The herbal product kratom is made from the tropical Mitragyna speciosa plant and has become popular in many parts of the world. Its chemical composition is complex and has a wide range of therapeutic effects. It is a natural opioid and can be used for pain management, depression, anxiety and drug withdrawal symptoms. However, if taken in high doses, it can cause side effects including nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It may also interact with certain medications. Therefore, it is important to talk to a health care provider before taking this herb.
The kratom plant is native to Southeast Asia and has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes in the region. The leaves were chewed to increase work efficiency and relieve fatigue among manual laborers. They were also brewed into tea to treat diarrhea, fever and pain. The leaf was also used as a poultice to treat injuries. The alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are responsible for kratom’s medicinal properties. These alkaloids can act as a stimulant, pain reliever and sedative at lower and higher dosages respectively.
Kratom extracts are made by soaking the fresh or dried leaves in solvents such as water, ethanol or ethyl acetate. This process results in the release of a highly concentrated liquid that contains a large amount of phytochemicals, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. This tincture can then be added to other beverages such as water, juice or milk and consumed.
It is important to note that kratom products sold outside of their traditional use in Southeast Asia are not always of the same quality. This could be because they are grown in different regions and have been manipulated in ways that might alter their chemical composition. This explains why it is important to know what you are getting when purchasing kratom extract.
A recent study examined the effects of extraction techniques and extraction time on kratom leaf extracts. It also evaluated the characterization of the extracts using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The researchers also tested the cytotoxicity and antinociceptive activities of the extracts. This research demonstrated that the ASE technique is an efficient method of extraction for kratom leaf extracts.
In some cases, kratom can lead to addiction, especially if the user takes large quantities of the substance. This can be a serious problem and it is a good idea to consult a health care provider before starting any new dietary supplement or medication. It is also important to remember that kratom works differently for everyone, depending on their body’s unique metabolism and other factors. What might be a stimulant for one person might be a very high dosage for another person and act as a sedative.
It is also important to be aware of the potential side effects of kratom, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset and drowsiness. More serious side effects can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, muscle aches, changes in appetite, hallucinations, jittery movement of the muscles, dilated pupils, changes in mood and aggression. In some instances, kratom can cause seizures or a coma.