen with other kratom alkaloids,” Van Rijn said. Further testing will refine the compound’s safety and metabolism before potential clinical trials.
Read the full story at Purdue University Newsroom.