What is Kratom 101? Learn Everything About Mitragyna speciosa
You must have come across this controversial product in markets near you or online commonly known as Kratom. It is normal to have some questions in your mind about this mysterious herb. In this article, we have tried our best to answer some frequently asked questions about Kratom so you can be informed enough and you can benefit from it if you desire.
Mitragyna speciosa is a part of a plant family that is known to produce coffee, naturally found in the southeastern part of Asia, where people utilized it therapeutically for decades. This plant had recently gained the spotlight and made its place in the US market when the residents of the USA used it and benefited from it in many ways.
In earlier times, residents of Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, etc., used the ground leaves of Kratom as a therapeutic agent. They considered it to be a natural herb that also lifted their moods. Due to its slight stimulating effects, Kratom is considered to be a stimulant.
Today, thousands of people in the USA have been dealing with chronic conditions that only can relieve for a short amount of time. These relievers are highly dangerous and cause severe dependence. Due to the legendary advantages of Mitragyna, people tried it out to ease their discomfort. This natural herb helped thousands of victims get over their dependence. This was a breakthrough which led to massive recognition of this natural therapeutic agent that has a significantly positive effect on the consumer’s mood.
Ever since then, this plant got speedy popularity gaining thousands of supporters and users, which also led to the establishment of local and online Kratom stores for easy access for the residents of the USA.
What are the benefits of this substance?
Korth is used as a therapeutic agent as well as relaxant all over the world. Residents of the USA have also recognized its potential and made it a part of their life so they can enjoy the benefits it has to offer.
What are the key alkaloids found in Kratom?
There are certain key alkaloids found in Mitragyna speciosa that are responsible for the effects this plant has on people. There are a total of 25 alkaloids found in this plant along with the two primary alkaloids that cause most of its effects. These include the following:
Key alkaloids
- Mitragynine (66%)
- 7-hydroxymitragynine (2%)
Other alkaloids
- Paynantheine (8-9%)
- Speciogynine (6-7%)
- Mitraphylline (< 1%)
- Isomitraphylline (< 1%)
- Speciophylline (< 1%)
- Rhynchophylline (< 1%)
- Isorhynchophylline (< 1%)
- Ciliaphylline (< 1%)
- Corynantheidine (< 1%)
- Corynoxine A and B (< 1%)
- 9-Hydroxycorynantheidine
- Isomitrafoline (< 1%)
- Isospeciofoline (< 1%)
- Mitraciliatine (< 1%)
- Mitragynine oxindole B (< 1%)
- Mitrafoline (< 1%)
- Speciociliatine (1%)
- Tetrahydroalstonine
- Ajmalicine
- Akuammigine
- Corynoxeine (< 1%)
- Isopteropodine
- Mitraversine
How does Kratom work?
Kratom is a powerful substance whose effects are primarily regulated by the key alkaloids found in its leaves. These alkaloids include Mitragynine, which is the primary alkaloid, and 7-hydroxy Mitragynine.
This herb has specific psychoactive properties whose appearance varies depending on the dosage. At low quantities, it can cause euphoria and relaxation with an improved focus on the users. At elevated amounts, Kratom can act as a mild sedative.
Alkaloids present in Kratom directly affect the brain and adjust the mechanisms of the natural neurotransmitters. This explains why people call it a stimulant.
The two primary alkaloids found in this plant can desensitize the receptors responsible for uneasiness in the body to some extent, acting as partial substance agonists. They can stimulate the substance receptions present in the brain. This stimulation of receptors releases feel-good hormones in the body that can lift a person’s mood.
Are there any side effects of Kratom?
Pure Kratom powder or extracts don’t have any known side effects. However, its potency can depend on how much Kratom you consume at once. People have reported slight gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea upon taking highly potent strains of Kratom at increased doses. The discomfort is mild, and your body can get back to normal after a while.
It is crucial to monitor the amount of Mitragyna you are taking if you have just started using it. You can gradually increase the amount you take, depending on the effects it has on you. It is possible to experience tolerance after taking it for some time, and you might need to increase the quantity gradually.
However, combinations of Kratom with other substances like alcohol or any other drugs can be dangerous to your health. We advise users to be careful about introducing such combinations to their bodies.
Is Kratom Legal in the USA and all over the world?
This question may come in the mind of anyone who uses or is considering adding Kratom to their lives but still want to be on the safe side. It is essential to know if Kratom is legal in your area before you buy its products.
The USA covers a large part of the world with different regulations in each state. Kratom legality varies all over the USA. It is legal in some parts of the USA, but some states have banned Kratom because of its controversial image. Following is the list of states of the USA where Kratom is either controlled or completely banned:
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Indiana
- Florida, Sarasota County
- California, San Diego County
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Oceanside
Find the legal and illegal kratom states here.
As far as the other parts of the world are concerned, Kratom is legal in most countries except a few where Kratom sale and possession is banned. These countries include:
- Australia
- Israel
- Lithuania
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Poland
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Thailand
- UK
There are some countries where this substance is not entirely prohibited, but the legal status of Mitragyna in these parts of the world remains unclear. These countries include Finland, Denmark, Romania, Germany, and New Zealand.
Countries with Islamic government who follow the Sharia law may also not entertain the usage of Kratom as they have banned recreational use of any substance that may cause potential intoxication.
What is the FDA’s stance on the usage of Kratom?
The FDA and DEA have not completely forbidden the usage of this substance but they never approved it. They don’t consider it as safe and okay for general use. The FDA often tries to alarm people about the disadvantages and adverse effects it might have.
The FDA and DEA are concerned that since Kratom acts just like substance drugs and targets the same receptors in the body, it can be a dangerous substance itself.
FDA stated that they have not come across any data that scientifically proves Mitragyna to be beneficial medicinally. They call it a schedule I drug. These are the most restrictive type of substances under the Controlled Substances Act.
The American Kratom Association has been trying to do its best to keep Kratom legal in the USA, and it is also trying to seek legality in the states where Kratom is banned. The FDA and DEA encourage additional research on this component for better understanding and decision making.
Will Kratom show up on a drug test?
This is another vital question that new Kratom users frequently ask. Most Kratom users or people who are considering adding Kratom to their daily routine might be worried that this component may show up on a drug test and mess up with the results.
Most people work at organizations that feel the need to carry out drug tests often. So it is essential to be aware of what you are dealing with to avoid unwanted surprises in the future.
Kratom is undetectable on most of the drug tests. The chemical composition of this plant does not resemble that of psychoactive drugs that are harmful and addictive. This natural substance may act as an substance, but it is not an actual substance and does not cause intoxication.
The key alkaloids found in the leaves of Kratom can only be detected using a particular test to spot Mitragynine or 7-hydroxy Mitragynine precisely. It is sporadic for the officials to use such a test. Read more here.
How to choose the best Kratom product for me?
It is crucial to know what kind of Kratom strains suit you the best and provide you with maximum benefits, whether it’s relieving or seeking relaxation. Every individual is different, and their bodies react differently to various substances.
Kratom comes in a wide variety of strains. Its range depends on the place of origin and the colour of the vein. The potency and target of different Mitragyna strain dramatically varies.
To find out the best Kratom strain for you, you first need to ask yourself why you want to start consuming Kratom. There are certain types of Korth that suit best for people seeking relaxation and relieving discomfort. Similarly, different potent strains are available that work best as a reliever rather than a relaxant.
You can surf the internet or specific websites of Kratom vendors to find out the best Kratom strains to get your desired effect. Once you have narrowed down the list of strains for yourself, you can order some samples of those strains online.
We recommend getting samples of the strains first so you can try them out and analyze their effects on yourself. Then you can move on to buying the specific Kratom strain powder that provides you with maximum benefits.
How much Kratom powder should I take?
The dosage of this substance varies depending on different individuals. So, there is no specific amount of its powder or extracts that work on everyone perfectly. The effects also depend on the sex, age, height, and body type of the person consuming this substance. To figure out the right dosage for you, it is better to start with lower amounts, preferably 2-3 grams, and analyzing the effects.
We advise you to start with minimum quantities and gradually increase while monitoring the results. You can increase the dosage of Kratom powder you consume by 0.5 to 1 gram to experience the effects of this herb more deeply after analyzing its impact on you.
In this way, you will figure out how much Korth has the lightest effects on you. You must stop adding to the dosage the second you feel dizzy or nauseous. This means that you have reached the maximum dosage your body can handle at a given time.
You can also increase or decrease the dosage depending on the type of results you want. Like we mentioned before, Kratom acts as a relaxant and stimulant in low quantities. It can also act as a sedative when consumers take it in increased amounts.
Are there any specific Kratom strains for new users?
It is normal to be confused about which strain to opt for as a new Kratom user. Mitragyna is available in a wide variety, and there are so many options available that can overwhelm and confuse a new user. The following are a few strains of Kratom available in the market as powder or extracts for new users to get maximum benefits from.
Maeng Da
Maeng Da is one of the most recognized types of Kratom native to Indonesia. It is a top choice of many Kratom users and has a satisfying aroma. This strain is famous for its energizing and sedative effects. It has also been used in history to treat certain conditions.
Super Green Malaysian
This is a green-vein Kratom strain which has its roots in Malaysia. This type of Kratom creates the right balance between sedative and stimulating effects on the consumer. Kratom users consider this strain as an incredible as it causes mild euphoria at high doses and energizes the consumers at the same time.
Red Vein Indo
This is an Indonesian red-veined Mitragyna strain that is a lot different from the typical red veined strains of Kratom. It is a relaxant with the remarkable ability to induce relaxation and calmness in the consumer. We recommend taking Red Vein Indo powder in low to moderate doses. High dosage of this strain may lead to nausea or headaches.
