Description
Quick Facts
Naltrexone primarily acts as a competitive antagonist at all three major opioid receptor types (μ, κ, and δ). Its high affinity for these receptors means it binds strongly and effectively blocks endogenous opioids (endorphins) and exogenous opioids (e.g., heroin, morphine, oxycodone) from producing their characteristic effects.
- Addiction Treatment: In opioid dependence, this blockade prevents euphoric and analgesic effects, thereby reducing the reinforcing properties of opioids. For alcohol dependence, while the exact mechanism is not fully elucidated, it is believed to involve modulation of the endogenous opioid system, which plays a role in the reinforcing effects of alcohol.
- Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Research: At very low doses, Naltrexone’s mechanism is hypothesized to shift. Instead of solely blocking opioid receptors, it may transiently block these receptors, leading to an adaptive upregulation of endogenous opioid production (e.g., endorphins) and modulation of glial cell activity. This unique low-dose effect is being explored for its potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): A primary application in research for preventing relapse in opioid-dependent individuals, by blocking the effects of opioids and reducing cravings.
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Extensively studied for its efficacy in reducing heavy drinking days and preventing relapse in alcohol-dependent individuals, by attenuating the rewarding effects of alcohol.
- Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Research: A growing area of investigation for its potential in managing a range of conditions with inflammatory or autoimmune components, including:
- Autoimmune Diseases: Multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes: Conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and neuropathic pain.
- Oncology (Adjunctive Therapy): Exploratory research into its immunomodulatory effects as an adjunctive therapy in certain cancers.
- Neuroimmunology: Used to probe the interaction between the opioid system and the immune system, particularly in the context of chronic inflammation and neuroinflammation.
Why Choose Peptide Chains for Naltrexone?
Peptide Chains provides high-purity Naltrexone in bulk API quantities, essential for rigorous pharmaceutical research, drug development, and specialized compounding. Our Naltrexone API is meticulously sourced and supplied, ensuring optimal integrity, purity (typically ≥98%), and consistency for your precise formulation and experimental protocols. We are committed to stringent quality control, including comprehensive analytical testing, to guarantee the exceptional purity and batch-to-batch reliability that is critical for reproducible results in studies focused on addiction treatment, immunomodulation, chronic pain management, and the intricate pharmacology of the opioid system.