Research
Guidelines for Safe Use of Kratom
Combining drugs is usually a bad idea. It is recommended that you do not combine kratom with yohimbine, cocaine, amphetamine-like drugs, or large doses of caffeine, because of the possibility of over-stimulation or increased blood pressure. We recommend that kratom not be combined with large amounts of alcohol, with benzodiazepines, opiates, or any other drugs that depress the nervous system. This is because of the possibility that such combinations might cause over-sedation or even possible respiratory depression (not breathing),
It is also recommended that you do not use kratom in combination with MAO inhibitors, such as Syrian Rue (Peganum harmala), Banisteriopsis caapi, Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and certain anti-depressants. Serious, even fatal, reactions can occur if MAO inhibitor drugs are combined with monoamine drugs. The combination of MAO inhibitor drugs with kratom, which contains monoamine alkaloids, has not been studied.
*history
Kratom, derived from a Thai word for a species of tree known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a large tree in the Rubiaceae family that grows native in Southeast Asia. In the wild, the trees can grow higher than 60 feet and wider than 15 feet. The leaves can have either light or dark red veins, and the leaves can be either a light green or a dark green in color. The leaves are elongated and oval, with a straight vein from bottom to tip and symmetrical veins shooting off from the main vein. The tree has a very topical appearance, and grows in wet or marshy areas in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and New Guinea. The Kratom tree produces round yellowish flower pods which contain around 50 seeds.
One of the earliest mentions of Kratom was by Pieter Korthals in the early 19th century, a Dutch Botanist who described its flowers as reminding him somewhat of a Bishop’s mitre. Thus, he named this tree Mitragyna. In the time of Korthals, Kratom was a historically used remedy in Thailand. It was used as a cure all for various physical and mental ailments. The ancient history of Kratom is unknown, and sources describing its use prior to European Colonization are scarce. Regardless, there is little doubt that this tree had been used by the indigenous populations of Southeast Asia for millennia. Typically, Kratom is used by laborers or farmers who would use the leaves on the tree for energy while working, as Coffee drinkers use coffee in the morning or as a ’pick me up’.
In 1943, the Thai government passed the “Kratom Act 2486″ essentially banning the Kratom tree. However, being as the trees as indigenous to Thailand, banning them would be comparable to banning Pine trees or Oak trees in the United States. The ban was totally unsuccessful, and use continued since. Although the effects of Kratom ingestion are comparable to that of Coffee in mildness, Kratom is classified in the same category as Cocaine and Heroin in some countries including Thailand. Possessing even an ounce of the leaf from this tree could be punished by death in Thailand. Although death sentences are rare, individuals who sell Kratom usually face up to several years in prison. Today, Kratom is grown in several countries in Southeast Asia as well as other tropical countries by individu-als hoping to propagate this great tree.
Today, most people can openly grow and possess Kratom without fear of punishment. However, as countries prohibit or outlaw Kratom, the qualities and the quality control are severely damaged. Right now, it is easy to buy powdered Kratom leaf for medicinal purposes without fear of it being tainted with other substances. However, if Kratom were to be outlawed in more countries then the black-market would put this to an end. As is always the case with black-market goods, individuals purchasing kratom could be in fear of buying something that is not Kratom at all and perhaps even something that is poisonous or deadly. Regulation is necessary, but prohibiting Kratom usage could do nothing but harm innocent users around the world.
*traditional use
The Kratom leaf is usually traditionally chewed, dried and powdered and then mixed with foods, or boiled into a tea. The leaf itself is what has the medicinal properties on the Kratom tree. The Kratom leaf contains numerous active alkaloids. One of the main alkaloids is known as Mitragynine, which comes from the name of the tree. Mitragynine is a mu-opioid receptor agonist. This means that it produces a physiological response when binding to the mu-opioid receptor. Another major alkaloid in the Kratom leaf is 7-Hydroxymitragynine, which is also a mu-opioid agonist. (Vicknasingam B, 2010) (Takayama H, 2002)
Kratom is used around the world today and it is usually sold in herbal shops, alternative medicine stores and also on the internet. Kratom users around the world live in constant fear of their medi-cine being outlawed by politicians seeking to demonize another herbal medicine. Politicians do this be-cause it makes them appear to be doing their job, protecting the people from another “dangerous plant”. In reality, Kratom is totally safe when used in moderation and politicians rely on propaganda and false information to get their laws passed. One major problem associated with Kratom is that there are countless people out there who seek to do nothing more than earn a quick buck with this tree, and mix it with dangerous substances and then sell it as a “legal high”. This is the most damaging thing that can happen to any herbal medicine, and Kratom is no exception. Kratom users around the world keep an eye out for greedy people who seek to claim Kratom is some “legal high”. In reality, you don’t get “high” from kratom anymore than you get high from Coffee. If anyone claims that Kratom makes you “high” then they must also claim that Coffee makes you “high” by the same logic.
Kratom is compared to coffee in many ways. Kratom comes from the coffee family; however instead of the beans being powdered and used the leaf is powdered with Kratom. Kratom is also similar to coffee in the mildness of its effects. Kratom produces calming effects, but also stimulating effects at the same time. The strength of these effects is exactly the same as Coffee is and at exactly the same amount. Though, one could argue that Coffee is much stronger since coffee must be diluted and mixed with water before used.
*chimistry and its effects
What Is An Alkaloid?
First let’s start with some basics. Many have heard of kratom’s almost magical healing,mood-enhancing, therapeutic qualities, but few know where they originate from. It turns out that these effects are indeed more based in hard science than in magic. Inside the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa plant, organic, bioactive compounds naturally form. We call these compounds “alkaloids.” When they enter the human blood stream, alkaloids bond with adrenoreceptors in our cells. This bond sends signals through the body to the sympathetic nervous system, soothing it and coaxing it into new actions that protect and uplift the entire body and mind.
There are more than 40 such alkaloids in M. speciosa (kratom) leaves, including many alkaloids such as mitragynine (once thought to be the primary active constituent), mitraphylline, and7-hydroxymitragynine (which is currently the most likely candidate for the primary active chemical in the plant), and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl.Other active chemicals in M. speciosa include raubasine (best known from Rauwolfia serpentina) and some yohimbe alkaloids such as corynantheidine.
Mitragyna speciosa also contains at least one alkaloid (rhynchophylline) that is a calcium channel blocker, and reduces NMDA-induced current. The amount of mitragynine within the leaves depends highly on many factors, one major factor is the location of the tree. When trees are grown in Southeast Asia, the levels tend to be higher but when grown elsewhere (even in greenhouses) the levels tend to be low or non-existent. One analysis of products marketed as kratom leaf found, using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), mitragynine at levels of 1–6% and 7-hydroxymirtrogynine at levels of 0.01–0.04%.[18] The chemical structure of mitragynines incorporate the nucleus of the tryptamine, and these may be responsible for the molecules which are observed in the serotonin and adrenergic systems. In mitragynine, the phenolic methyl ether is considered to be stronger in analgesic paradigms according to some studies. Moreover, studies concerning the pharmacokinetics of M. speciosa in humans has not been well studied and various aspects such as the half-life, protein binding properties and other properties such as the elimination or metabolism is not known.[19]
Kratom gets its healing, therapeutic power from natural basic compounds which form inside of its leaves, known as alkaloids. These simple structures are present in many, but not all plants, and are influenced by factors like the genetics of the species, the climate, and soil in which the plants grow. When these alkaloids enter the human bloodstream, they bond with our cells to send new messages to the brain and nervous system. These signals in turn create mental and physical effects we can feel. Alkaloids have always been widely used in medicine traditionally, as well as in modern labs.
The main alkaloids we see in the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, also known as kratom, are mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, speciogynine, and paynantheine. Asmitragynine appears in the greatest concentrations, there has been much speculation as to its role in the plant. While less research and press has been devoted to the 40 other alkaloids present in kratom, recent research indicates that it is the harmonic synergy of thefull spectrum extract of all of these substances, not just one, which gives the plant its medicinal power.
Mitraphylline Alkaloid Effects from the Mitragyna Speciosa Plant;
While a lot of press goes to kratom’s more prominent alkaloids like mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, the lesser known mitraphylline is also an important player in the structure of this herbal medicinal. This active alkaloid is non-narcotic, yet acts on the body’s opiate receptors in ways which we do not yet fully understand. As we continue to build a more complex portrait of the structure of kratom leaves and all of the amazing benefits its alkaloids provide, we open the door to newer and even more powerful applications of the popular remedy. Once again, the natural world provides exciting solutions to every problem that humanity faces. Let’s explore what we know about mitraphylline extract and other powerful kratom alkaloids.
7-hydroxymitragynine – One of the Strongest Kratom Alkaloids
One of the most exciting developments to appear in recent kratom research, the alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine may hold the key to some of the herbal remedy’s most powerful effects. Previously unknown before 1994, this naturally occurring compound may soon replacemitragynine as the star alkaloid of kratom. As more research accrues, we learn more everyday about how this super strong 7-hydroxy derivative works to bring us powerful physical and mental health benefits. In fact, it may be the main psychoactive alkaloid in all strains of kratom. Here’s what we know so far.
Mitragynine Effects – The Most Famous Kratom Alkaloid
In study after study, Mitragynine is called out as the most prevalent and potent alkaloid in the kratom leaf’s arsenal. But what do we really know about this naturally occurring plant compound and how it works? First identified over a hundred years ago, we are still gathering information about how this substance interacts with the human body. To get the most out of your kratom experience, it’s valuable to peek under the hood to get a better sense of what gives the herbal remedy its famous power. Here’s a summary of what we know so far about how these alkaloids function.
Mitragynine Chemistry
Mitragynine, known by the chemical name C23H30N2O4, comprises at least .5 percent of the leaves of Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as kratom. That may not sound like a huge number, but it is dominant alkaloid present among a list of at least 40. Similar to some Yohimbe alkaloids, the compound works by binding to alpha-adrenergic receptors in the cells of the body. The simulation of these postsynaptic adrenoreceptors is the heart of most effects we in turn feel after consuming some form of the plant.
This is a break down of the currently known alkaloids inKratom and the associative effects of each:
Ajmalicine (Raubasine), a cerebrocirculant, antiaggregant, anti-adrenergic (at alpha-1), sedative, anticonvulsant, smooth muscle relaxer
Corynantheidine, an opioid antagonist
Corynoxeine, a calcium channel blocker
Corynoxine A and B, Dopamine mediating anti-locomotives
Epicatechin, an antioxidant, antiaggregant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antihepatitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-leukemic, antimutagenic, antiperoxidant, antiviral, cancer preventative, alpha-amylase inhibitor
9-Hydroxycorynantheidine, a partial opioid agonist
7-Hydroxymitragynine, an analgesic, antitussive, antidiarrheal,primary psychoactive in kratom
Isomitraphylline, an immunostimulant, anti-leukemic
Isopteropodine, an immunostimulant
Mitragynine, an analgesic, antitussive, antidiarrheal, adrenergic, antimalarial, possible psychedelic (5-HT2A) antagonist
Mitraphylline, a vasodilator, antihypertensive, muscle relaxer, diuretic, anti-amnesic, possible immunostimulant
Paynantheine, a smooth muscle relaxer
Rhynchophylline, a vasodilator, antihypertensive, calcium channel blocker, antiaggregant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-arrhythmic, antithelmintic
Speciociliatine, a weak opioid agonist
Speciogynine, a smooth muscle relaxer
Speciophylline, an anti-leukemic;
Tetrahydroalstonine, a hypoglycemic, anti-adrenergic (at alpha-2)
*effects
Kratom effects
Effects come on within five to ten minutes after use, and last for 4 to 6 hours. Kratom has both stimulating and relaxing qualities as if chewing coca leaves and smoking opium simultaneously. Some sources say that it is a stimulant in lower doses, becoming sedative in higher doses. The dominant effects seem to be similar to opiate drugs, including analgesia, roughly comparable in strength to codeine. Unlike opiates, mitragynine does not appear to cause nausea or vomiting. The feeling has been described as happy, strong, and active, with a strong desire to do work. Other effects of mitragynine are local anesthesia and central nervous system depression. Heavy use can result in a prolonged sleep.
The leaves of kratom contain mitragynine and several related alkaloids. Of all the compounds present in the leaf, mitragynine appears to be the most active and the one most likely responsible for kratom’s pleasing effects. Used as an opiate substitute, kratom contains no opiates of any kind, but it does bind to the same receptor sites in the brain. It binds to the mu-opioid receptor, as do both enkephalins and morphine. Additionally mitragynine binds to kappa-opioid receptors, which are associated with pain relief and sedation. Mitragynine is adrenergic, which produces a stimulating effect, and it also binds with serotonin receptors, producing an anti-depressant effect as well. Due to this multiplicity of activities in the brain, kratom produces an overall pleasing feeling.
The leaves of kratom contain mitragynine and several related alkaloids. Of all the compounds present in the leaf, mitragynine appears to be the most active and the one most likely responsible for kratom’s pleasing effects. Used as an opiate substitute, kratom contains no opiates of any kind, but it does bind to the same receptor sites in the brain. It binds to the mu-opioid receptor, as do both enkephalins and morphine. Additionally mitragynine binds to kappa-opioid receptors, which are associated with pain relief and sedation. Mitragynine is adrenergic, which produces a stimulating effect, and it also binds with serotonin receptors, producing an anti-depressant effect as well. Due to this multiplicity of activities in the brain, kratom produces an overall pleasing feeling.
Kratom Effects
Kratom has a strong effect on your anxiety, mood and energy levels. It lowers your anxiety level, while the feeling has been described as happy, strong, and active, with a strong desire to do work. The mind is described as calm. Thai workers use it to get through a hard day of work. Effects come on within five to ten minutes after use, and can last for several hours.
Most people describe the effects as stimulating and euphoric at lower doses, becoming sedative at higher doses. This is probably explained by the fact that mitragynine stimulates the delta opioid receptors when used in small quantities, but tends to increasingly stimulate mu opioid receptors when used in larger quantities. These are the same receptors that are stimulated when using opiate drugs.
Although the most important alkaloids are related to psychedelic substances, there appears to be no psychedelic activity. The dominant effects seem to be similar to opiate drugs, and include analgesia and cough suppression, but effects are also described as euphoric and stimulating. These effects are roughly comparable in strength to codeine.
There are some sources that suggest Kratom (like opiates) stimulates desire in women and reduces erectile problems in men. This is most likely explained by the effect of mitragynine on one’s anxiety levels. Other effects of mitragynine are a reduction in smooth muscle tone, local anesthesia, and central nervous system depression.
Acute possible negative effects include dry mouth, increased urination, loss of appetite, and constipation. Unlike opiates, mitragynine does not cause nausea or vomiting in most cases. Heavy use can result in a prolonged sleep. Read more about the effects of and warnings for the use of kratom on the warnings page.
How To Avoid A Kratom Hangover
13 Nov 2013 Posted by Lyndon Reys 5 Comments
Home » Effects » How To Avoid A Kratom Hangover
While a true kratom hangover is rare, there are some basic steps you can take to shield yourself in advance from any unwanted side effects. Many people assume that hangovers are inevitable any time a stimulant or a relaxant is consumed. But unlike with alcohol, a hangover from kratom is not inevitable. By respecting dosage and your mental and physical set points, you can avoid a hangover from kratom entirely. Here is some basic info all kratom users should keep in mind.
What Causes Hangovers?
Most of us are familiar with the most famous hangover of all, the one caused by alcohol. Why does having a drink generate classic hangover symptoms? Alcohol consumption can trigger a chain reaction of effects within the body which we subjectively experience as a hangover. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, drops blood sugar, creates inflammation, stimulates dehydration, and makes blood vessels expand. The result of these effects feel like fatigue, mental fog, headache, body ache, nausea, and decreased appetite. These classic effects of an alcohol hangover can be mitigated by limiting consumption and staying hydrated.
Does The Kratom Hangover Exist?
Comparing kratom to alcohol, we see immediately that most of the conditions that alcohol creates within the body are not related to kratom use at all. Kratom powders are simply thedried and crushed leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, a naturally occurring resident of the jungles of Southeast Asia. It is not refined or chemically processed, and does not contain any additives. Here are some of the ways that kratom differs from alcohol once it enters the body:
- Does not affect blood sugar.
- Does not create an inflammation response – in fact it neutralizes inflammation.
- Does not irritate stomach lining. It soothes the stomach.
- Does not dehydrate you.
*basic intro
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Mitragyna
Species: M. speciosa
The Mitragyna speciosa Kratom tree is in the Rubiaceae botanical family, a genus that includes many well know and useful psychoactive plants such as the Coffee tree (Coffea), the Yohimbe shrub, (Corynanthe yohimbe, former name of Pausinystaliayohimbe Pierre, Yohimbe), Cinchona ( which is a source of quinine) Psychotria viridis ( psychoactive plant which contains D.M.T. alkaloids) and Uncaria (of which the medical plant Uncaria tomentosa or Una de Gato / Cat’s Claw is well known).
Mitragyna speciosa Kratom is related to these plants of the Rubiaceae family, with which it shares some similar biochemistry and active alkaloids. Mitragyna speciosa Kratom’s alkaloid makeup and mode of action is complex, with chemical structures related both to opioids and tryptamines. In the past, plants in the Mitragyna genus have also been sometimes been classified under the genera Nauclea, Sarcocephalus, Stephegyne and Uncaria
The Mitragyna speciosa Kratom tree is indigenous to South East Asia, growing wild in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, yet also cultivated, mostly grown for leaf harvesting but also for its fine timber that can be carved and sculpted.
Mitragyna speciosa Kratom is a very widespread plant in Thailand, especially in the central and southern regions of the country, and only rarely in the north- situation which contributes to the difficulties of the Thai government to eradicate Kratom use. FeralMitragyna speciosa Kratom trees are also common.
Kratom is classified in the Mitragyna genus, which is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia and Africa, and also includes other plants that are used medicinally and for their wood.
Mitragyna speciosa Kratom and other Asian Mitragynas are most often found in rainforests, favouring wet, humus rich soil and a medium sun exposure in area protected from strong winds, while the African Mitragynas species (which are sometimes still classed in a separate genus, Hallea) are often found in swamps.
The Kratom tree, Mitragyna speciosa, is an evergreen tree, which usually grows to a height of 3 to 15 meters and a branch width of 4 meters, yet in certain locations some 30 metre tall Mitragyna speciosa species have also been reported. Mitragyna speciosa has evergreen tree leaves, which are smooth, with a dark glossy green colour, and can grow over 18cm long and 10cm wide. Their shape is known ovate-acuminate, and opposite in its pattern of growth.
Mitragyna speciosa is considered an evergreen plant rather than deciduous, and leaves are constantly being shed and replaced by new ones. Environmental conditions however, in a quasi-seasonal leaf shedding, with a more abundant leaf fall during the dry season, and a more abundant new leaf growth during the rainy season. When Mitragyna speciosa is grown outside of its natural tropical humid habitat, leaf fall usually occurs when the temperatures get colder, around 4° Celsius.
The Mitragyna genus was given its name by botanist Pieter Willem Korthals because the flower stigmas in the first species he examined resembled the shape of a bishop’s mitre, reflected in the Kratom tree’s full denomination Mitragyna speciosa var. Korthals.
Mitragyna Speciosa Kratom flowers are globular, yellow and grow in clusters of up to 120 florets each.
Ethnobotanical use of Mitragyna species other than Mitragyna speciosa Kratom, as medicine or for psychoactive effects, has been reported both in Asia and Africa but no detailed studies have been published yet.
West African species as Mitragyna inermis and M. stipulosa are known as traditional remedies against malaria, the former having also been shown by modern science to also help fight leukaemia. Another species, Mitragyna africanus, is traditionally used in Nigeria to treat mental illness, while M. ciliata (also known as M. ledermanni, M. stipulosa, Hallea ciliata, Hallea ledermanni or Hallea stipulosa) is traditionally used to treat inflammation, hypertension, headache, rheumatism, gonorrhoea and broncho-pulmonary diseases.
BOTANY
Kratom, the tree
Kratom is the common name for Mitragyna speciosa Korthals, a tree indigenous to Southeast Asia (Thailand, northern Malay Peninsula to Borneo). It is mostly grown in the central and southern regions of Thailand, and only rarely in the north.
The Mitragyna genus, part of the family Rubiaceae, is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Asian Mitragynas are often found in rainforests, while the African species (which are sometimes still classed in a separate genus, Hallea) are often found in swamps. Most species are arborescent, some reaching heights of almost 100 feet (30 meters). The genus was given its name by Korthals because the stigmas in the first species he examined resembled the shape of a bishop’s mitre. This genus is characterized by a globular flowering head, bearing up to 120 florets each. Mitragyna species are used medicinally as well as for their fine timber through the areas they grow. More recently the plant Mitragyna speciosa has also gained popularity as a recreational drug.
Mitragyna speciosa itself reaches heights of 50 feet (15 meters) with a spread of over 15 feet (4,5 meters). The stem is erect and branching. Flowers are yellow. Leaves are evergreen, and are a dark glossy green in color, ovate-acuminate in shape, and opposite in growth pattern. Kratom is evergreen rather than deciduous, and leaves are constantly being shed and being replaced, but there is some quasi-seasonal leaf shedding due to environmental conditions. During the dry season of the year leaf fall is more abundant, and new growth is more plentiful during the rainy season. When grown outside their natural tropical habitat, leaf fall occurs with colder temperatures, around 4 degrees Celsius.
Kratom Seeds
Kratom can be grown from seeds, but it is important that the seeds are fresh. Germination rates are low at 20-30%, but once germinated the seedlings can grow to an average height of 14-19 feet.
Growing
Kratom prefers wet, humus-rich soils in a protected position. Being a heavy feeder, it requires very rich, fertile soil. It is drought sensitive, and if grown out of its native habitat, sensitive to frost. Propagation is by very fresh seed or cuttings. There is a low strike rate, due to a fungus which attacks xylem tissue.
Only little is known about growing kratom. Seeds and cuttings are very hard to find. Kratom cuttings are considered somewhat difficult to grow, though the plants themselves, once established, are relatively hardy. Because of the difficulty in getting cuttings to root, many people are experimenting with cloning. Two of the primary difficulties with cuttings appear to be that they are either attacked by fungus or simply never put out roots. Suggestions for dealing with these problems include:
- putting the cutting in water with an air bubbler to increase oxygen levels;
– using a small amount of fungicide in the water to ward of fungus growth;
– changing the water every day to reduce chances of fungus.
One person has found success using rock wool to hold the cutting in moisture while still allowing air flow, changing the water every day to cut down on fungus growth, and adding nutrients as roots start to grow.
It has been reported that the leaves of M. speciosa are most potent in the late autumn, just before the leaves fall off. It has been noted that plants grown in cold climates are weak. Plants grown in subtropical or warm temperate climate are weak in late winter and spring, but potent in late summer autumn and early winter. Most plants grown in a hothouse are also weak (reason not understood).