Kratom
Kratom has stimulant and opioid-like effects. Safety concerns and limited clinical evidence warrant caution.
Overview
What is kratom?
Kratom is a tree. The leaves of the kratom tree contain mitragynine, a compound that works like an opioid and has around 26% the activity of morphine.
Dosage
The optimal dose of kratom is unknown.
Self-reported doses range from 1-6 grams per dose.
However, doses on the higher end of this range were more likely to be associated with negative side effects.
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SupplementDEX Database
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Database Snapshot
Most kratom research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) accounts for 1 of 2 studies (50%).
- Pain (acute) accounts for 1 of 2 studies (50%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Erectile dysfunction (ED), Pain (acute).
Safety
Dose windows
Long-term
Kratom is commonly associated with side effects including gastrointestinal distress, nausea and constipation. Higher doses of kratom may cause adverse events including tremors, seizures, coma and hallucinations. Long-term use may result in dependence and lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Sources2 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
1.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Investigating the Impact of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use Upon Male Sexual Health2023
An observational study of 165 kratom-using men found kratom use was associated with altered sexual health parameters, highlighting potential endocrine and opioid-receptor mediated effects.
SupplementDEX Database · Pain (acute)
1 reference2.SupplementDEX Database: Pain (acute) — Kratom and Pain Tolerance: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study2020
In 30 adults, a single kratom dose did not significantly increase pain tolerance versus placebo in a randomized double-blind laboratory pain challenge study.