Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Kratom Bad For You?

Also Known As: Mitragyna speciosa, ketum, kratum


Grade

C


Short answer

At this time, the research on Mitragyna Speciosa (Kratom) concludes that the herbal supplement has more positive benefits than negative effects. Biggest concerns come from mixing it with other substances. Do diligent research to ensure that it is not contraindicated with other medications and supplements.

Grade

C


Long answer

Kratom is a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, namely Thailand and Indonesia.  It is a tropical plant and is considered an evergreen from the same family of plants in which coffee is derived.  In this part of the world, Kratom has been as a medicine to treat many illnesses.  Kratom is much like the Papaver Somniferum (Opium) plant, but with much milder dependency.  Though, dependency varies from person to person (as with any substance), most people compare it to a level of dependency similar to that of Caffeine.

The people from the countries in which the plant grows, simply chew the leaves to ingest the substance in the body.  In parts of the world that import Kratom, it is usually sold as capsules or a concentrated liquid alkaloid.  It is also packaged, in small “one shot bottles” under countless brand names, such as Green Vein, Vitalize, K-Chill, etc.  These less concentrated alkaloid formulas are mixed with other vitamins and minerals.  Once it has taken effect, Kratom works as a mood stabilizer, and relieves pain, much like an opioid.

Kratom has demonstrated positive results in the medical studies that have been carried out.  It has proven to be able to ease moderate to severe pain while giving the user a sense of well-being.  During research studies, NO acute overdoses have been reported.  Kratom displays powerful antioxidant and antibacterial qualities and has shown to mitigate problems that occur from certain types of cancers.  Kratom contains oxindole alkaloids that exhibit immunomodulation properties.  This means that Kratom may help to promote defenses in the bodies of people who are immune compromised. 

The research carried out on Kratom and its derivatives are limited.  As with any supplement, Kratom may interact with alcohol, prescription medications, and drugs (specifically pain medication), so use with extreme caution when consuming other substances.  All published studies have shown more good qualities, than bad.  The only concerns are minor withdrawal symptoms that resemble that of a weak opioid and possible negative reactions of mixing Kratom with high levels of pain medication. 

Anyone considering the use of Kratom should conduct more research for themselves to decide whether or not Kratom is right for them.


Possible long-term side effects

  • addiction
  • negative interactions with other substances


Benefits

  • natural pain relief
  • energy
  • increased concentration/attentiveness
  • weight loss (in some cases)
  • mood enhancer
  • extends sexual intercourse



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016




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