Kratom refers to Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia, and the products derived from its leaves sold as herbal supplements. Kratom leaves contain bioactive alkaloids that affect the body, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most studied.
Much remains unknown about kratom’s compounds, its short- and long-term health and safety impacts, and its potential therapeutic uses. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supports research on kratom and related compounds to inform policy and health decisions.
While kratom hasn’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use, people report using it to ease drug withdrawal symptoms, especially for opioids, alleviate pain, and manage mental health problems. NIDA is particularly interested in studying how kratom use affects opioid use amidst the drug overdose epidemic in the United States.
People typically use kratom by swallowing capsules or powder, mixing it into food or drinks, brewing tea from the leaves, or taking liquid kratom extract. Users report both stimulant-like effects, such as increased energy, alertness, and rapid heart rate, and effects similar to opioids and sedatives, including relaxation, pain relief, and confusion. Studies also indicate rare adverse effects associated with kratom.
Anthropologists report that kratom has been used in Southeast Asia for centuries as a multi-purpose remedy in traditional medicine, to increase alertness and energy during work and social gatherings. While estimates of kratom use in the U.S. vary, its use has become more common over the past two decades.
Alt text: A tall Kratom tree, or Mitragyna speciosa, growing in its natural habitat in Southeast Asia.
Kratom’s complex effects and potential risks warrant further research to understand its impact on public health and inform safe practices.
