Sharif said research carried out on ketum since the 1960s until now have identified 57 compounds from various species of the Mitragyna. Of the total, 37 were of the unique alkaloid types for the ketum and main alkaloid types for the ketum leaf, mitraginina. As such, clinical studies are needed to confirm the use of the ketum as a new form of painkiller as well as to treat drug addiction. Sharif was speaking to the New Straits Times after a public lecture titled ‘Ketum (Mitragyna Speciosa): History of Usage and Latest Findings’, here today. In Malaysia, ketum or known as daun biak or biak biak, has traditionally been used to treat cough, diarrhoea, skin infection, pain relief and opium withdrawal syndrome.

Source: New Strait Times December 14, 2017 10:18 UTC