We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Mitragynine ELISA Detects Designer Drug

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 17 Apr 2013
A designer drug originates from Mitragyna speciosa, an uncontrolled plant found in South East Asia. More...


Called Kratom, the drug has become more popular because it is easily available on the internet and in head shops [shops specializing in paraphernalia used with or related to illegal drugs]. It is marketed as a means to combat fatigue, pain, and depression. A new immunoassay for Kratom was developed by Randox Toxicology (Crumlin, United Kingdom) and provides a rapid solution for the detection of Mitragynine and its metabolites.

From exotic plants to synthetic blends, designer drugs are problematic for forensic toxicologists as waves of new compounds with differing chemical properties quickly flood the market. Immunoassays provide a straightforward method for laboratory drug screening, allowing a large number of specimens to be screened relatively quickly. A novel ELISA developed by Randox Toxicology can detect Mitragynine and its metabolites; 9-O-Desmethylmitragynine, 7-alpha-Hydroxymitragynine and 7-alpha-Acetoxymitragynin in urine and blood specimens, providing valuable information for further analysis.

The Randox Toxicology enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can detect Mitragynine and its metabolites; 9-O-Desmethylmitragynine, 7-alpha-Hydroxymitragynine, and 7-alpha-Acetoxymitragynin in urine and blood specimens, providing important information for further analysis.

As with other designer drugs such as “Spice” and “Bath Salts,” Kratom is marketed as a “legal high,” which can mislead users to believe that the drug is safe to use. Several cases of psychosis resulting from the use of Kratom have been reported, with individuals addicted to the drug exhibiting psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusion, and confusion. Mitragynine and several related alkaloids naturally occur in the Mitragyna speciosa plant, creating psychoactive properties.

Randox Toxicology, through its research and development capabilities, is able to quickly develop reliable assays for designer drugs. The company has developed a range of rapid immunoassays on ELISA and Biochip arrays, including Synthetic Cannabinoids and Synthetic Cathinones, commonly referred to as “Bath Salts.”

Related Links:
Randox Toxicology


Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Platelet Function Analyzer
PL-12
Automated Clinical Chemistry Analyzer
Envoy 500+
New
Microbiology Laboratory Automation Solution
BD Kiestra™ ReadA+BarcodA
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample

Respiratory tract infections can be difficult to distinguish at presentation because many cause overlapping, nonspecific symptoms and are initially grouped as influenza-like illnesses. Causes span a range... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.