Kratom And Its Psychoactive Effect

rnKratom, botanical name Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. This tree falls under the Rubiaceae family or more popularly the coffee family. The tree bears yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. But it is the leaves that are harvested for its medicinal properties. Traditionally consumed as a stimulant and an opiate substitute in Thailand and South-East Asia, Kratom leaves have a long history of human consumption.
The herb name Kratom is also known by other names such as Ketum, Kakuam, Biak biak, Ithang, Thom, etc. In traditional Thai medicine the leaf is used to treat diarrhea, diabetes, flush intestinal parasites and as a mild opium substitute. It is also used in traditional cooking. Middle and lower working class populace primarily consume the leaf to ease the toil of daily existence. Although indigenous to Thailand the Thai Government banned the growing of the Kratom tree and ordered the existing trees to be cut down keeping in mind the narcotic potential of the tree, but since it is a local plant this act has not been very effective.
The leaves of Mitragyna speciosa contain mitragynine, mitraphylline, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, all alkaloids. These alkaloids have a direct effect on the opioid receptors in the brain. Different alkaloids present in the leaf acts both as a stimulant and a sedative. The effects are non-psychedelic in nature. Only a few leaves are required to kick in the intoxication 5 to 10 minutes after consumption, and it may last for several hours depending on the amount taken. It takes about 20 leaves to extract 17 milligrams of mitragynine.
The psychoactive effect induced by the herbal extract proviedes a relaxed feeling of the mind and body; the user feels energized, elated and active, and it is this state of being that makes him work tirelessly irrespective of the heat of the tropical sun.
Kratom is also hailed as a cure for opium addiction. In Thailand drug addicts smoke Kratom leaves to fight their opium urge and to manage their withdrawal symptoms. At best the effects are stimulant-like and at worst opiate-like. And so though Kratom is effective in fighting opiate addiction this substance itself can be addictive if abused.
The effects of long term Kratom usage are rarely documented since its use is rural in origin but studies conducted on native users highlight dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, prolonged sleep, weight loss, dizziness, headaches, confusion, and delusion as possible side effects.