Disclaimer: Kratom Is Not a Breast Cancer Treatment: While this study investigates the potential of kratom compounds mitragynine and 7-hyroxymitragynine to bind with HER2 receptors through computer modeling, it does not prove or suggest that kratom cures breast cancer. These results are preliminary and based solely on in silico simulations (i.e., computer-generated predictions). No clinical trials or lab-based experiments in humans or animals were conducted to confirm safety, effectiveness, or therapeutic value. People living with breast cancer should not use kratom as a substitute for evidence-based treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Always consult a licensed medical professional before considering any alternative or complementary therapies.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, accounting for 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women after skin cancer. About 2.5% of women in the U.S. will die from breast cancer over the course of their lifetime, but death rates have declined by 44% in the past 35 years due to early detection and increased awareness (source: cancer.org).
About 20% of breast cancer cases involve over-expression of a protein called HER2 that contributes to cancer cell growth. Targeting HER2 has led to major breakthroughs in treatment—but researchers are still hunting for safer, more effective options. A study published in June 2025 in the journal Current Research in Structural Biology explores whether mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine could be part of the solution.
Using computer-based methods (in silico), scientists screened mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine to see how well they bind to HER2. They compared these to a known HER2 inhibitor (SYR127063) and ran molecular dynamics simulations to test stability over time. The researchers found that mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine could attach to HER2 in a stable way, potentially blocking its activity. Mitragynine showed stronger binding than 7-hydroxymitragynine, and even rivaled a known HER2-targeting drug called SYR127063 in some metrics.
Using molecular docking, the team predicted how well each compound fits into HER2’s structure. Mitragynine had a binding energy of −112.33 kJ/mol, while SYR127063 scored −163.448 kJ/mol—indicating stronger interaction. However, mitragynine had higher hydrogen bond occupancy (39.19%), suggesting it forms more stable connections with HER2 than 7-hydroxymitragynine (4.32%).
Beyond HER2, kratom alkaloids also showed potential against other cancer-related proteins in other studies cited by the researchers. Speciophylline anfd corynoxine A & B bind well to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which is involved in hormone-driven breast cancers. Mitraphylline & mitrafoline interact with P53, a tumor suppressor protein often mutated in cancers. In lab tests, kratom extracts made lung cancer cells more sensitive to low-dose doxorubicin, a common chemotherapy drug. This means kratom could potentially enhance existing treatments while reducing side effects. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which often causes severe side effects, kratom compounds may work through alternative pathways—like avoiding activation of β-arrestin-2, which is linked to opioid-related respiratory depression and constipation. This opens the door to safer, more targeted therapies.
While the results are promising, they’re based on simulations and lab models. The compounds need to be tested in live cells, animals, and eventually humans to confirm their effectiveness and safety. Researchers also aim to optimize the chemical structures to improve potency and reduce risks.