Why Kratom is Gaining Popularity in the USA (part 1/3)?

Pain management

User Survey Suggests Kratom, a Natural Herb, May Offer Therapeutic Benefits with Low Risk of Abuse or Harm

Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers conducted a survey of over 2,700 self-reported users of the herbal supplement kratom, which is available online and in smoke shops across the U.S. Their findings suggest that kratom, a psychoactive compound somewhat similar to opioids, may have a lower risk of harm compared to prescription opioids for treating pain, anxiety, depression, and addiction.

The study, published in the February 3rd issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, acknowledges the limitations of self-reported data but highlights that kratom is neither regulated nor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The researchers emphasize the need for U.S. drug agencies to study and regulate kratom rather than banning it outright due to its potential therapeutic benefits as an alternative to opioids.

The American Kratom Association (AKA), a consumer advocacy group, estimates that between 10 and 16 million Americans regularly use kratom, either by consuming its ground leaves in food or brewing them in tea. Kratom, a tropical plant related to coffee trees and primarily grown in Southeast Asia, contains mitragynine, an alkaloid that interacts with brain opiate receptors and alters mood. In Asia, kratom has been used in small doses as an energy and mood booster, and in larger quantities for pain relief or recreational purposes, akin to the use of coffee or alcohol in the West.

However, kratom products remain unregulated and nonstandardized, with some reports linking its use to hallucinations, seizures, and liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. In 2016, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considered banning kratom, and the FDA has recommended classifying it as a Schedule I drug, which would designate it as having no recognized medical use and a high potential for abuse. Despite public and industry opposition, no regulatory action has been taken.

Albert Garcia-Romeu, Ph.D., an instructor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, noted that the new survey findings indicate kratom may not warrant classification as a Schedule I drug due to its relatively low abuse potential and possible medical applications, including pain management and opioid use disorder treatment.

A 2015 study in Thailand reported that kratom had been used successfully to treat opioid addiction for decades, renewing U.S. researchers’ interest. For the current survey, Garcia-Romeu and his team enrolled 2,798 participants, predominantly white, educated, and middle-aged, to complete an online survey on kratom use. The majority reported using kratom to manage pain, anxiety, and depression, with some using it to treat opioid withdrawal.

Fewer than 3% of participants met the criteria for moderate or severe substance use disorder related to kratom, which is similar to the percentage of people prescribed opioids who develop dependency. The survey also indicated that kratom use is associated with fewer deaths than opioids, with most kratom-related deaths involving other substances or preexisting health conditions.

While most participants reported only mild side effects, the researchers caution that the lack of regulation raises concerns about contamination and dosing inconsistencies. They advocate for FDA regulation to ensure safety and encourage further clinical research to explore kratom’s therapeutic potential and risks. The researchers also recommend caution in using kratom, particularly in combination with other substances, and advise consulting a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Source Doc: Natural Herb Kratom May Have Therapeutic Effects And Relatively Low Potential For Abuse Or Harm, According To A User Survey | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Kratom is not currently regulated by the FDA and can be contaminated with other substances.  FDA continues to monitor kratom and raise concerns about its safety and potential for abuse. It recently reiterated its stance that kratom is not a safe or effective dietary supplement. Consulting a healthcare professional before using kratom is essential for responsible and safe pain management.