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)