TY  - JOUR
AU  - Taylor, Robert
AU  - Raffa, Robert B.
AU  - LeQuang, Jo Anne
AU  - Pergolizzi, Joseph V.
PY  - 2018
DA  - 2018/12/28
TI  - Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Kratom: Succinct Introduction to the Basics and the Questions
JO  - OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine
SP  - 038
VL  - 03
IS  - 04
AB  - Background: The leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), a tropical tree that is indigenous to Southeast Asia, have been used traditionally to increase stamina, as a digestive aid, and as an analgesic. Kratom use is now increasingly popular in the rest of the world because of easy availability through the Internet and real, or perceived, views of efficacy and safety. Methods: PubMed and MedLine searches were conducted of published articles available in English. Results: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the primary psychoactive compounds of the over 25 alkaloids in kratom. Subjective effects are dose dependent: a mild stimulation at lower doses, sedative effects at intermediate doses, and mild opioid-like effects at higher doses. Toxicity is rare and may be due instead to polypharmacy. Abrupt discontinuation after extensive use can produce withdrawal symptoms, but use does not imply overt dysfunction or decreased quality of life. In fact, Kratom has been used by opioid substance abusers as a means of easing withdrawal. Indeed, the use of kratom as a safer choice than opioids is an argument against overzealous regulatory control. Potential therapeutic utility as a mixed-acting analgesic agent, anti-inflammatory, and possibly anticancer agent are currently being investigated. Conclusions: Kratom or one or more of its constituent substances likely have important therapeutic potential - or as drug-discovery leads - as analgesics, treatment or prevention of opioid use disorder, and possibly other medical conditions. Since its use as a recreational drug is also on the rise, it is imperative that healthcare providers and regulators maintain an open mind and support the need for more basic and clinical research to help elucidate the actual potential medical benefits and potential adverse effects of this simultaneously old, yet new, pharmacologic agent.
SN  - 2573-4393
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.1804038
DO  - 10.21926/obm.icm.1804038
ID  - Taylor2018
ER  -