Botanical Overview
Mitragyna speciosa (family Rubiaceae), commonly known as Kratom, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaf is the part traditionally used for its medicinal properties.
Energetics
Kratom is generally considered warming in temperature and neutral in moisture. It has a bitter taste and exhibits a descending directionality in its effects. It is relaxing in tonicity and primarily influences qi in traditional energetics.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Stimulant
- Sedative
- Opioid receptor agonist
Indications
Western
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Depression
Syndromes
- Opioid dependence
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Mild anxiety
TCM
Syndromes
Ayurveda
Syndromes
Unani
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Main phytochemicals include the alkaloids mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitraphylline, rhynchophylline, speciogynine, and speciociliatine which contribute to its analgesic, stimulant, and sedative effects primarily via opioid receptor agonism.
Dosage & Preparations
- Leaf powder 1-5 g orally
- Tincture standardized to mitragynine, 1-3 mL 1-2 times daily
- Dried leaf decoction 2-4 g 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Kratom use carries risks of dependence, addiction, and adverse effects including nausea, dizziness, respiratory depression, and rare liver toxicity. It should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Use with CNS depressants, opioids, alcohol, or MAOIs is contraindicated. Caution advised in individuals with respiratory issues or opioid history.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable traditional sources found to assign planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Pharmacology and Clinical Effects of Mitragyna speciosa: A Review – Grundmann O (2017)
- Critical Review Report: Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) – WHO (2018)
- Mitragyna speciosa: Ethnobotany, pharmacology, and toxicology – Müller-Lissner S et al. (2019)