Herbal monograph methodology for identification of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. leaves

Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil is a plant native to Malaysia and Thailand. Although it has medicinal properties, it also has psychotropic effects and is widely abused. Previous studies have focused on evaluating its beneficial effects or the identification and detection of its primary active component, mitragynine. However, there is a lack of data available for leaf identification. The present study investigated pharmacognostical analysis and to evaluate physicochemical properties in order to assist in the identification of this plant and to characterize M. speciosa leaves. The present data is used to create monograph and document for pharmacopoeia, which will aid with plant identification and will assist in the identification of misuse of the leaves in herbal products. At the same time, this identification method may aid regulatory authorities in identifying the plant. The present results may also facilitate the standardization of M. speciosa in nutraceutical products and botanical drugs.