Kratom is a plant that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a stimulant, analgesic, and mood enhancer. It can be consumed as powder, tablets, capsules, raw leaves, or concentrated extracts. The kratom extracts contain high amounts of a potent alkaloid, mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine. The kratom extracts have been marketed as being effective in treating a number of bodily conditions, including pain, opioid withdrawal symptoms, and anxiety or depression. However, it is important to note that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support these claims and that consumers should always consult their doctor before attempting to self-treat with kratom.
Different kratom extract have different dosages, effects, and concentrations. For this reason, it is important to purchase a quality product from a trusted source. The best way to do this is by choosing a brand that has its products lab-tested. This ensures that the product is free of contaminants and meets all FDA safety guidelines.
Depending on the strain of kratom that is used, it can act as a stimulant and boost energy levels or as a pain reliever. At higher dosages, it can induce a feeling of euphoria and relaxation similar to that achieved by opioids. At very high doses, it acts as a sedative and can help to alleviate insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety.
The chemical composition of kratom leaves and their extracts can vary significantly due to factors such as the time of harvesting, where the plants were grown, and how old the leaves were when they were harvested. This can result in variations in the concentrations of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in kratom extracts. This can impact the quality of the kratom extracts and its efficacy in treatment.
It is also important to remember that the kratom extracts are highly potent and may result in adverse effects even at lower dosages. Some people have reported experiencing nausea, stomach upset, and other side effects when using kratom. The kratom extracts can be more likely to cause these effects when taken with other substances or medications, especially benzodiazepines and alcohol.
The use of kratom has been associated with hepatotoxicity, indicated by elevated serum ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels. This is mainly due to the presence of the alkaloids, especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. This is why it is recommended to use only kratom extracts that are tested for mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine contents and have a low level of toxic alkaloids.