Kratom in its natural form.

Recent  survey says the natural herb Kratom may have therapeutic effects & relatively low potential for abuse or harm if used safely.

Although kratom is not regulated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and scientific studies have not been done to fully establish its safety and benefits, however, its seemingly safe therapeutic potential, and a possible alternative to opioid use, has certainly encouraged U.S. drug agencies to study and regulate rather than ban its use.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine conclude that the psychoactive compound in kratom is somewhat similar to opioids and likely has a lower rate of harm than prescription opioids for treating pain, anxiety, depression and addiction.

Kratom contains a chemical called mitragynine, an alkaloid that acts on the brain opiate receptors and alters mood.

In Asia, where use has long been widespread, people use it in small doses as an energy and mood booster, similar to coffee use in the West. They use larger amounts for pain, or recreationally like beer and wine.

New survey findings “suggest that kratom doesn’t belong in the category of a Schedule I drug, because there seems to be relatively low rate of abuse potential, and there may be medical applications to explore, including as a possible treatment for pain and opioid use disorder.”

Latest research recommends that rigorous clinical research be done to test kratom for its potential therapeutic benefits, for behavioral intoxication effects and adverse side effects to further inform government policy and regulation.

And suggest that people err on the side of caution and not mix kratom with any other drugs or medications, and to always talk with their health care provider before taking any type of new supplement.