Mitragyna beautifulcommonly known as Kratom, is a tropical plant of the Rubiaceae family, originally from Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Its leaves contain several active alkaloids, mainly machine guns and 7-hydroxymitragynin, which act as partial agonists of the MU opioid receptors and influence the adrenergic and serotonergic ways.
In low doses, Kratom improves vigilance and performance and induces a slight euphoria in humans. At higher doses, it produces sedative and analgesic effects similar to those of opioids. Traditionally, it is used as stimulating and analgesic during physical activity, to relieve pain and treat diarrhea.
In Western countries, patients are increasingly using self -medication with Kratom to relieve chronic pain, anxious disorders and to manage the weaning of opioids.
The toxicological concerns mainly relate to the potential of abuse of this plant, especially in the event of high or prolonged use. Tolerance and dependence can develop, with withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioids. Aculy adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness and, in rare cases, convulsions or hepatotoxicity.
It should be noted that the strong affinity of 7-hydroxymitragynin for opioid receptors contributes significantly to the addictive potential of Kratom. Other documented risks include interactions with other depressants of the central nervous system and potentially fatal respiratory depression in the event of association with opioids.
Kratom is often presented on the Internet as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety and depression. Despite its growing popularity, it includes serious health risks, including dependence as well as potential liver and renal lesions.
In France, LE Kratom is registered on the list of psychotropic drugswhich prohibits detention and purchase.
Recently, a press release from theFederal Institute German drugs and medical devices (BFARM) in Bonn issued severe warning against its use without medical supervision.
Safety profile
All pharmaceutical products sold in Europe must be subject to a regulatory authorization procedure in order to assess their efficiency, safety and quality. The High Authority for French Health (HAS) and the European Medicines Agency only grant authorization after having demonstrated a positive benefit/risk ratio. However, no authorization of this type exists for Kratom. To date, there has not been any marketing authorization or sufficiently conclusive studies proving its safety and efficiency. Kratom consumption has a personal risk that can be significant.
Studies on animals and humans indicate that it can have unwanted neurological effects. Dependence cases, sometimes accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms, as well as liver and renal lesions, are particularly worrying. Doctors also reported deaths related to Kratom’s consumption.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse In the United States has reported serious side effects and kratom deaths, often in combination with other substances.
What makes the situation even more difficult is that consumers often cannot determine the actual content of active ingredients of Kratom products. Studies have shown that the concentration of mitragynin, the main active compound, can vary considerably. This variability makes it difficult to dosage precise and increases the risk of side effects.
In addition, certain Kratom -based preparations can be contaminated by other substances, which further increases health risks.
This article has been translated from theGerman edition of Medscape. The content was reviewed by the editorial staff before publication.