Long-Term Effects of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use
- Author:
Darshan Singh
1
;
Suresh Narayanan
2
;
Oliver Grundmann
3
;
Nelson Jeng Yeou Chear
1
;
Vikneswaran Murugaiyah
4
;
Shahrul Bariyah Sahul Hamid
5
;
Nur Sabrina Mohd Yusof
1
;
Eshal Bin Dzulkapli
1
;
Vicknasingam Balasingam
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Mitragynine, Kratom, Toxicity, Haematology, Cardiotoxicity
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.4):64-72
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Introduction: Kratom or (Mitragyna speciosa) leaves are consumed as a folk remedy and opioid substitute in the Southeast Asian region. There is still a lack of information about the long-term or toxic-causing effects of kratom use. Methods: A total of thirteen regular kratom users, with long-term (>20 twenty years) kratom use history were recruited for this cross-sectional pilot study. Respondents were required to undergo a blood-test and laboratory anaysis was conducted to determine the mitragynine content in an acquired street sample of kratom. Results: The regular, longterm consumption of brewed kratom decoction did not cause any significant alterations in haematological, kidney, liver, thyroid, inflammatory and gastrointestinal analytes in a cohort of kratom users who had no history of substance misuse. However, those who had a higher intake (>3 glasses per day) of kratom exhibited higher lipid values (except for HDL-cholesterol), and a moderate elevation of homocysteine level. Conclusion: Long-term (>20 years with a daily intake of ≥87.54mg of mitragynine) kratom consumption was not associated with altered biochemical levels, although prolonged and heavy use (>3 glasses daily) may result in cardiovascular risks. The latter finding, however, requires further investigation.
- Full text:11.2020my0934.pdf
