In recent times there has been a lot of buzz that has emerged about the herb called kratom. You’ve likely seen it in smoke shops, dispensaries, vape shops in health food stores, gas stations, and even online. Maybe your friends are taking the herb and are singing its praises.
But, you may be wondering what is the process by which kratom performs?
We’ll take a closer examination of kratom throughout this piece to learn about the effects it has on your body.
What exactly is Kratom?
In order to understand how kratom functions, it is essential to take a look at the entire substance and this means looking at it from beginning to finish. You may be wondering what exactly is kratom? The answer is that kratom is a plant that comes by foliating an evergreen tree, also known as Mitragyna speciosa. The tree is part of the family coffee. It grows naturally across a lot in Southeast Asia. The leaves contain substances that may have a mild psychotropic (mind-altering) influence on the person who is using it.
Is it Legal?
The United States, kratom is legal and easily accessible in brick and mortar stores or on the internet. It is often offered as green powder packaging that is usually identified as being not suitable for human consumption. This is particularly relevant within Canada in Canada, where kratom is sold in large quantities and is marked ‘not intended for consumption by humans’. Kratom is also sold in capsules, and also in extract form. In rare instances you may also find it in the form of gum.
Kratom is commonly used under these names:
-
Thom
-
Ithang
-
Biak
-
Kakuam
-
Ketum
Inquiring about the History
Since the beginning of time, kratom has been widely utilized throughout the majority parts of Southeast Asia. In all likelihood, its popularity is the direct consequence of its dosage based on its pharmacologic results.
-
Small doses of up to five grams provide mild stimulant effects that can aid those working in Asia fight fatigue and function all day, every day of the week.
-
High doses to moderate dosages of 5 to 15 grams produce opioid-like effects. Naturopathic physicians in the region typically prescribe kratom to alleviate diarrhea, pain and reduce withdrawal symptoms. The plant can also trigger feelings of euphoria.
-
The high doses in excess of 15 grams more produce opioid-like effects, such as the feeling of a stupor or serotonin.
Early Days of Research
In 1921 Ellen Field, a medicinal scientist in the University of Edinburgh in Scotland was the first to discover Mitragynine out of the leaves of kratom. It wasn’t until 1964 that a team led by GA. Jeffrey, working at the University of Pittsburgh, characterized its structure using x-ray crystallography. Around that time Joseph Shellard and Arnold Becket working at Chelsea College in London started to study the chemical alkaloids.
Peter Houghton, an pharmacognosist who did his Ph. D research alongside Shellard stated “The principal research was focused on Mitragyna speciosa that is often referred to as kratom because it was utilized to replace opioids or as a remedy for addiction to opium in (what was at the time was then) Malaya and Thailand.” He continued to state that the pharmacy firm Smith Kline French who later was merged with GlaxoSmithKline was interested in the development of Mitragynine as a possible painkiller that could be used to replace the opioid morphine. It was discovered that its power and effectiveness as an analgesic was greater than the effectiveness of codeine. However, they carried out toxic tests and found out Mitragynine to be poisonous to beagle dogs and they decided to stop any studies.
Phillips continued to talk about the dearth of Mitragynine in research “We certainly wanted to get involved in biological activities which meant working with pharmacologists who would ask”Send me 10 grams from whatever you have,’ but we had only 10 milligrams and all of them have huge amounts of alkaloids”
Phillipson was able to isolate 15 alkaloids in his time with Shellard. “Eight from these (alkaloids) weren’t previously identified from Mitragyna and five were actually new alkaloids. I was keen on studying the chemical structures of these alkaloids” Phillipson explains.
The Compounds
Researchers are still trying to better understand the pharmacologic substances discovered in kratom. They have discovered twenty active compounds, with three of them standing on top as most potent. Mitragynine, 7-Hydroxymitragynine, Speciociliatine, Paynantheine, and Speciogynine sound out as the most active alkaloids. The main opioid activity appears to be attributed to Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine,
What is it that the Herb Used?
Kratom can be consumed in pill, powder, as extract or pill form. It is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asia, kratom leaves are typically chewed, or brewed into tea. Rarely, kratom is smoked or consumed in a food-like form. If it is consumed in the form of powder, the majority of users prefer the toss-and-wash method, which involves placing the desired amount of powder directly into their mouths. Then they take a sip of water and then swallow it fast. But the gag reflex of a lot of users is extremely strong, so taking a bite of powder will cause a coughing fits. In these situations you can include kratom powder into a smoothie, tea, or coffee. It is also possible to skip powder completely and instead make use of capsules, or extracts.
How does the herbal Supplement Effectively Work?
In the event of ingestion, the herb produces a very similar effect to an opioid or a stimulant dependent on the dose. Naturally occurring alkaloids that are present within the fibres in leaves act within the body through those receptors that are opioid. The two main alkaloids found in the plant are Mitragynine and 7-a-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids may also reduce the perception of pain as well as improve their mood, which is beneficial for those suffering from anxiety. In addition, the alkaloids when taken in lower doses, are believed to stimulate receptors, which increase the sense of alertness, energy and the ability to interact with others.
Depression Treatment
The reality that the alkaloids found in the herb interact with our body’s opioid receptors as well as the endocannabinoid system has caused researchers to observe. Many believe that kratom could be extremely beneficial to people with varying levels of depression. Recently, researchers have begun conducting research into kratom and the impact it has on the mental health of users. In a review conducted by researchers in the year 2017 that was conducted, it was discovered that those who used kratom as a means to manage mental health issues on their own saw a decrease in the symptoms. This is particularly relevant to the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Kratom and Research
In the year 2018, research showed that kratom could boost the mood of those who are suffering with depression. It did not just improve their mood, but also seemed to ease their anxiety. The researchers also suggested that kratom could be a feasible alternative to an opioid for those suffering from an opioid dependence.
In order to understand how kratom functions, we need to consider the way kratom works with your body’s opioid receptors located within the brain. The quantity of kratom consumed can influence the way you feel. But, the herb stimulates the opioid receptors and triggers these reactions:
-
The perception of discomfort is lessened or discomfort
-
Pleasure
-
Sedation
The study also revealed that Mitragynine is believed to interact with different areas of the brain. It can result in an effect of stimulation, particularly when doses are low. The user will feel energetic and ready to take on the day. A moderate amount of spurs feelings of joy and happiness. Users feel friendly and social.
Kratom Side Effects
In analyzing how kratom performs, we must be aware of the possible adverse negative effects. Some people who use kratom have a pleasant experience. The alkaloids are known to also cause undesirable adverse effects for certain users. But, it is to be noted that adverse negative effects are very rare, especially when you are taking a small dosage or the plant.
Oliver Grundmann is a toxicologist and pharmacist in the University of Florida said this regarding kratom adverse effects “That was a low incidence rate overall when compared with others … and even in the category of prescription drugs. “I’ve observed those effects in particular ones that aren’t dependent on dose as other effects, including for example, the effects of analgesic. Therefore, I believe that those who are taking it for the mood-enhancing effects, the antidepressant effects, aren’t necessarily at the same risk of a chance of becoming dependent or accustomed to kratom like those who are taking it for its effects of analgesia or to treat withdrawal symptoms from opiate.”
Potential negative side consequences of kratom are:
-
Stomach upset
-
Nausea
-
Vomiting
-
Tongue numbness
-
Constipation
-
Dry mouth
-
Urge to Urinate
-
Hallucinations
-
Illusions
-
A feeling of anger or rage
-
Breathing difficulties
-
Seizures
-
Liver damage
-
The swelling of the brain
The individual’s condition will determine whether you may experience more feelings of depression or anxiety. The downside of buying kratom can be that it is difficult to don’t know the purity of the product. Ideally, you should search for a brand that has the time to conduct laboratory tests to prove the purity of kratom. Kratom must not contain dangerous substances, such as bacteria, heavy metals pesticides, or fungi. Numerous top kratom brands are jumping into the spotlight and taking the right step by providing independent third-party testing of all of their products.
Kratom is a plant that can be used for many reasons, from reducing anxiety to easing pain. It’s also been known as a way of getting high without the side effects of other substances like alcohol or opioids.
But how do you know if kratom is safe? The answer starts with understanding what it is and where you buy it–from online vendors who may not have your best interests at heart or in stores that sell products containing dangerous contaminants. That’s why our team started MyKratom-to provide quality organic kratom powders & capsules, shipped right to your door! Check out our website today to learn more about this natural remedy and see which type might work best for you.