An evergreen tree in the coffee family, Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea.
Kratom has been used since at least the 19th century in traditional medicine systems, but today it is becoming yet another sign of the times, as it is often used for opioid addiction, as well as abused due to its opioid and stimulant effects.
Traditional uses include pain relief, combatting fatigue and for diarrhea, and the leaves are traditionally chewed, brewed into a tea or smoked. Activities confirmed through scientific investigation include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, antitussive, sedative and opioid-like activities.
Whether this plant could truly be a helpful agent in the widespread treatment of addiction and other disorders may remain a mystery, as the FDA banned importing and manufacturing of Kratom for dietary supplements, and have been considering making it a Schedule I drug (though due to significant public and legislative pushback it has been postponed).
In various places, Kratom leaves are normally chewed, brewed, or taken in pills, capsules or extracts.
The two main compounds commonly thought to be responsible for the psychotropic effects of Kratom are mitragynine, corynantheidine and 7-a-hydroxymitragynine; however, its composition is complex with over 40 different alkaloids present.
Mitragynine has high affinity to mu-opioid receptors, which mediate pain, respiratory depression and euphoria. At low doses, Kratom has more stimulant-like effects and is used for increasing work performance, but at moderate-high doses its activity takes on opioid-like effects. As Kratom has the potential for abuse and also the potential for addiction and poisoning, its use and continued availability on the market is currently highly controversial.
In a significant clinical study, Kratom was explored its potential as an alternative treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms. The study found that Kratom’s active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms while potentially offering a lower risk of dependence. Further research is also investigating its potential for managing chronic pain, which could provide a natural alternative to prescription painkillers.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.