Why Kratom is Controversial?

Kratom is a plant that can be found in South Asian countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. It is part of the coffee family. The extracts of kratom and even the leaves itself can be used as a sedative or stimulant. Users reported that kratom treated their digestive ailments, chronic pain, and other conditions. It has also been reported that kratom is effective as an aid for opium dependence withdrawal. However, this is not backed up with medical evidences. The medical field is still trying to understand if kratom is really approved for medical use.  

The Legality of Kratom 

Kratom is marketed in the United States as an alternative medicine. It’s legal in the country but it is illegal in Australia, Thailand and other European countries. If you’re around US, then you can buy kratom. It’s available as supplements or powder.  

 

How and Why Is It Use?  

If you take kratom in small doses, it will work like a stimulant. Those who take kratom in small doses reported that they are more alert and energetic, and also, they feel more sociable after. However, if you take kratom in high doses, it will work like a sedative. It dulls sensations and emotions and produces euphoric effects.  

Kratom has this compound known as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds have muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects once you take them.  The leaves of kratom is either powdered, crushed or dried. You can buy kratom in powder forms, or even capsules and supplements. The color of the powder is usually light brown or green.  

 

The Controversy 

The reason why it’s not legal to other parts of the world is that there are no definite clinical researches that says kratom can be used in medical purposes. It is not medically recommended to be used. There are studies of course that wants to unravel kratom’s uses. Such studies aim to identify the good and harmful effects of this drug, and the possible consequences of overdose. Yes, they could be effective based on the reports of people who used it but further studies should be made.  

Another reason why kratom is controversial is that it has as many alkaloids as hallucinogenic mushrooms and opium. Alkaloid has a strong effect on us, may it be positive or negative. This is the reason why studies should be conducted. Dependence on kratom can also cause tremors, nausea, hallucinations and inability to sleep. The production of this drug is not also regulated by FDA, although it’s legal. There are no definite standards when it comes to producing this product.  

Other side effects of this drug are insomnia, discoloration of cheeks, loss of appetite, constipation and severe weight loss. Even though there are many benefits of taking kratom, it should still be supported my clinical research. It has its potential, but it also has takeaways too. Research is important so everyone would be informed about the safe and effective dosage of this drug, health effects and possible interactions. All these things matter when you decide to intake a drug like kratom.