Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Its leaves contain compounds that can have psychoactive (mind-altering) effects.
Key Points:
• Active Compounds: The primary active ingredients in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects similar to both stimulants and opioids, depending on the dose.
• Low Doses: Acts more like a stimulant — increased energy, alertness, and sociability.
• High Doses: Acts more like an opioid — causing pain relief, sedation, and euphoria.
Common Uses:
• Natural pain relief
• Mood enhancement or stress relief
• Boosting energy and focus
Legal & Health Controversies:
• It’s not FDA-approved, and its safety is debated.
• Some praise it as a harm-reduction tool, while others warn about addiction, liver damage, or interactions with other drugs.
• Banned in several U.S. states and countries due to concerns over misuse.
