Understanding Kratom Use: A Guide for Healthcare Providers

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Pharmacology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia for stimulant and medicinal purposes.
• Increasing popularity in Western countries has led to safety concerns and regulatory actions by US federal agencies.
• Lack of clinical trials has created confusion among healthcare providers regarding kratom's efficacy and safety profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the available scientific literature on kratom.
• To clarify scientific information for healthcare providers and patients regarding kratom use.
• To highlight the critical knowledge gap concerning kratom's interactions with other substances.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed scientific studies on kratom (Mitragyna speciosa).
• Analysis of existing research focusing on kratom's pharmacology, traditional uses, and safety concerns.
• Identification of research gaps, particularly regarding concurrent use of kratom with other substances.

Main Results:

• A growing body of scientific literature exists, offering insights into kratom's effects and risks.
• Significant confusion persists among healthcare providers due to limited clinical trial data.
• The safety of combining kratom with other drugs and substances remains an understudied area.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers can utilize current scientific literature to better advise patients on kratom use.
• Emphasize that kratom and its compounds are not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
• Recommendations for best practices in patient care and harm reduction are provided.