CU Pharmacy Expert

An herbal extract kratom products  anxiety and opioid withdrawal symptoms has captured the attention of some consumers and regulators. But how is kratom produced and what risks does it pose?

The kratom plant, related to coffee trees, contains an alkaloid called mitragynine that activates brain opiate receptors and alters mood. It has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for its stimulant and euphoria-producing properties, similar to how coffee is consumed in the West. But the plant’s recent surge in popularity is bringing it to the attention of consumer advocates and regulators. The Food and Drug Administration has warned against its use and has pressed for the herb to be scheduled as a narcotic. Some states have banned it, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont and Wisconsin, but the American Kratom Association has petitioned those governments to reconsider.

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A growing number of consumers — about 10-16 million people in the United States, according to the American Kratom Association — are using kratom for its reported health benefits, most often to relieve chronic pain. But there is little scientific evidence on its safety or efficacy, and there are concerns about the quality of kratom available for sale.

The most common side effects of kratom use are nausea, constipation and changes in bowel movements, and some consumers report vomiting and confusion. Some users experience agitation, seizures and other signs of overdose. The substance is also a drug of abuse and can lead to addiction, and in some cases has been linked to deaths.