Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an indigenous plant in Southeast Asia that has garnered growing popularity as a supplement for pain, mood and energy enhancement as well as self-treatment of opioid withdrawal and substance use disorders. Preclinical animal studies, human surveys and case reports have demonstrated a complex opioidergic, adrenergic and serotonergic pharmacology of this herb, which also has potential for abuse and dependence [1].
Extraction methods, time of extraction and type of solvent play a significant role in the chemical composition of kratom leaf extracts and the amount of alkaloid contained therein. This study investigated the ASE technique as a viable extraction method for kratom leaf extracts and compared it to other common extraction methods such as Soxhlet, maceration and ultrasonic-assisted solvent extraction. Dry yield and mitragynine content were determined for aqueous, MeOH, EtOAc and ethyl acetate kratom leaf extracts obtained using the ASE and other commonly used extraction solvents.
The ASE aqueous kratom leaf extract and the MeOH and EtOAc kratom leaf extracts displayed variable antinociceptive effects in mice in both hot plate and tail-flick tests, suggesting that other phytochemicals in addition to mitragynine might be involved in the pharmacological properties of kratom extracts. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS chemical profiling analysis and spectral matching of the aqueous, MeOH, and EtOAc kratom extracts revealed that bioactive indole alkaloids and flavonols were found to be present in the ASE aqueous kratom extract.
It is recommended that individuals consume kratom only as directed by a physician or other health care professional. Individuals who decide to self-dose kratom must be aware of the many possible side effects of consuming too much, including changes in vision, stomach upset, insomnia, muscle aches, dilated pupils and more. In some cases, consuming too much kratom can even be fatal.
People who purchase kratom-based products can find it in a variety of forms, such as powdered or dried leaves, capsules, and concentrated liquid extracts with varying amounts of ethanol. These extracts can be mixed with water, juice, tea or other beverages to produce the desired effect. Most kratom users report taking the extract several times per day in doses of 3-5 grams.
People can also get kratom through a wide range of online vendors and in stores that specialize in supplements. While kratom is illegal in some countries, it is legal to buy and sell in the United States. It is important to only buy kratom from reputable online retailers, and to read the label of any product to make sure that it is safe and contains what is advertised. This is especially true for kratom extract, since these usually contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than other kratom products. People who are struggling with kratom or any other supplemental addiction should seek help at a professional rehabilitation center. It is possible to live a life free from addiction, and support from family and friends can be very helpful. Contact us today to learn more about overcoming your addiction and getting your life back on track.