Kratom has recently sparked a heated debate regarding its safety and potential benefits. This botanical herb, native to Southeast Asia and known scientifically as Mitragyna speciosa, has garnered contrasting opinions. While some view it as a natural remedy for chronic pain and opiate withdrawal, others warn of its addictive nature and potential health risks. Let’s dive into the various aspects of Kratom, and explore its uses, benefits, problems, and the controversies surrounding its legality and regulation.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree from the coffee family that grows in Southeast Asia. It contains active compounds with properties that range from stimulant-like effects, such as energizing and uplifting, to opioid-like effects, leading to drowsiness and euphoria. The two main chemicals in Kratom, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to opioids like heroin and oxycodone. Kratom is usually sold as a powder or in capsules. It can also be brewed into tea or mixed with other liquids to make a drink. The leaves of the Kratom tree are used to make these products, which contain varying amounts of the active compounds. (1)
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What is Kratom used for?
Kratom has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia for treating cough, diarrhea, chronic pain, opioid withdrawal, and to boost energy and libido. In the United States, many individuals turn to Kratom to manage chronic pain and alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal, seeking a natural alternative to prescription medications. Kratom is also used as a recreational drug, often in combination with other substances such as alcohol or caffeine. It has been reported to produce effects similar to those of opioids, including euphoria, sedation, and analgesia.
The potential benefits of Kratom
Proponents of Kratom argue that it offers a safer and more accessible option for managing pain and opioid withdrawal compared to traditional medications. They also claim that it can be used to treat a variety of other conditions, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting these claims. The limited regulation and oversight in Kratom production raise concerns about its safety and quality, as unregulated products can pose health risks due to contamination and inconsistent dosages. (2)
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The problems with Kratom
Despite its perceived benefits, Kratom comes with its set of problems. The lack of standardized regulations and quality control in Kratom production and distribution increases the potential health risks associated with its consumption. In the US, There is little to no control or reliable information on the growth, processing, packaging, or labeling of the kratom sold. Adverse effects of Kratom include agitation, tachycardia, respiratory suppression, and even cardiac arrhythmia. Moreover, the addictive nature of Kratom poses challenges, with a notable percentage of users exhibiting signs of addiction. (3)
Potential Liver Toxicity
Kratom has been associated with potential liver toxicity, with rare cases of liver injury reported in individuals who have ingested kratom tea powder tablets. The liver injury induced by kratom is often cholestatic, characterized by reduced or stopped bile flow, or can be a mix of cholestatic and hepatocellular, involving the death and inflammation of liver cells. Symptoms of liver injury linked to kratom use can include fatigue, nausea, itching, dark urine, and jaundice. In severe cases, individuals may require hospitalization due to the development of severe liver injury symptoms within a few weeks of kratom use. Although people often recover from kratom-induced liver injury after discontinuing kratom use and receiving supportive treatment, the effectiveness of treatments like corticosteroids and N-acetylcysteine in improving recovery remains inconclusive. (4)
Furthermore, while liver toxicity from kratom is rare, more research is needed to identify potential risk factors that may predispose individuals to developing liver injury from kratom use. Factors such as specific doses, patterns of usage, concurrent substance use, or preexisting health conditions may play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to liver damage caused by kratom. It is essential for individuals to be aware of the possible adverse effects of kratom on the liver and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms indicative of liver injury while using this substance.
The controversy
The conflicting viewpoints on Kratom have led to its ban in seven states across the US, citing health risks and lack of regulation as primary concerns. The limited research on Kratom’s efficacy and safety further fuels the controversy, with some advocating for stricter regulations and others emphasizing the need for further studies to determine its benefits and risks.
The Bottom Line
Kratom’s status as a herbal supplement remains a subject of debate, with divergent views on its safety and utility. While some individuals swear by its effectiveness in managing pain and withdrawal symptoms, others caution against its addictive properties and potential health hazards. The lack of standardized regulations and oversight in Kratom production raises significant concerns about its quality and safety. As the controversy surrounding this plant, further research and regulation are essential to address its potential benefits and risks effectively.
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