What do we know about kratom?

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 Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as Kratom, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee and gardenia plants. 

Kratom has a long history of use in Southeast Asian traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries by local populations.

Traditionally, the leaves were chewed or brewed into tea by workers and farmers to boost energy and alleviate fatigue. It was also used in cultural and religious ceremonies and for treating various ailments like pain, fever, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal disorders.

The leaves of the Kratom tree contain several active compounds (alkaloids), with mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, Speciogynine, and Speciociliatine being the most prominent. These compounds are responsible for the plant's active function in the body. 

From the most current research it can be deduced that the alkaloids in kratom most closely function as endorphins in the body as they have been shown to function on the same receptors in the brain. 

 During Stress or Pain: Your body releases these chemicals in response to stress or pain. It's the body's way of trying to reduce discomfort and promote a feeling of well-being.

During Exercise: Ever heard of a "runner's high"? That's endorphins at work! They are often released during prolonged, continuous exercise, like running, which can lead to a feeling of increased energy and euphoria or extreme happiness.

When You're Happy: Exciting or enjoyable activities, like eating delicious food, laughing, or doing something you love, can also trigger the release of endorphins. 

1. ​​Karunakaran, Thiruventhan et al. “The Chemical and Pharmacological Properties of Mitragynine and Its Diastereomers: An Insight Review.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 13 805986. 24 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.805986
2. Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. Endogenous Opioids in the Etiology and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. In: Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, editors. Multiple Sclerosis: Perspectives in Treatment and Pathogenesis [Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Codon Publications; 2017 Nov 27. Chapter 8.
3. Loh, H H et al. “beta-endorphin is a potent analgesic agent.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America vol. 73,8 (1976): 2895-8. doi:10.1073/pnas.73.8.2895

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