Kratom - NutraPedia

Back to Table of Contents

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

1) Conditions Studied

Chronic Pain
Opioid Withdrawal and Dependence
Anxiety and Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Fatigue

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

The effectiveness of kratom in treating the above conditions is still under investigation. Some anecdotal reports and preliminary studies suggest potential benefits for pain relief and opioid withdrawal symptoms, but there is a lack of large-scale, rigorous clinical trials to conclusively determine its efficacy.

3) Potential Health Benefits

Pain relief
Mood enhancement
Stimulation at low doses
Sedation at high doses
Reduced opioid withdrawal symptoms

4) Possible Downsides

Dependency and addiction potential
Withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal
Nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation
Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of seizures
Risk of contaminated or adulterated products
Legal restrictions in some areas

5) Genetic Variations and Impact

There is limited research on kratom's effects on different genetic variations. Certain genetic markers may influence how individuals metabolize kratom or respond to its psychoactive properties, but this area requires further study to make definitive conclusions about specific genetic predispositions to its beneficial or harmful effects.

Kratom Research Summary

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia with effects similar to opioids and stimulants. It is consumed in various forms, such as tea, powder, extracts, resins, tinctures, and edibles. Kratom is traditionally used in Asia and Africa for medicinal purposes but has become controversial due to its potential for abuse and varying legal status worldwide.

Recent studies have highlighted kratom's use among US adults, showing that most users experience acute effects from their usual dose and use it for managing daily responsibilities. However, longer periods of regular use are associated with more severe adverse effects upon cessation.

Health concerns related to kratom include dependence, addiction, toxicity, and uncommon cases of significant liver damage. There is also a concern about the presence of lead contamination and the possible adulteration of commercial kratom products with the potent alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Studies suggest kratom may have therapeutic value for conditions such as acute and chronic pain, opioid and ethanol withdrawal, and dependency. However, safety concerns include learning impairment, high cholesterol, and dependency or withdrawal symptoms with chronic use. Despite these findings, some users report using kratom to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and for its stimulant and opioid-like effects.

Research indicates that kratom has pain-relieving effects, increases pain tolerance, and could be a promising herbal supplement for diabetes treatment and prevention. Nonetheless, more extensive and controlled clinical trials are needed to fully understand kratom's therapeutic benefits and safety profile.

The legal status of kratom is controversial and remains unregulated in many areas, posing risks due to variable potencies and effects. The first reported case where naloxone successfully reversed kratom toxicity highlights the need for further research and regulation to standardize kratom dosing and ensure patient safety.

Given the increasing use and potential risks, there is a need for health care providers to become familiar with kratom, including its pharmacology, clinical effects, detection, and management. Meanwhile, consumers often encounter low-quality information online, underscoring the need for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding the use of kratom.

References:

Upload Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) raw DNA data today and take a deep dive into your genome!

Or if you only have standard microarray data currently, upload raw DNA data to get started with your free DNA raw data analysis today!