NERKY
Member
Description
Mitragyna speciosa, kratom trees, usually grow to a height of 12–30 ft (3.7–9.1 m) tall and 15 ft (4.6 m) wide, although under the right conditions, certain species can reach up to 40–100 ft (12–30 m) in height. The stem is erect and branching. The leaves of the kratom tree are a dark green colour and can grow to over 7 inches (180 mm) long and 4 inches (100 mm) wide., ovate-acuminate in shape, and opposite in growth pattern.
Alkaloids
Kratom also reportedly contains at least one alkaloid (rhynchophylline) that is a calcium channel blocker, and reduces NMDA-induced current.[SUP][3][/SUP][SUP][4][/SUP] There is considerable research as to the role of NMDA receptor activity in the formation of dependence, and the symptoms of withdrawal. In 2005, Inturrisi demonstrated that co-administration of d-methadone (the isomer that lacks opioid activity, but is an NMDA antagonist) in small doses with morphine prevented the development of morphine tolerance in rats.[SUP][5][/SUP] The presence of rhynchophylline in kratom should be investigated in order to determine its potential to modify the development of dependence.
The presence of kratom's alkaloids can be detected in urine by immunological screenings.[SUP][6][/SUP]
As of 2011, 40 compounds had been discovered in kratom leaves.[SUP][7][/SUP]
Medicinal uses
Kratom has seen therapeutic use in Thai ethnomedicine as an antidiarrhoeal, as a treatment for opioid dependence, and rarely to increase the duration of coitus.[SUP][8][/SUP][SUP][9][/SUP][SUP][10][/SUP] It is also a substance of interest in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.[SUP][11][/SUP] A general consensus exists in Thailand among leaders, public health officials, academics and policymakers that kratom use and dependence causes little, if any, health risks.[SUP][12][/SUP] Many chronic pain patients report that kratom has greatly improved the quality of their lives.[SUP][13][/SUP]
Mitragyna speciosa, kratom trees, usually grow to a height of 12–30 ft (3.7–9.1 m) tall and 15 ft (4.6 m) wide, although under the right conditions, certain species can reach up to 40–100 ft (12–30 m) in height. The stem is erect and branching. The leaves of the kratom tree are a dark green colour and can grow to over 7 inches (180 mm) long and 4 inches (100 mm) wide., ovate-acuminate in shape, and opposite in growth pattern.
Alkaloids
Kratom contains many alkaloids including mitragynine (once thought to be the primary active constituent), mitraphylline, and 7-hydroxymitragynine (which is currently the most likely candidate for the primary active chemical in the plant).[SUP][1][/SUP] Other active chemicals in kratom include raubasine (best known from Rauwolfia serpentina) and some yohimbe alkaloids such as corynantheidine.[SUP][2][/SUP]
The presence of kratom's alkaloids can be detected in urine by immunological screenings.[SUP][6][/SUP]
As of 2011, 40 compounds had been discovered in kratom leaves.[SUP][7][/SUP]
Medicinal uses
Kratom has seen therapeutic use in Thai ethnomedicine as an antidiarrhoeal, as a treatment for opioid dependence, and rarely to increase the duration of coitus.[SUP][8][/SUP][SUP][9][/SUP][SUP][10][/SUP] It is also a substance of interest in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.[SUP][11][/SUP] A general consensus exists in Thailand among leaders, public health officials, academics and policymakers that kratom use and dependence causes little, if any, health risks.[SUP][12][/SUP] Many chronic pain patients report that kratom has greatly improved the quality of their lives.[SUP][13][/SUP]
