Nootropic profile
Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa)
Kratom is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia whose leaves contain alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors. At low doses it acts as a stimulant, while at higher doses it produces sedative and analgesic effects. Its legal status is contested in many countries, and it carries significant risks of dependence and withdrawal.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa)?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree in the Rubiaceae (coffee) family, native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Low/stimulant dose: 1-3 g of dried leaf powder
- Moderate dose: 3-5 g (mixed stimulant/sedative effects)
- High/sedative dose: 5-8 g (predominantly opioid-like effects)
- Very high dose: 8+ g (strong sedation - not recommended due to increased side effects and dependency risk)
- Strain variations: "White" strains are considered more stimulating, "red" more sedating, and "green" moderate. These distinctions may relate to leaf...
Watch out for
- DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL: Regular kratom use (especially daily use) can lead to physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, muscle...
- Legal status: Kratom is banned in Thailand (though recently decriminalised), Australia, several EU countries, and some US states. Check local laws before...
- Contamination risk: Unregulated kratom products have been found contaminated with heavy metals, salmonella, and other adulterants. Quality control is a...
- Liver toxicity: Rare but documented cases of liver injury have been reported with kratom use, particularly with concentrated extracts.
- Drug interactions: May interact dangerously with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, MAOIs, and other CNS depressants. Combining kratom with other sedatives...
The science, if you're curious.
- Mitragynine acts as a partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors and a competitive antagonist at kappa and delta receptors. 7-Hydroxymitragynine is a more...
- At lower doses, mitragynine activates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, producing stimulant effects similar to mild...
- Kratom alkaloids interact with serotonin receptors (5-HT2A and 5-HT2C), contributing to mood modulation and potential antidepressant effects.
- Interaction with dopamine D1 and D2 receptors may contribute to the motivation-enhancing and euphoric effects, as well as addiction potential.
Where to find it
- Dried leaf powder: The most common form, available from online vendors in various "strains"
- Capsules: Pre-measured dried leaf powder in gelatin or vegetable capsules
- Extracts: Concentrated forms (liquid or powder) - significantly more potent and higher risk
- Fresh leaves: Traditionally chewed in Southeast Asia, not available in most Western countries
- Tea: Dried leaves brewed as tea, a traditional method of consumption
Frequently asked
Kratom is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia whose leaves contain alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors. At low doses it acts as a stimulant, while at higher doses it produces sedative and analgesic effects. Its legal status is contested in many countries, and it carries significant risks of dependence and withdrawal.
The main benefits people report from Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) are: Anxiety & Calm, Energy, Focus, Mood, Motivation, Stress Relief.
Low/stimulant dose: 1-3 g of dried leaf powderModerate dose: 3-5 g (mixed stimulant/sedative effects)High/sedative dose: 5-8 g (predominantly opioid-like effects)Very high dose: 8+ g (strong sedation - not recommended due to increased side effects and dependency risk)Strain variations: "White&q...
DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL: Regular kratom use (especially daily use) can lead to physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, muscle...Legal status: Kratom is banned in Thailand (though recently decriminalised), Australia, several EU countries, and some US states. Check local laws...
Mitragynine acts as a partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors and a competitive antagonist at kappa and delta receptors. 7-Hydroxymitragynine is a more...At lower doses, mitragynine activates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, producing stimulant effects similar to mil...
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