Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves contain mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors. These compounds produce dose-dependent effects ranging from stimulation at low doses to sedation at higher doses.
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupOther
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordkratom benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) is a tropical evergreen tree in the Rubiaceae family native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, where its leaves are harvested as the primary source. The leaves are typically dried and powdered, with alkaloids extracted using accelerated solvent extraction at 60°C yielding 0.53–2.91 g dry extract with mitragynine content of 1.83–7.19%.
“Kratom leaves have been used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine systems, including Thai and Malaysian folk practices, for centuries. The leaves are often prepared as water decoctions for their pharmacological properties, though specific traditional indications and duration of use are not detailed in available research.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
The research dossier reveals a significant gap in clinical evidence, with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified for Mitragyna speciosa. Available data focus solely on in vitro evaluations examining kratom extracts (0–128 μg/mL) and alkaloids (0–128 μM) on CES1 enzyme activity, without any human outcome measures or PMIDs for clinical studies provided.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available from human trials. Extraction studies report mitragynine yields of 1.54–1.83% from water extraction and up to 7.19% from methanol extraction, but these lack standardization or clinical dosing context. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
{"macronutrients": {"protein": "Low, approximately 1-2% by weight", "fiber": "Moderate, approximately 5-7% by weight"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "Trace amounts, less than 1% of daily value per serving"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "Approximately 0.1% by weight", "Magnesium": "Approximately 0.2% by weight", "Potassium": "Approximately 1% by weight"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Mitragynine": "Approximately 0.5-1.5% by weight", "7-Hydroxymitragynine": "Less than 0.05% by weight", "Speciociliatine": "Approximately 0.1% by weight", "Paynantheine": "Approximately 0.1% by weight"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Bioactive alkaloids such as mitragynine are believed to have moderate oral bioavailability, but precise absorption rates are not well-documented. Nutrient absorption may vary based on preparation and individual digestive factors."}
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Kratom's primary alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine bind to mu-opioid receptors as partial agonists, providing analgesic effects without full opioid receptor activation. These compounds also interact with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and serotonin receptors, contributing to mood and energy effects. At low doses, noradrenergic and serotonergic pathways predominate, while higher doses favor opioidergic activity.
Clinical Evidence
Most kratom research consists of animal studies and case reports rather than controlled human trials. A 2019 survey study of 2,798 kratom users reported self-reported benefits for pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Limited pharmacokinetic studies show mitragynine plasma levels peak 1-2 hours after oral administration. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical condition, and controlled clinical trials are lacking to establish safety and efficacy.
Safety & Interactions
Kratom can cause nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and dependence with regular use. It may interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially affecting metabolism of other medications including antidepressants and blood thinners. The DEA considers kratom a "drug of concern" due to abuse potential and reported deaths in combination with other substances. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid kratom due to unknown fetal effects and potential withdrawal in newborns.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
kratomketumthomthangbiakkakuamithangMitragyna speciosa KorthMalaysian kratomThai kratomIndonesian kratom
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active ingredient in kratom?
The primary active compounds in kratom are mitragynine (up to 66% of total alkaloids) and 7-hydroxymitragynine (up to 2% but 13x more potent than mitragynine). These indole alkaloids are responsible for kratom's opioid-like effects.
How long do kratom effects last?
Kratom effects typically begin within 10-25 minutes of oral consumption and last 2-5 hours depending on dose and individual metabolism. Peak effects occur 1-3 hours after ingestion, with mitragynine having a half-life of approximately 3.85 hours.
What's the difference between kratom strains?
Kratom strain names (red, green, white) refer to leaf vein color and drying methods rather than distinct genetic varieties. Red strains are typically associated with sedation, white with stimulation, and green with balanced effects, though alkaloid content varies more by growing conditions than strain color.
Can kratom help with opioid withdrawal?
Some users report kratom helps manage opioid withdrawal symptoms due to its partial mu-opioid receptor agonism. However, no controlled clinical trials have established kratom's safety or efficacy for opioid withdrawal, and kratom itself can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
What is a typical kratom dosage?
Traditional doses range from 1-5 grams for stimulating effects and 5-15 grams for sedating effects, though individual tolerance varies significantly. New users typically start with 1-2 grams to assess sensitivity, as kratom has a narrow therapeutic window between desired effects and adverse reactions.
Does kratom interact with prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs?
Kratom may interact with medications metabolized by the liver, particularly those using the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway, potentially altering drug effectiveness or side effects. Users taking sedatives, opioids, benzodiazepines, or antidepressants should consult a healthcare provider before kratom use, as concurrent use may increase risk of adverse effects. Limited clinical data exists on kratom-drug interactions, making medical supervision advisable for individuals on chronic medications.
Is kratom safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Kratom is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and the presence of alkaloids that may cross the placental barrier or enter breast milk. No clinical studies have evaluated kratom's safety in these populations, and potential effects on fetal development or nursing infants remain unknown. Healthcare providers typically advise avoiding kratom entirely during these sensitive periods.
What does current clinical research show about kratom's effectiveness and safety?
Most evidence for kratom comes from traditional use and in vitro studies of its alkaloid constituents; human clinical trials remain limited and generally small in scale. Available research suggests mitragynine may have analgesic and anxiolytic properties, but rigorous randomized controlled trials are lacking to definitively establish efficacy or long-term safety profiles. Regulatory agencies have raised concerns about kratom products' variable alkaloid content, contamination risks, and potential for dependence, highlighting the need for more rigorous scientific evaluation.
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