Herbs (Global Traditional) · Southeast Asian
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) (Mitragyna speciosa)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine alkaloids that act as partial mu-opioid receptor agonists. These compounds produce analgesic and stimulant effects depending on dosage and strain composition.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves are harvested, dried, and processed using organic solvents like acetone or alcohols to extract alkaloids, as the primary compound mitragynine is insoluble in water.
The research dossier reveals no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on kratom. All current evidence is limited to preclinical studies and traditional use reports, with sources explicitly noting insufficient evidence for clinical use in humans.
No clinically studied dosage ranges exist for kratom in any form, as human clinical trials are absent. Alkaloid content varies significantly by strain and source (mitragynine ranges from 12-66% of total alkaloids). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
{"macronutrients": {"protein": "1-2% by weight", "fiber": "2-3% by weight"}, "micronutrients": {"calcium": "80-100 mg per 100g", "magnesium": "40-60 mg per 100g", "potassium": "30-50 mg per 100g"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"mitragynine": "up to 66% of total alkaloid content", "7-hydroxymitragynine": "up to 2% of total alkaloid content", "speciogynine": "up to 6% of total alkaloid content", "paynantheine": "up to 8% of total alkaloid content"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Bioactive alkaloids like mitragynine have variable bioavailability due to factors like individual metabolism and preparation method. Traditional preparation methods may affect nutrient and compound absorption."}
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine function as partial agonists at mu-opioid receptors while also interacting with adrenergic and serotonergic pathways. At lower doses, adrenergic stimulation predominates, producing stimulant effects, while higher doses favor opioid receptor activation for analgesic effects. The alkaloids also modulate dopamine and GABA neurotransmitter systems.
Clinical evidence for kratom remains extremely limited with no large-scale randomized controlled trials published. Small observational studies and case reports suggest potential for pain management and opioid withdrawal symptom relief, but sample sizes are typically under 50 participants. Most evidence comes from traditional use documentation and preclinical animal studies rather than human clinical trials. Current research focuses primarily on safety profiles and abuse potential rather than therapeutic efficacy.
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and potential for dependence with regular use. Kratom may interact dangerously with CNS depressants, increasing respiratory depression risk, and can potentiate effects of other opioids. The FDA has issued warnings about contaminated products and potential liver toxicity with chronic use. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, with case reports of neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
10 documented interactions for Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). Click any row to read the full explanation. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Kratom acts like an opioid. Combining with Vicodin can stop breathing. This combination has caused deaths.
What to do: Do NOT take Kratom and Hydrocodone together under any circumstances. If you are currently taking both, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately — do not stop either medication abruptly without medical guidance.
Timing: Take Hydrocodone exactly as prescribed. Kratom can be taken with a meal at a different time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) can amplify opioid sedation and respiratory depression. Stimulating adaptogens (rhodiola, ginseng) may be safer choices during opioid therapy.
Full interaction details →Kratom and OxyContin both activate opioid receptors. This combination can be fatal.
What to do: Do NOT take Kratom and Oxycodone together under any circumstances. If you are currently taking both, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately — do not stop either medication abruptly without medical guidance.
Timing: Take Oxycodone exactly as prescribed. Kratom can be taken with a meal at a different time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) can amplify opioid sedation and respiratory depression. Stimulating adaptogens (rhodiola, ginseng) may be safer choices during opioid therapy.
Full interaction details →Kratom and Tramadol together risk respiratory failure AND seizures. Never combine these.
What to do: Do NOT take Kratom and Tramadol together under any circumstances. If you are currently taking both, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately — do not stop either medication abruptly without medical guidance.
Timing: Take Tramadol exactly as prescribed. Kratom can be taken with a meal at a different time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) can amplify opioid sedation and respiratory depression. Stimulating adaptogens (rhodiola, ginseng) may be safer choices during opioid therapy.
Full interaction details →Kratom affects serotonin levels. Taking with Zoloft increases Serotonin Syndrome risk.
What to do: When taking Kratom with Sertraline, watch for early signs of Serotonin Syndrome: restlessness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, flushing, and heavy sweating. Go to the ER immediately if these symptoms appear — do not wait to see if they pass.
Timing: Take Sertraline at the same time each day as prescribed. Kratom can be taken at any convenient time — morning with breakfast is most common. Some botanicals (St. John's Wort especially) have serotonergic activity and must NOT be combined with SSRIs. If you notice increased drowsiness or agitation, shift the botanical to a different time or discuss discontinuation with your prescriber.
Full interaction details →Kratom and Lexapro both affect serotonin. Combined risk of Serotonin Syndrome.
What to do: When taking Kratom with Escitalopram, watch for early signs of Serotonin Syndrome: restlessness, tremors, rapid heartbeat, flushing, and heavy sweating. Go to the ER immediately if these symptoms appear — do not wait to see if they pass.
Timing: Take Escitalopram at the same time each day as prescribed. Kratom can be taken at any convenient time — morning with breakfast is most common. Some botanicals (St. John's Wort especially) have serotonergic activity and must NOT be combined with SSRIs. If you notice increased drowsiness or agitation, shift the botanical to a different time or discuss discontinuation with your prescriber.
Full interaction details →Mixing kratom and Xanax is extremely dangerous. Both depress central nervous system and breathing.
What to do: Combining Kratom and Alprazolam can increase sedation. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until you know how this affects you. Start with the lowest possible dose of each. Have someone check on you. Never add alcohol to this combination.
Timing: Take Alprazolam only as prescribed — benzodiazepines carry dependence risk and should not be adjusted without medical guidance. Kratom at a separate time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) enhance GABA activity and can amplify sedation. Use with extreme caution or avoid.
Full interaction details →Kratom and Ativan together risk dangerous respiratory depression.
What to do: Combining Kratom and Lorazepam can increase sedation. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until you know how this affects you. Start with the lowest possible dose of each. Have someone check on you. Never add alcohol to this combination.
Timing: Take Lorazepam only as prescribed — benzodiazepines carry dependence risk and should not be adjusted without medical guidance. Kratom at a separate time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) enhance GABA activity and can amplify sedation. Use with extreme caution or avoid.
Full interaction details →Kratom and Valium together can cause life-threatening sedation.
What to do: Combining Kratom and Diazepam can increase sedation. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until you know how this affects you. Start with the lowest possible dose of each. Have someone check on you. Never add alcohol to this combination.
Timing: Take Diazepam only as prescribed — benzodiazepines carry dependence risk and should not be adjusted without medical guidance. Kratom at a separate time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) enhance GABA activity and can amplify sedation. Use with extreme caution or avoid.
Full interaction details →DANGEROUS COMBINATION. Phenibut depresses your nervous system through GABA, while kratom does it through opioid receptors. Together they create a similar danger profile to mixing benzodiazepines with opioids — potentially fatal respiratory depression and extreme sedation.
What to do: Do not combine phenibut and kratom. Several deaths have been linked to this combination. If you use both, seek help from a healthcare provider to safely discontinue one or both substances.
Timing: Take Kratom and Phenibut with food for optimal absorption. These can generally be taken at the same meal or different meals based on your preference. Consistency in daily timing matters more than the exact hour.
Full interaction details →DANGEROUS COMBINATION. Both tianeptine and kratom activate opioid receptors in your brain. Taking both is like doubling your opioid dose, which can dangerously suppress breathing and cause overdose.
What to do: Do not combine tianeptine and kratom. Both act on opioid receptors and together create serious overdose risk. If you use both for mood or withdrawal management, seek medical help for safer alternatives.
Timing: Take Kratom and Tianeptine with food for optimal absorption. These can generally be taken at the same meal or different meals based on your preference. Consistency in daily timing matters more than the exact hour.
Full interaction details →Educational information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement or medication regimen.
