The Fourth International Kratom Symposium, hosted by the University of Florida (UF) College of Pharmacy from February 4-7, 2025, in Orlando, marked a pivotal moment for kratom research and policy. This invitation-only event brought together nearly 100 researchers, regulators, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest advancements in kratom science and strategies for its responsible regulation.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Southeast Asian tree Mitragyna speciosa, has long been used in traditional medicine for its stimulant and analgesic properties. In recent years, it has gained popularity in Western markets as a potential aid for pain relief, energy enhancement, and opioid withdrawal. However, its increasing availability in the United States has also sparked debates about safety and regulatory oversight.
A Global Platform for Kratom Research
Held at UF’s state-of-the-art Research and Academic Center in Orlando’s Lake Nona community, the symposium served as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants included experts in botany, pharmacology, toxicology, clinical research, and public health policy. According to Dr. Oliver Grundmann, a clinical professor of medicinal chemistry at UF and one of the event organizers, “The kratom symposium offers a global perspective on both the scientific and regulatory progress of kratom.”
This year’s symposium emphasized mentorship by encouraging junior scientists to present their work alongside established researchers. Over 40 presentations covered diverse topics such as preclinical and clinical studies, quality standards, regulatory frameworks, and supply chain safety.
Keynote Address: A Decade of Progress
Dr. Jack Henningfield of Johns Hopkins University and Pinney Associates delivered the keynote address, highlighting the remarkable growth in kratom-related research over the past decade. Henningfield noted that publications on kratom listed in PubMed increased from just 22 in 2015 to over 140 by 2024—a surge fueled largely by funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
“Kratom research has thrived through interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and global collaborations that embrace new ideas and approaches,” Henningfield remarked during his address. He credited this progress to the dedication of researchers committed to advancing public health through science.
The Role of NIDA in Advancing Kratom Research
NIDA has been instrumental in supporting studies that explore kratom’s pharmacological properties and its potential as a harm reduction agent for substance use disorders. According to NIDA’s research overview on kratom, ongoing investigations aim to better understand its complex effects on the brain and its potential therapeutic applications for pain management and opioid withdrawal (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
Preliminary findings from an FDA pilot study presented at the symposium further underscored kratom’s potential benefits. The study concluded that kratom leaf is “well tolerated” at certain doses, paving the way for future research into its safety profile (SupplySide Journal).
Addressing Quality Standards and Regulation
One of the symposium’s central themes was the need for robust quality standards to ensure consumer safety. With kratom products widely available across U.S. markets, inconsistent labeling and contamination have raised concerns among regulators and public health officials. Discussions at the event highlighted efforts to establish standardized testing protocols for alkaloid content and purity.
Dr. Christopher McCurdy, a professor of medicinal chemistry at UF who has studied kratom for nearly two decades, emphasized that ensuring product quality is critical for both consumer safety and regulatory compliance. “We need to do a lot more research to understand where problems start to come in,” McCurdy stated during his presentation (UF Pharmacy).
Bridging Science and Policy
The symposium also served as a platform for dialogue between scientists and policymakers. Regulators from Southeast Asia—where kratom is traditionally cultivated—shared insights into sustainable harvesting practices and local regulations that could inform Western policies. By fostering these international collaborations, organizers hope to create a more unified approach to kratom regulation that balances consumer access with public safety concerns.
According to Dr. Grundmann, “UF has played a leading role in kratom research with several faculty conducting NIDA-funded studies. By hosting this symposium, UF strengthens collaboration within the research community and helps advance our collective understanding of kratom.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Kratom Research
As interest in kratom continues to grow, so does the need for rigorous scientific investigation into its safety and efficacy. The Fourth International Kratom Symposium underscored that while significant progress has been made over the past decade, many questions remain unanswered—particularly regarding long-term use and potential risks associated with high doses or adulterated products (Frontiers Public Health).
The event concluded with a call to action for continued interdisciplinary collaboration and increased funding for research initiatives. Organizers expressed optimism that future symposia will build on this year’s achievements by fostering even greater international participation and mentorship opportunities for emerging scientists.
For more information about this year’s symposium or upcoming events related to kratom research, visit UF Pharmacy.