Detection and Identification of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) by a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction High-Resolution Melt Duplex Assay.

Abstract

Mitragyna speciosa (MS), a plant commonly known as kratom, is a widely used "legal high" opiate alternative for pain relief. DNA extracted from MS and 26 additional plant species was amplified by PCR using primers targeting the strictosidine beta-D-glucosidase (SGD) and secologanin synthase 2 (SLS2) genes and detected by high-resolution melt curves using three intercalating dyes. Amplicon sizes were confirmed using agarose gel electrophoresis. The observed melt temperatures for SGD and SLS2 were 77.08±0.38°C and 77.61±0.46°C, respectively, using SYBR® Green I; 80.18±0.27°C and 80.59±0.08°C, respectively, using Radiant™ Green; and 82.19±0.04°C and 82.62±0.13°C, respectively, using the LCGreen® PLUS dye. The SLS2 primers demonstrated higher specificity and identified MS DNA at 0.05ng/μL. In a duplex reaction, SLS2 and tetrahydrocannabinoic acid synthase gene primers detected and differentiated MS and Cannabis sativa (CS) by melt peaks at 82.63±0.35°C and 85.58±0.23°C, respectively, using LCGreen® PLUS.