USDA Grant Awarded to University of Florida to Study Kratom

A $650,000 grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has been awarded to researcher Satya Swathi Nadakuduti. Dr. Nadakuduti studies plant biotechnology and biochemistry at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS). 

Dr. Nadakuduti and her team will study kratom's genetics to determine how the plant produces its alkaloids.

To date, over 50 alkaloids have been identified in kratom leaves. Kratom in its natural leaf form has been used for at least hundreds of years traditionally, with few adverse events reported outside of mild dependency.

Recently developed extract products, however, have altered the balance of alkaloids found in kratom leaf as to make it an entirely different substance from the original product.

This study could open avenues for increased production of pure alkaloids for future research, as scientists now rely on extracting alkaloids from raw kratom materials and products, which is costly and time consuming.

"Understanding their biosynthesis makes it possible to support drug development, and they could meet emerging and future markets as a solution to the opioid crisis," said Dr. Nadakuduti in an interview with The Apopka Voice.