KRATOM

Mitragyna speciosa Korth., a tropical tree belonging to the Rubiaceae family, can reach heights of 4 to 16 meters and is native to South East Asia, the Philippines, and New Guinea, although it is now grown in other regions as well. In Thailand, the tree and its leaf preparations are known as kratom. Traditionally, kratom leaves, whether fresh or dried, are either chewed or brewed into tea, with smoking being a less common method of consumption. When taken at a low dose, kratom acts as a stimulant, helping individuals combat fatigue during extended periods of work. However, at higher doses, it can produce sedative and narcotic effects. Kratom is also utilized in traditional medicine and as a substitute for opium. The tree's various parts contain more than 40 alkaloids, along with flavonoids, terpenoid saponins, polyphenols, and glycosides. The primary psychoactive compounds present in the leaves are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, both unique to Mitragyna speciosa.