Tag: Mitragyna speciosa

Despite being frequently confused, kava and kratom are two entirely different botanical products derived from unrelated plants. This clarification is essential for anyone asking, “Is kava made from kratom?”, as their chemical compositions and pharmacological effects are distinct.

Native to Southeast Asia, kratom ($Mitragyna speciosa$) has been traditionally used for centuries. What are the three types of kratom, and how are their classifications based on the leaf's central vein color, and perceived effects like stimulation or relaxation?

Due to ongoing concerns about its effects and addiction potential, kratom is illegal in many countries worldwide. The question of **where is kratom banned in the world?** reveals a complex legal landscape, with strict prohibitions in some nations and a patchwork of regulations in others.

An estimated 1.7 million Americans used Kratom in 2021 [1.9.2]. But if you asked them, 'What is the street name for Kratom?', many might not know all its aliases, such as Thang, Kakuam, and Ketum [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

Millions of Americans have reportedly used the herbal substance known as kratom, often mistakenly searched for as 'kratos drug'. While considered a "natural" supplement, kratom contains psychoactive compounds that can produce a range of dose-dependent stimulant and opioid-like effects, prompting serious warnings from public health agencies.

While synthetic opioid antagonists like naloxone are critical for reversing overdoses, a small but growing body of research identifies certain compounds in plants that exhibit properties similar to a natural opioid antagonist. These substances, often alkaloids, bind to opioid receptors in the brain to block or inhibit the activity of other opioids.