1.Long-Term Effects of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use
Darshan Singh ; Suresh Narayanan ; Oliver Grundmann ; Nelson Jeng Yeou Chear ; Vikneswaran Murugaiyah ; Shahrul Bariyah Sahul Hamid ; Nur Sabrina Mohd Yusof ; Eshal Bin Dzulkapli ; Vicknasingam Balasingam
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.4):64-72
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.