The Kratom controversy: Is it a friend or a foe?

Kratom is a medicinal herb that comes with many positive and negative health impacts. © Shutterstock Kratom, the plant that has long been used in Southeast Asia has landed in the middle of a controversy after it made inroads in the American market for health supplements. Even the FDA has warned consumers not to use this plant’s extracts as a supplement. The FDA is concerned about the fact that kratom, which affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine, has properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse and dependence. Though it is legally available in the US, some other countries like Thailand, Australia, Malaysia and a few European countries have banned its use. KRATOM CAN CAUSE TOXICITY A new study has also contributed to the controversy by questioning the use of this natural supplement for the treatment of opioid addiction and pain . The study was conducted at the Binghamton University for a retrospective review of kratom exposure and to determine the toxicities associated with its use. Scientists also reviewed records from a County Medical Examiner’s Office in New York State to identify the fatalities associated with this herb. According to one of the researchers involved in this study, though kratom is not as strong as some other prescription opioids, it does still act as an opioid in the body. In larger doses, it can slow down breathing and act as a sedative meaning that patients can develop the same toxicity they would if using another opioid product. This herb can also reportedly cause seizures and liver toxicity. Scientists believe that kratom may have a role in treating pain and opioid use disorder, but more research is needed to verify its safety and efficacy. During the study, a total of 2312 kratom exposures were reported, with […]

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