Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the coffee family. It is native to Southeast Asia, with prominent growth in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Historically used in its native regions, kratom has recently gained popularity in the West. Typically consumed as tea or powder, kratom acts similarly to an opiate or stimulant. It is used to treat pain, anxiety, and depression, and is also utilized to aid in withdrawal from opioid dependency (Eastlack et al., 2020). Despite its therapeutic potential, the use of kratom is controversial. It remains unregulated and can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. The absence of controlled standardized studies further limits its clinical application (Larsen et al., 2022). The legal status of kratom varies internationally and is currently a subject of intense debate among regulatory agencies, researchers, and the public in the U.S.
Eastlack SC, Cornett EM, Kaye AD. 2020. Kratom-Pharmacology, Clinical Implications, and Outlook: A Comprehensive Review. Pain Ther. 9(1):55–69. doi:10.1007/s40122-020-00151-x.
Larsen I, Zhang E, Farahmand P. 2022. Current Understanding of the Effects and Potential Clinical Utility of Kratom: A Review. J Psychiatr Pract. 28(2):92–97. doi:10.1097/PRA.0000000000000609. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
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