The Real Truth About Kratom: Backed Facts and Clinical Evidence

The purpose of this article is to bring you up-to-date information about the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which have been collected from various pre-clinical investigations, clinical trials and user experiences. We look at how scientists and users view the potential benefits of kratom and how they view its observed side effects. 

You can often read about the incredible effects of kratom on internet forums and e-shops. But how is it in reality? Does it hide any risks? This article will present the results of one study that compared clinical and preclinical information on kratom, focusing primarily on the most recent information available. 

Let's take a look at the real truth about kratom!

Current findings

Today, kratom research is largely focused on cross-sectional studies that map various aspects of the use of the substance in a given environment. In the most recent studies, we can read that most users seek kratom primarily to reduce pain and withdrawal symptoms, as a psychological support or for its energizing effects. Some preclinical studies have identified the alkaloids contained in kratom as an effective analgesic. Other preclinical studies also indicate the benefit of alkaloids in combating withdrawal symptoms after stopping alcohol and other addictive substances. 

Unfortunately, we still have relatively limited knowledge and understanding of the use of kratom, the research of which is constantly evolving. However, further randomized trials are needed. 

Clinical background of the study

In recent years, kratom has rapidly spread from its original location in Southeast Asia to the entire world, with its popularity mainly in Europe and the USA. Most of the users are between 30-50 years old, with a large part of them being well educated and not classified as unemployed. In the USA, for example, there are several states where it is an illegal substance. Even so, it is very popular in other countries, but there are also certain problems with it, which we will mention later. 

As for forms of kratom, it is often available in powder, capsule, or drop form. Often users use kratom recreationally. The effects vary according to the color of the veins themselves, but also according to the dosage. At lower doses, we can observe stimulating effects, on the other hand, at higher doses, in most cases, users experience sedative effects. 

Preclinical data

Now we will focus on the basic substances that make kratom such a sought-after substance. Specifically, we will look at mitragynine, which is the most widespread alkaloid in the composition of kratom. Pharmacologically speaking, mitragynine is the main lipophilic alkaloid in kratom. This alkaloid has one of the greatest effects on the functioning of kratom in our body. Other main alkaloids are, for example, 7-hydroxy-mitragynine or speciociliatin, but we do not learn much about these and other alkaloids in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa from studies, as clinical studies often unfortunately do not exist at all.

Mitragynine can work with opiate receptors, some sources of information even state an effect on the mu-opioid receptor, while even high administered doses had no effect on respiratory depression compared to industrially produced drugs, but this information only comes from preliminary tests that were not performed on humans. 

Regarding other information, we have to mention the still rather limited knowledge in the area of ​​the safety profile of mitragynine. For example, some European countries (Sweden, Poland, Denmark or Romania) have also banned kratom due to concerns about the insufficient study of this substance.

It is precisely because of its possible therapeutic effects that kratom remains one of the main targets of research in alternative medicine. The purpose of the mentioned study was to verify the preclinical and clinical evidence of kratom and to inform the wider public about the results. Important sources of information were not only the scientific information obtained so far on this topic, but also the users themselves. 

Research methods

For the first time in this cross-sectional survey, the researchers focused on current scientific literature, which they studied in the period from May 2022 to January 2023. In this search, they used portals such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline or, for example, Google Scholar. They entered the keywords “kratom,” “mitragynine,” and “Mitragyna speciosa". They then set about studying and gathering information. 

They also excluded all duplicates and comments during the study. They specifically focused on studies that researchers have done in the last 5 years. They chose this time period because they did not want to consider outdated studies whose results were contradicted by more recent studies. Outside of this time interval, they devoted themselves only to preclinical studies, since it was not possible to find such a number of clinical ones. 

Evidence suggesting the therapeutic value of kratom

In the following section, we will focus on the identified information that the team of researchers gathered during the investigation. 

Kratom and anecdotal information

These data come mainly from Southeast Asia, where the natives praise this substance and constantly find new uses for it. However, when it comes to the research itself, the vast majority of anecdotal data reports the use of kratom in a non-medical setting. For example, for the treatment of pain, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or headache. 
Also, many users use kratom instead of other dangerous drugs (methamphetamine, benzodiazepines or heroin). Users also look for it, for example, with withdrawal symptoms, for example after stopping opioids, alcohol and other addictive substances. 

In addition to these reasons for use, a significant percentage of users also reported an improvement in sexual performance or, for example, an improvement in psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD or PTSD). Furthermore, according to them, kratom was able to boost their social mood, energy and concentration at work. 

However, this is unsubstantiated evidence that has been observed by the users themselves, it is important to emphasize that we will get to the substantiated evidence in the later parts of this article. 

Preclinical evidence

However, evidence from early preclinical findings surprisingly supports anecdotal information, such as helping with muscle pain or mental well-being. Studies to date have proven that the alkaloids in kratom do indeed have analgesic effects. Additionally, some preclinical models have suggested antidepressant, stress-relieving, and antipsychotic effects of kratom. In addition to these effects, for example, preclinical studies have also demonstrated gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer effects. 

We can also look at the results of one preclinical study, where mitragynine and speciociliatin were even able to inhibit cell proliferation of malignant nasopharyngeal cancer. In another study, it was proven that mitragynine can inhibit an enzyme that is involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Additional preclinical evidence has provided very promising information regarding type 2 diabetes. 

The effects of kratom on withdrawal symptoms, such as after withdrawal from hard drugs or alcohol, are also often investigated. According to these results, kratom and the alkaloids contained in it were able to really help with unpleasant conditions during abstinence and at the same time directly positively affected the cognitive functions of the individual. 

Kratom and Clinical Evidence

Now we finally move on to the main, clinical evidence of kratom use. Here we can finally take a closer look at both its benefits and its side effects. Again, we have to mention the studies that took place in the cradle of kratom use, specifically in Malaysia and Thailand. Here, kratom has been used in large quantities for many years. That is why the most side effects are seen here. Changes in episodic memory and cholesterol levels were observed in long-term abuse. Furthermore, the researchers observed the early stage of kidney damage and often noted the development of addiction. However, withdrawal symptoms last about three days according to findings so far and are less severe than, for example, those of prescription opioid drugs. 

To date, no literature has demonstrated any association with kratom-induced psychosis, changes in social functioning, or biochemical/endocrinological impairment. In addition to these findings, preliminary clinical studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of kratom in the analgesic direction. For example, the results of one randomized controlled trial showed that kratom users had increased pain tolerance without significant health consequences. Scientists have even collected data that kratom helps with addiction to various drugs (heroin, methamphetamine, amphetamine). 

Furthermore, according to the lipid profile, scientists have found that it can protect the body from metabolic syndrome or, for example, cerebrovascular disease. In contrast, however, one of the authors reported an increase in serum lipids with high frequency of kratom use. However, the positives outweigh the negatives in this regard. 

Health risks associated with kratom use

However, every pro also has its cons, so we must also mention the proven side effects and possible dangers that kratom can hide. There is a large amount of discussion, which, however, does not come from Southeast Asia, but paradoxically from the USA and other Western countries. Addiction risks are often cited as the biggest risks, followed later by withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal syndromes in newborns and psychiatric manifestations. In addition, some mental and psychological problems are reported, but these were mainly observed with the simultaneous use of kratom, non-medical opioids and methamphetamine. 

Among other negative effects, there is still more research that kratom needs to go through. This should primarily deal with endocrinological damage, dermatological manifestations, kidney changes, liver damage or cardiological health risks. 

Interim evidence has shown that there is a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure when taking kratom. Despite this, quite significant finding, further research on these topics is needed.

What about the health risks? 

As we mentioned before, most of the problems were reported in the US. Most of these problems have been shown to occur in users who used kratom concurrently with other substances (such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, amphetamine, methamphetamine, or polysynthetic opioids).

It is also important to mention that the origin of kratom also matters, as it is not subject to any regulation and it can often happen that due to an unverified source, dangerous ingredients can be found, which include different types of microbes, different amounts of opiates or even toxic metals. That's why we recommend looking for kratom only from verified sellers. 

Regarding side effects and their manifestations, according to recent findings, side effects are dose-dependent, i.e. with smaller doses, milder side effects can be expected. However, each person is an individual and this statement cannot be confirmed in 100% of cases. 

Discussion

Kratom is an increasingly sought-after article that has attracted the attention of scientists in recent years. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that describes kratom in positive superlatives and supports its therapeutic value. However, scientists are a bit more sober and also inform about possible intoxication and danger when using kratom together with other substances.

It is true that most of the concerns come from the US, where kratom is often combined with other substances, but all the specific effects and exact and "safe" dosages are still not described. So the question is how long it will take scientists to find the answers.

However, the cross-sectional information from the original countries speaks clearly and has a very positive relationship with the use of kratom even in high dosage. The priority, however, is the already mentioned determination of a specific dose of alkaloids, which should maximize the possible therapeutic use of this substance. We will see what the new clinical research that we can expect in the coming months and years will bring us. 

Do you need help?

If anything is not clear to you and/or you want advice on the selection, please write to us below in the comments below the post, via contact form or send us a question by e-mail info@miralecbd.cz. Thank you

Our tip: look at map of branded cannabis stores Miracle CBD, where you have the unique opportunity to consult your needs with professionally trained staff from our team. We have all products in stock, so you don't have to wait for delivery by courier and you can take the products home the same day. We have been bringing you the unrivaled best CBD, HHC and kratom since 2020!

Shop Ml. Boleslav – Železná 162 | Shop J. Hradec – Masarykovo nám. 1

Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-023-00478-3

NOTICE: Hemp products and kratom are exclusively intended for collecting, industrial and technical purposes. Alternatively for further sale and processing. In no case are they intended for consumption, inhalation or smoking! The described effects are purely informative. Company Miracle CBD does not approve or otherwise support the abuse and sale of psychotropic and narcotic substances!