The search for “What is the drug called KRA?” overwhelmingly points to kratom, a botanical supplement derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. While there is no recognized pharmaceutical called KRA, the term is a phonetic approximation used by consumers. Kratom is native to Southeast Asia and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. However, its increasing popularity in the U.S. has raised significant public health and regulatory concerns.
The Pharmacology of Kratom
Kratom's effects are primarily due to its bioactive alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most well-studied. These compounds interact with the body's opioid receptors, similar to traditional opioid drugs but with some key differences.
- Mitragynine: The most abundant alkaloid, mitragynine acts as a partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors. It also affects adrenergic and serotonergic systems, which may contribute to its stimulant properties.
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine: Present in smaller amounts, this metabolite is significantly more potent at opioid receptors than mitragynine.
Dose-Dependent Effects
Kratom's physiological effects vary dramatically depending on the dose taken.
- Low Doses (1-5 grams of raw leaves): At lower doses, kratom typically produces stimulant-like effects. Users report increased energy, enhanced alertness, sociability, and talkativeness.
- High Doses (5-15 grams of raw leaves): At higher doses, the opioid-like and central nervous system depressant effects become dominant. These include sedation, pain relief (analgesia), and euphoria.
Unregulated Uses and Significant Health Risks
Despite being marketed as a natural supplement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use and warns consumers against its use due to safety concerns and potential adverse effects. Because it is largely unregulated, the strength and purity of commercially available kratom products are inconsistent.
- Addiction and Withdrawal: The FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have raised concerns about kratom's potential for abuse, addiction, and dependence. Regular use can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced with opioids.
- Toxicity: Case reports have linked kratom use to severe health issues, including liver toxicity, seizures, heart problems, and psychiatric symptoms like confusion and hallucinations.
- Contamination: Unregulated kratom products have been found to contain contaminants such as heavy metals and harmful bacteria like Salmonella. A Salmonella outbreak in 2018 linked to kratom caused infections in multiple states.
- Drug Interactions: Kratom can have dangerous interactions with other substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications. This risk is heightened because kratom can inhibit liver enzymes responsible for drug metabolism.
KRAZATI®: A Drug for Cancer, Not to Be Confused with Kratom
For those searching for the drug 'KRA', it's possible they are also encountering information about KRAZATI (adagrasib), a prescription medication with a completely different purpose. KRAZATI is a targeted cancer therapy, not an herbal supplement.
Kratom vs. KRAZATI (Adagrasib) Comparison
| Feature | Kratom (KRA) | KRAZATI (Adagrasib) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Herbal extract from the Mitragyna speciosa tree. | FDA-approved oral prescription medication. |
| Classification | Psychoactive herbal supplement; DEA Drug of Concern. | Targeted therapy for specific cancer mutations. |
| Primary Use | Self-reported uses include pain relief, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal relief (not FDA-approved). | Treats advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer with the KRAS G12C mutation. |
| Mechanism | Partial agonist of opioid receptors, also affects adrenergic and serotonergic systems. | KRAS G12C inhibitor, blocks mutated protein that promotes cancer cell growth. |
| Legality | Unscheduled federally, but varies by state and locality. | Regulated prescription drug. |
| Known Risks | Addiction, withdrawal, liver toxicity, seizures, contamination, drug interactions. | Serious side effects including heart, liver, and lung problems. |
The Legal Landscape of Kratom
Kratom's legal status is a subject of ongoing debate. While not controlled at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act, the DEA has listed it as a "drug of concern". Several states and local municipalities have enacted their own restrictions or bans on kratom, making its legality inconsistent across the country. In states where it is legal, consumer protection acts may be in place to regulate its sale, but federal oversight is still lacking. For instance, Oregon restricts kratom sales to those over 21 and requires product labeling. Conversely, states like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin have banned it entirely.
Conclusion: A Misunderstood Substance with Significant Risks
Ultimately, any query about the drug called KRA points to kratom, a substance that is widely misunderstood due to its unregulated status and conflicting anecdotal reports. While historically used in Southeast Asia for various effects, its increasing accessibility in Western markets has brought a spotlight on its potential for dependence, serious adverse health effects, and contamination. The FDA explicitly advises against its use, and the variable legal status makes it a substance whose use should be approached with extreme caution and professional medical guidance. For a completely unrelated, targeted cancer medication known as KRAZATI, a healthcare provider should be consulted.
