Unlocking Kratom’s Medicinal Potential Through Yeast-Based Research

In a groundbreaking study, Cornell researchers have utilized baker’s yeast to streamline the discovery of medicinal compounds in plants, including the kratom tree. The study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, introduces a yeast-based screening method that significantly narrows down the genes responsible for plant biosynthesis of medicinal compounds. This innovative approach is not only cost-effective but also highly efficient and accurate.

The research specifically demonstrated the method using kratom leaves, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Kratom has garnered attention for its pharmaceutical potential, particularly for its chemical, mitragynine, which offers pain relief without causing dangerous respiratory depression. The yeast-based method led to the identification of six kratom enzymes from 20 candidates, opening the door for more efficient research and potential pharmaceutical applications.

For more details, read the full article on ScienceDaily.