Kratom is a natural, botanical extract derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant, which is native to Southeast Asia. In places like Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia, kratom has been used for generations for effects like increased energy, enhanced focus, and pain relief. More recently, it has gained popularity in the United States, with folks turning to kratom for its mood-boosting or relieving effects, or as an alternative to opioids.
With this increased popularity, many people have questions around kratom products and their effects, side effects, and their potential impact on the liver. Here’s what we know so far.
Effects of Kratom
The active compounds in kratom bind to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and consequently have similar effects to opioids, without the same degree of risk associated with opioid use. The effects of kratom can be both psychoactive and physiological. In small doses, it’s known to provide euphoric, sociable, focused, and mood-boosting effects; while larger doses provide sedative, relaxing, and relieving effects.
Kratom can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, tablets, extract shots, tinctures, and drinks. The effects of kratom may vary according to factors like your dosage, individual tolerance, body composition, and metabolism.
Potential Side Effects of Kratom
As with many things you consume, kratom may have unintended side effects. Reported side effects include:
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- High Blood Pressure
- Weight Loss
- Muscle Pain
- Hallucinations
In rare cases, kratom has also been associated with issues like trouble breathing, depression, confusion, seizures, and liver damage. According to the Mayo Clinic, any issues related to pain medicines typically occur when people use them for prolonged periods of time or at high dosages.
Kratom’s Effects on the Liver
So, is kratom bad for your liver? First, let’s talk about what the liver does. Located in the upper right side of the abdominal cavity, the liver filters blood and regulates chemical levels in the blood. It excretes a substance called bile, which carries waste products away from the liver. Among its many functions, the liver metabolizes drugs into forms that are easier for the body to use.
Kratom is metabolized in the liver, and similar to prolonged use of alcohol, there is some concern that regular kratom use may cause liver injury. According to some sources, including the National Institute of Health, kratom has been associated with very rare instances of liver injury, with perhaps two dozen cases reported. At this time, the causation between kratom and liver injury is unknown, and it’s noted that instances of kratom use and liver damage are often accompanied by the use of other potentially harmful substances combined with kratom use.
Symptoms of liver injury might include nausea, dark urine, fatigue, itchiness, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
If you are experiencing symptoms of liver injury, you should seek medical attention right away. The good news is that liver injury is often reversible with the right treatment.
Tips for Using Kratom
Go Low & Slow: When starting a new product, begin at a low dose and take time to gauge your body’s individual reaction and tolerance.
Check Product COAs: Reputable brands will provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), detailing lab test results of a given product. The COA will confirm what active ingredients are present and in what amounts, as well as any heavy metals or impurities detected in the product. Checking the COA can help you choose a reliable product that suits your tolerance level.
Talk to Your Doctor: You may want to talk to a healthcare professional before adding kratom to your routine.
Kratom at Gold Dragon Kratom
At Gold Dragon Kratom, we believe in giving our customers the knowledge they need in order to make informed decisions about the products they use. We carry top brands and products that have been rigorously lab-tested for quality and consistency. Explore more information about kratom in our blog, or browse kratom products like powders, capsules, shots, drinks, and more.
If you have questions about kratom, contact our helpful customer service team today!
