Supplement Scholar
Herb

Kratom (caution)

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Unregulated substance. Products vary widely in strength and purity, dependence and withdrawal are documented, and its legal status varies by state. Talk to a clinician before using it.

Kratom (caution). Atypical opioid herb with stimulant low-dose and sedating high-dose effects; addiction risk.

How it works. Mitragynine partial agonist at mu-opioid receptor.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Some evidence for opioid withdrawal/pain (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: Not recommended; varies wildly by strain and tolerance.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Dependence.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA). Avoid combining with Pregnancy, Polysubstance use.

Common forms. Available as Leaf powder, Extract.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Kratom (caution). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Kratom (caution). Atypical opioid herb with stimulant low-dose and sedating high-dose effects; addiction risk.

Key compound: mitragynineC23H30N2O4 · 398.5 g/mol

What it is

Atypical opioid herb with stimulant low-dose and sedating high-dose effects; addiction risk.

Also called

Mitragyna speciosa

Food sources

Mitragyna speciosa leaf

Goals

Mood & AnxietyEnergy Production

How it works

Mitragynine partial agonist at mu-opioid receptor.

Pathways

  • MOR partial agonism

Effects

  • +Pain relief supports
  • ↓Opioid withdrawal decreases

What the research supports

Some evidence for opioid withdrawal/painlimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Not recommended; varies wildly by strain and tolerance
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the leaf powder form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Constipation

Serious

  • Dependence
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Respiratory depression

Medication interactions

Opioids / sedatives / MAOIs / CYP3A4 inhibitorssevere

Respiratory depression and serotonin syndrome reports.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Avoid combining

  • PregnancyNeonatal withdrawal.
  • Polysubstance useMultiple deaths reported.

Common forms

  • Leaf powder
  • Extract

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Kratom (caution) — Some evidence for opioid withdrawal/pain ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kratom (caution) and "Some evidence for opioid withdrawal/pain". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Kratom (caution) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kratom (caution) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Kratom (caution) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kratom (caution) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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