Kratom, whose scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa , is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, especially in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Kratom leaves have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but are also consumed for their psychoactive effects.
Why is it considered a nootropic? The term nootropic generally refers to substances that improve cognition and memory and facilitate learning. Some Kratom users report mental clarity, improved focus, and increased mental stamina, placing it within the nootropic category for some. However, it is important to note that Kratom is better known for its analgesic and sedative effects than its nootropic properties.
Mechanism of Action: Kratom contains several alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most prominent. These compounds act on opioid receptors in the brain. Depending on the dose, it can act as a stimulant at low doses and as a sedative at higher doses.
Kratom Benefits:
-
Pain relief (Analgesia) :
-
Chronic pain : Many Kratom users have reported significant relief from chronic pain, especially those with conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, among others.
-
Acute pain : In addition to chronic pain, it can offer relief for acute pain, such as postoperative pain.
-
Variety of strains : There are different strains of Kratom, some of which are more oriented towards analgesia, such as the red strains.
-
Stimulating effects :
-
Energy Boost : In low doses, it can offer an energy boost similar to a cup of coffee.
-
Mental Clarity : Some users experience greater mental clarity and ability to focus.
-
Fight fatigue : May be helpful for those with physically demanding jobs or long work hours.
-
Mood improvement :
-
Mild euphoria : Some strains and doses may induce a feeling of mild euphoria.
-
Anxiety reduction : It has been reported to reduce anxiety symptoms in some users.
-
Antidepressant : There are user testimonials indicating that Kratom helps them manage depressive symptoms.
-
Sleep regulation :
-
High-dose sedation : Red strains, in particular, may be useful for inducing sleep.
-
Circadian rhythm improvement : Some users have found that it regularizes their sleep/wake cycle.
-
Helps with opioid withdrawal :
-
Symptom Reduction : Kratom has been used by some people to manage withdrawal symptoms from opioid medications.
-
Bridging effect : By acting on the same receptors as opioids, it can serve as a "bridge" for those trying to stop using these medications.
-
Cognitive benefits :
-
Improved concentration : Some users report an increased ability to concentrate during tasks that require sustained attention.
-
Improved memory : Although the evidence is mainly anecdotal, some indicate improvements in memory and information gathering.
-
Immunological effects :
-
Strengthening the immune system : It is believed that some of the alkaloids present in Kratom may have properties that strengthen the immune system, although this needs more research.
-
Appetite suppression :
-
Weight Control : In addition to appetite suppression, some users have reported that Kratom helps with weight regulation.
Absorption : Kratom is best absorbed when consumed on an empty stomach. It can be consumed as a tea, in powder mixed with water or in capsule form.
Adverse effects and contraindications :
-
Dependence and withdrawal : As with other opioids, regular and long-term use of Kratom can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued.
-
Nausea and vomiting : Some people may experience nausea, especially when consumed in high doses.
-
Loss of appetite : While this may be seen as a benefit to some, prolonged loss of appetite can be harmful.
-
Risk of liver toxicity : Cases of liver injury associated with Kratom use have been reported.
-
Drug interactions : Kratom can interact with other medications, especially those that act on the central nervous system.
It is recommended that those considering Kratom use consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their individual situation.
More information about Kratom and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/kratom/
References on studies:
[Yo] Singh D., Müller CP, Vicknasingam BK, Mansor SM “Social Functioning of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Users in Malaysia.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs . 2015 Apr-Jun;47(2):125-31. ( source )
[ii] Raffa RB “Kratom and Other Mitragynines” CRC Press , Taylor & Francis Group 2015 ISBN: 13-978-1-4822-2519-8 ( source )
[iii] Takayama H1, Ishikawa H, Kurihara M, Kitajima M, Aimi N, Ponglux D, Koyama F, Matsumoto K., Moriyama T., Yamamoto LT, Watanabe K., Murayama T., Horie S. “Studies on the synthesis and opioid agonistic activities of mitragynine-related indole alkaloids: discovery of opioid agonists structurally different from other opioid ligands.” Journal of Medicinal Chemistry . 2002 Apr 25;45(9):1949-56. ( source )
[iv] Rosenbaum CD, Carreiro SP, Babu KM “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow…and Back Again? A Review of Herbal Marijuana Alternatives (K2, Spice), Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts), Kratom, Salvia divinorum, Methoxetamine, and Piperazines” Journal of Medical Toxicology 2012 Mar; 8(1): 15–32. ( source )
[v] Stolt, A.-C., Schröder, H., Neurath, H., Grecksch, G., Höllt, V., Meyer, M.R., Maurer, H.H., Ziebolz, N., Havemann-Reinecke, U., Becker, A. “Behavioral and neurochemical characterization of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) extract” Psychopharmacology Volume 231, Issue 1, January 2014, Pages 13-25 ( source )
[saw] Takayama H. “Chemistry and pharmacology of analgesic indole alkaloids from the rubiaceous plant, Mitragyna speciosa.” Chemical and Pharmological Bulletin (Tokyo). 2004 Aug;52(8):916-28. ( source )
[vii] Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Drug Profile. European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (accessed on 03 August 2019) (source)
[viii] Harun N., Hassan, Z., Navaratnam, V. et al. “Discriminative stimulus properties of mitragynine (kratom) in rats” Psychopharmacology (2015) 232: 2227. ( source )
[ix] Matsumoto K. et. to the. “Central antinociceptive effects of mitragynine in mice: contribution of descending noradrenergic and serotonergic systems” European Journal of Pharmacology Volume 317, Issue 1, 12 December 1996, Pages 75-81 ( source )
[x] Utar Z., et. to the. “Mitragynine inhibits the COX-2 mRNA expression and prostaglandin E2 production induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 macrophage cells” Journal of Ethnopharmacology Volume 136, Issue 1, 14 June 2011, Pages 75-82 ( source )
[xi] Hazim AI, Ramanathan, S., Parthasarathy, S. et. to the. “Anxiolytic-like effects of mitragynine in the open-field and elevated plus-maze tests in rats” The Journal of Physiological Sciences (2014) 64: 161. ( source )
[xii] Idayu NF, et. to the. “Antidepressant-like effect of mitragynine isolated from Mitragyna speciosa Korth in mice model of depression” Phytomedicine Volume 18, Issue 5, 15 March 2011, Pages 402-407 ( source )
[xiii] Arnst J. “The science behind kratom's strange leaves” American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology July 01 2017 ( source )
[xiv] Grundmann O. “Patterns of Kratom use and health impact in the US-Results from an online survey.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence . 2017 Jul 1;176:63-70 ( source )
[xv] “Kratom Survey” Pain News Network (retrieved August 3, 2019) ( source )
[xvi] Kruegel AC, et. to the. “Synthetic and Receptor Signaling Explorations of the Mitragyna Alkaloids: Mitragynine as an Atypical Molecular Framework for Opioid Receptor Modulators” Journal of the American Chemical Society 2016138216754-6764 ( source )
[xvii] Swogger MT, Walsh Z. “Kratom use and mental health: A systematic review” Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 183, 1 February 2018, Pages 134-140 ( source )
[xviii] Cheaha D., Reakkamnuan C., Nukitram J., Chittrakarn S., Phukpattaranont P., Keawpradub N., Kumarnsit E. “Effects of alkaloid-rich extraction from Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal symptoms and local field potential in the nucleus accumbens of mice.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology . 2017 Aug 17;208:129-137. ( source )
[xix] McCarthy RJ et. to the. “Antinociceptive Potentiation and Attenuation of Tolerance by Intrathecal Co-Infusion of Magnesium Sulfate and Morphine in Rats” Anesthesia & Analgesia April 1998 - Volume 86 - Issue 4 - p 830-836 ( source )
[xx] Singh D., Müller CP, Vicknasingam BK “Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) dependence, withdrawal symptoms and craving in regular users.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence . 2014 Jun 1;139:132-7 ( source )
[xxi] “Deaths in Colorado Attributed to Kratom” The New England Journal of Medicine January 3, 2019 ( source )
[xxiii] Kamal MSA, Ghazali AR, Yahya NA, Wasiman MI, Ismail Z. “Acute toxicity study of standardized Mitragyna speciosa Korth aqueous extract in Sprague Dawley rats.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology . 2010 Sep 15;131(2):404-9 ( source )
[xxiii] Lydecker AG,. Sharma A., McCurdy CR, Avery BA, Babu KM, Boyer EW “Suspected Adulteration of Commercial Kratom Products with 7-Hydroxymitragynine” Journal of Medical Toxicology . 2016 Dec;12(4):341-349 ( source )