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'''Kratom''', or '''Mitragyna speciosa''' is a leafy tree that grows from 3-15 meters tall. Its leaves contain mitragynine and are chewed as an opiate substitute and stimulant in Thailand and South-East Asia, primarily among the working class. It has a relatively long history of human use.
[[File:Kratom_plants.jpg|thumb|Kratom Plant]]


The '''Kratom''' leaf is a psychoactive, traditionally chewed to provide euphoria. Its leaves contain 7-Hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine which act as a μ-opioid receptor agonist like morphine, and can be used to treat chronic pain. The leaves are chewed as an opioid substitute and stimulant in Thailand and especially in the southern peninsula. Kratom is also used in neighboring countries in Southeast Asia where it grows naturally, primarily among the working class. As traditionally used, kratom is not seen as a drug and there is no stigma associated with kratom use or discrimination against kratom eaters. They can also be smoked, brewed as a tea, or made into an extract. It has a relatively long history of human use.
Kratom's pharmacology shares some elements of the activity of other substances including [[yohimbine]]. Kratom also has a yohimbe-like stimulant activity, and uncaria-like immunostimulant activity. Kratom is said to produce a sense of well-being, with users reporting anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, analgesic, and even euphorigenic effects. It is paradoxically a stimulant and depressant, used to aid work and also able to contribute to rest and sleep. Kratom's psychoactive effects are reported to be relatively short-lived, typically fading after a few hours. Some people experience nausea after ingesting kratom. Its extremely bitter taste probably contributes to the nausea. Another possible effect is constipation. Kratom is mildly addictive and withdrawal is possible after frequent heavy use. While rarely severe or disabling, withdrawal symptoms can include depression, fatigue, restlessness, teary eyes, and insomnia. It is comparable to morphine withdrawal in character and caffeine withdrawal in severity.
[[File:Thai_crushed_kratom.jpg|thumb|Crushed Kratom Leafs]]
The most potent leaves generally come from older trees, most of which grow on mildly acidic jungle type soils. The large leaves are most revered. Different strains, with names such as 'Rifat' and 'Bumblebee' are now being selected and vegetatively cloned for their allegedly higher innate alkaloid content. However, genetics are only a small variable with mitragyna speciosa. Alkaloid content is a function of age, genetics, soil, location, and season. Alkaloid production is highest in late summer and early fall. There are some reports that kratom grown in sub-tropical or mild tropical conditions may not be active, or will be less potent than kratom growing in the deep tropics. Again, reports vary sharply in this regard. Some make this claim, while others claim to have grown perfectly potent plants under such conditions.


== History ==


Kratom appears to have been used in Thailand for centuries, recreationally and as an antidiarrhetic. Its use as an opiate substitute in Malaysia was reported in the nineteenth century. Peasants have used it to counteract the tedium of physical labor, similar to the use of coca in South America. The chemistry of its alkaloids was investigated in the 1920s, and mitragynine was isolated in 1923. Kratom leaves became part of the ethnobotanical trade in the United States and Europe in mid 2000. In the early 2000s, stories about the use of kratom to reduce opiod withdrawal effects began circulating on web forums.
== Recreational Use of Kratom ==


== Overview of different strains ==
Though Kratom is not a well known substance outside South-East Asia; it has been sold for its narcotic effects around the world, mainly via internet vendors. By affecting the Delta opioid receptors much like opiates do, Kratom provides a calm and relaxing euphoria mirroring that of opiates. Kratom appears to affect the brain in much the same way opiates do, but yet it does not cause the retched dependence caused by regular opiate use. A tolerance is built, however, requiring more material to achieve the same effects. It is recommended that users do not use Kratom more than twice a week, so a tolerance is not built. Cross-tolerance has also been noted. This means that a user can consume Kratom and build a tolerance for both Kratom and opiates. This could pose a problem for doctors prescribing pain medication to someone after regular Kratom use.


'''Bali'''- Euphoric and the most classic opiate like among the strains of kratom.
== Kratom as a Opiate substitute ==


'''Maeng Da''' - Energizing and stimulating with pain killing effects.
Since Kratom affects the brain much like [[opiates]]; Kratom has been a popular opiate substitute in some parts of South-East Asia. Many opium addicts in Thailand are reported to chew Kratom leaves if opium is not available. In most cases, Kratom is just used as a substitute until more opium can be acquired, though some opiate users do combine the two drugs.


'''Red Vein Thai'''- Similar to Bali with fewer negative side effects.


'''Super Indo'''- Similar to Bali with less euphoria.
== Kratom as a Sex enhancer ==


'''Super Green Malaysian'''- Varies between suppliers but is typically more stimulating with little euphoria.
Some users claim that Kratom allows them to perform sexually for a much longer period of time than normal. For many people, Kratom reduces the sensitivity in the sexual organs, thus requiring more time to reach an orgasm. Kratom seems to have a negative effect on sexual performance though. Many report that Kratom causes temporary erectile problems.


'''Ultra Enhanced Indo'''- Most euphoric of the extracts and works well for reducing social anxiety.


'''Thai Essence'''- Somewhat weaker than Ultra Enhanced Indo by weight with a bit of a Maeng Da kick.
== Kratom & cancer prevention ==


'''Full Spectrum Tincture''' (FST) - The original likely had synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine but current formulations are basically Ultra Enhanced Indo in liquid form.
There have been some claims that Kratom can reduce the chances of getting some forms of cancer. There is no scientific research to back these claims up. Hopefully, someday, there will be some research available on this subject.


== Dosage ==
== Kratom Side effects ==


Kratom leaves differ greatly in potency, depending on the type, grade, and freshness. Leaves with green veins are often claimed to be more potent than those with red veins, but there is contradictory evidence.
Consumption of Kratom does have possible side effects such as nausea, constipation, sleep problems, and temporary erectile dysfunction. Extensive use can cause some problems such as insomnia, anorexia, weight loss, darkening of skin, and dry mouth. There are reports of a small number of Kratom users in South-East Asia experiencing more severe problems from they're extensive consumption of the plant. Problems such as hallucinations, delusional behavior, aggression and schizophrenia seemed to plague some users. Some of these users were also using drugs such as [[alcohol]], [[opiates]] and [[amphetamine]]s as well. Any one of these drugs could have caused these severe symptoms, so it would be questionable to assume that Kratom caused these problems. Some of the people who did not use other drugs did display symptoms, but these were long time users, some as much as 40 years of daily heavy consumption. It seems unlikely that users outside South-East Asia face the same risks, as most recreational users don't consume anywhere near the same amount of Kratom as people from South-East Asia. It is recommended that new Kratom users start with smaller doses to avoid potential negative effects. Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery. Use caution when mixing psychoactive substances with Kratom. There appears to be no information regarding Kratom use and interactions with MAOI’s and SSRI’s, but if you take MAOI’s, do not use Kratom. People taking SSRI’s are advised to use caution when taking Kratom. Most people taking SSRI’s report no problems with Kratom.


{| class="wikitable"
|+ Oral (Enhanced)
|-
| Threshold || 1g
|-
| Light || 1-2g
|-
| Common || 2-3g
|-
| Strong || 3-6g
|}


{| class="wikitable"
== Kratom dosage ==
|+ Oral (Super)
|-
| Threshold || 1-2g
|-
| Light || 2-4g
|-
| Common || 3-5g
|-
| Strong || 4-8g
|}


{| class="wikitable"
*Oral Kratom Dosages (dried leaf)
|+ Oral (Premium)
*Enhanced (Extract Added)
|-
*Threshold 1 gram
| Threshold || 2-4g
*Light 1-2 grams
|-
*Common 2-3 grams
| Light || 3-5g
*Strong 3-6 grams
|-
| Common || 4-10g
|-
| Strong || 8-15g
|}


{| class="wikitable"
----
|+ Oral (Low Potency)
|-
| Threshold|| 3-7g
|-
| Light || 5-10g
|-
| Common || 10-20g
|-
| Strong || 20-50g
|}


== Duration ==
*Oral Kratom Dosages (dried leaf)
*Super Grade
*Threshold 1-2 grams
*Light 2-4 grams
*Common 3-5 grams
*Strong 4-8 grams


{| class="wikitable"
----
|+ Oral
|-
| Onset || 5-15 minutes
|-
| Duration || 2-5 hours
|-
| After-effects || 3-6 hours
|}


== Effects ==
*Oral Kratom Dosages (dried leaf)
*Premium Grade
*Threshold 2-4 grams
*Light 3-5 grams
*Common 4-10 grams
*Strong 8-15 grams


The effects of Mitragyna speciosa are described as being a combination of both stimulation and sedation. The stimulatory effects may be shorter in duration than the sedation effect, coming on faster and fading sooner.
----


=== Postive ===
*Oral Kratom Dosages (dried leaf)
*Low Potency (very uncommon as of 2008)
*Threshold 3-7 grams
*Light 5-10 grams
*Common 10-20 grams
*Strong 20-50 grams


* Simultaneous stimulation & sedation
----


* Feelings of empathy
*Onset : 5-15 minutes
 
*Duration : 2-5 hours
* Feelings of euphoria
*Normal After Effects : 3-6 hours
 
* Aphrodisiac qualities for some people
 
* Vivid waking dreams
 
* Useful with physical labor
 
* Low doses can result in a lasting "glow" in some people, feeling better than normal the next day
 
* Increases sociability and talkativeness
 
=== Neutral ===
 
* Relatively short duration
 
* Change in ability to focus eyes
 
* Analgesia
 
=== Negative ===
 
* Very bitter taste
 
* Dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting at higher doses
 
* Mild depression during and/or after
 
* Increase in (perceived) body temperature. (feel hot and sweaty)
 
* Hangover similar to alcohol, including headaches and sometimes nausea (at higher doses)
 
* Desire to repeat experience more frequently than intended, can lead to addiction
 
* Tolerance building quickly after a few days in a row of repeated use, tolerance to effects reduces with a one to three days of abstinence
 
* Psychosis
 
* Convulsions
 
* Hallucinations
 
* Confusion (rare)
 
* Loss of appetite, and weight loss (chronic use)
 
* Constipation (chronic use)
 
* Darkening of the skin color of the face (chronic use)
 
Chronic users have also reported withdrawal symptoms including irritability, runny nose and diarrhea. Withdrawal is generally short-lived and mild, and it may be effectively treated with dihydrocodeine and lofexidine.
 
== Harm Reduction ==
 
* Do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
 
* Do not combine with opioids.
 
* Do not combine  with benzodiazapines.
 
* Do not combine  with any other CNS depressant.
 
== Chemistry and Pharmacology ==
 
Kratom leaves contain the indole alkaloids mitragynine, mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and numerous other alkaloids, including paynanthine, speciogynine, and speciofoline. Mitragynine has traditionally been cited as the primary active chemical in kratom leaves, but some recent evidence points to 7-hydroxymitragynine instead. The pharmacological effects of kratom on humans are not well studied. Its metabolic half-life, protein binding, and elimination characteristics are all unknown. Kratom behaves as a μ-opioid receptor agonist, similar to opiates like morphine, although its effects differ significantly from those of opiates.
 
Mitragynine is a partial agonist of the mu- and delta-opioid receptors. This may account for its apparent efficacy in treating opiate withdrawal (see [http://www.erowid.org/references/refs_view.php?ID=7348 Erowid]). Because kratom acts as both a stimulant and a sedative, secondary alkaloids may be pharmacologically important.


== Legal status ==
== Legal status ==


In late August of 2016 the [https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2016-20803.pdf DEA issued a statement] indicating intention to place Kratom on Schedule I of the US Controlled Substances Act in the temporary scheduling category. The ban is set to come into effect September 30th 2016.  
Kratom is a controlled substance in Thailand, Bhutan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma). A handful of people in Malaysia and possibly other countries are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into kratom as a potential prescription substance.


Kratom is currently a controlled substance in Thailand, Malaysia, Denmark, Israel, Myanmar, New Zealand, Romania, Russia and South Korea.
The DEA has added Kratom to their list of drugs and chemicals of concern.


== Links ==


http://www.erowid.org/plants/kratom/kratom.shtml
== Other names for Kratom ==


http://www.sagewisdom.org/kratomguide.html
*Ketum
 
*Kakuam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitragyna_speciosa
*Ithang
 
*Thom
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9-TrCUTg_0 Overview + Safety Guide by PsychedSubstance]


[[Category:Drugs]]
[[Category:Drugs]]
 
[[Category:Alkaloids]]
[[Category:Stimulant]]
[[Category:Natural drugs]]
 
[[Category:Depressant]]
 
[[Category:Opioid]]

Latest revision as of 21:21, 16 November 2025

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa is a leafy tree that grows from 3-15 meters tall. Its leaves contain mitragynine and are chewed as an opiate substitute and stimulant in Thailand and South-East Asia, primarily among the working class. It has a relatively long history of human use.

File:Kratom plants.jpg
Kratom Plant

Kratom's pharmacology shares some elements of the activity of other substances including yohimbine. Kratom also has a yohimbe-like stimulant activity, and uncaria-like immunostimulant activity. Kratom is said to produce a sense of well-being, with users reporting anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, analgesic, and even euphorigenic effects. It is paradoxically a stimulant and depressant, used to aid work and also able to contribute to rest and sleep. Kratom's psychoactive effects are reported to be relatively short-lived, typically fading after a few hours. Some people experience nausea after ingesting kratom. Its extremely bitter taste probably contributes to the nausea. Another possible effect is constipation. Kratom is mildly addictive and withdrawal is possible after frequent heavy use. While rarely severe or disabling, withdrawal symptoms can include depression, fatigue, restlessness, teary eyes, and insomnia. It is comparable to morphine withdrawal in character and caffeine withdrawal in severity.

Crushed Kratom Leafs

The most potent leaves generally come from older trees, most of which grow on mildly acidic jungle type soils. The large leaves are most revered. Different strains, with names such as 'Rifat' and 'Bumblebee' are now being selected and vegetatively cloned for their allegedly higher innate alkaloid content. However, genetics are only a small variable with mitragyna speciosa. Alkaloid content is a function of age, genetics, soil, location, and season. Alkaloid production is highest in late summer and early fall. There are some reports that kratom grown in sub-tropical or mild tropical conditions may not be active, or will be less potent than kratom growing in the deep tropics. Again, reports vary sharply in this regard. Some make this claim, while others claim to have grown perfectly potent plants under such conditions.


Recreational Use of Kratom

Though Kratom is not a well known substance outside South-East Asia; it has been sold for its narcotic effects around the world, mainly via internet vendors. By affecting the Delta opioid receptors much like opiates do, Kratom provides a calm and relaxing euphoria mirroring that of opiates. Kratom appears to affect the brain in much the same way opiates do, but yet it does not cause the retched dependence caused by regular opiate use. A tolerance is built, however, requiring more material to achieve the same effects. It is recommended that users do not use Kratom more than twice a week, so a tolerance is not built. Cross-tolerance has also been noted. This means that a user can consume Kratom and build a tolerance for both Kratom and opiates. This could pose a problem for doctors prescribing pain medication to someone after regular Kratom use.

Kratom as a Opiate substitute

Since Kratom affects the brain much like opiates; Kratom has been a popular opiate substitute in some parts of South-East Asia. Many opium addicts in Thailand are reported to chew Kratom leaves if opium is not available. In most cases, Kratom is just used as a substitute until more opium can be acquired, though some opiate users do combine the two drugs.


Kratom as a Sex enhancer

Some users claim that Kratom allows them to perform sexually for a much longer period of time than normal. For many people, Kratom reduces the sensitivity in the sexual organs, thus requiring more time to reach an orgasm. Kratom seems to have a negative effect on sexual performance though. Many report that Kratom causes temporary erectile problems.


Kratom & cancer prevention

There have been some claims that Kratom can reduce the chances of getting some forms of cancer. There is no scientific research to back these claims up. Hopefully, someday, there will be some research available on this subject.

Kratom Side effects

Consumption of Kratom does have possible side effects such as nausea, constipation, sleep problems, and temporary erectile dysfunction. Extensive use can cause some problems such as insomnia, anorexia, weight loss, darkening of skin, and dry mouth. There are reports of a small number of Kratom users in South-East Asia experiencing more severe problems from they're extensive consumption of the plant. Problems such as hallucinations, delusional behavior, aggression and schizophrenia seemed to plague some users. Some of these users were also using drugs such as alcohol, opiates and amphetamines as well. Any one of these drugs could have caused these severe symptoms, so it would be questionable to assume that Kratom caused these problems. Some of the people who did not use other drugs did display symptoms, but these were long time users, some as much as 40 years of daily heavy consumption. It seems unlikely that users outside South-East Asia face the same risks, as most recreational users don't consume anywhere near the same amount of Kratom as people from South-East Asia. It is recommended that new Kratom users start with smaller doses to avoid potential negative effects. Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery. Use caution when mixing psychoactive substances with Kratom. There appears to be no information regarding Kratom use and interactions with MAOI’s and SSRI’s, but if you take MAOI’s, do not use Kratom. People taking SSRI’s are advised to use caution when taking Kratom. Most people taking SSRI’s report no problems with Kratom.


Kratom dosage

  • Oral Kratom Dosages (dried leaf)
  • Enhanced (Extract Added)
  • Threshold 1 gram
  • Light 1-2 grams
  • Common 2-3 grams
  • Strong 3-6 grams
  • Oral Kratom Dosages (dried leaf)
  • Super Grade
  • Threshold 1-2 grams
  • Light 2-4 grams
  • Common 3-5 grams
  • Strong 4-8 grams
  • Oral Kratom Dosages (dried leaf)
  • Premium Grade
  • Threshold 2-4 grams
  • Light 3-5 grams
  • Common 4-10 grams
  • Strong 8-15 grams
  • Oral Kratom Dosages (dried leaf)
  • Low Potency (very uncommon as of 2008)
  • Threshold 3-7 grams
  • Light 5-10 grams
  • Common 10-20 grams
  • Strong 20-50 grams
  • Onset : 5-15 minutes
  • Duration : 2-5 hours
  • Normal After Effects : 3-6 hours

Legal status

Kratom is a controlled substance in Thailand, Bhutan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma). A handful of people in Malaysia and possibly other countries are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into kratom as a potential prescription substance.

The DEA has added Kratom to their list of drugs and chemicals of concern.


Other names for Kratom

  • Ketum
  • Kakuam
  • Ithang
  • Thom
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