The herbal supplement industry grew from over 10 billion in 2020 to over 11 billion in 2021. By 2022, experts project the industry will grow to $16.8 billion dollars.
Clearly, there is something to this herbal industry. Something special draws customers in and makes them stay.
Mitragyna Speciosa is one such supplement. This herb originates in Southeast Asia. It was traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments. But, scientists are currently still studying its effects on the body.
What do you need to know about this herbal supplement? Are they using it in medication preparation? Should you use it?
Let’s dive in and find out.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is also known by its scientific name “Mitragyna Speciosa”. This is a popular plant in southern and southeast Asia for its reported health benefits. It is a relative of the coffee tree but it grows much larger than the average coffee tree.
Similar to its relative this plant has a stimulating effect on those who consume it. It gives the user a slight kick similar to a serving of caffeine. Unlike coffee, however, this plant also has some level of opioid.
The opioids impact the mind and the energy provides a physically stimulating effect. Kratom does not have caffeine, however, despite being a relative of coffee. Rather, it has some stimulating enzymes that may help improve energy and focus.
What Is Kratom Composed of?
As stated above, Kratom or Mitragyna Speciosa is a member of the coffee family. But, it is not necessarily the same chemical composition as coffee. Rather, this plant is a composition of various alkaloids.
Some of the major chemical compounds in kratom include mitragynine, 7-hydroxamitragynine, and corynanthidine. The compound mitragynine is unique to this plant and is where it gets its name from.
Mitragynine interacts with 7-hydroxymitragynine. Many experts believe that this is where the opioid effect originates in the combined effects. These compounds seem to induce feelings of relaxation and focus. But, the clinical studies are not fully conclusive on these effects.
The FDA warns against overdosing on this substance. If you take a very high dose of kratom it can cause panic and nausea. However, a safe dose size of kratom seems to have very mild effects in most clinical trials.
Historical Use of Mitragyna Speciosa
Today this substance is commonly consumed as an herbal supplement. These supplements include capsules and tinctures. Or, you can purchase it in powder form from suppliers such as Cali Botanicals.
Powder supplements are typically a favorite of people in search of fiber benefits. But, some people do not like the taste of herbal powders and capsules are better for them.
Historically, this substance was boiled into a tea and added to traditional dishes. It was also taken commonly by laborers who suffer from pain induced by their work. Many experts believe this substance was used to ease pain due to the opioid effects of the compounds.
Is Mitragyna Speciosa Right for You?
The benefits of Kratom include stimulant effects and pain relief. These effects are still being studied by western scientists and are not conclusive yet. But, the historical use of this substance seems to indicate these effects on users.
Mitragyna Speciosa is also studied as a potential treatment for opioid addiction. You should not experiment with this substance to address your addictions. But, scientists are studying this drug as a potential therapeutic treatment for drug abuse.
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