Kratom Use Within the Context of the Evolving Opioid Crisis and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

ABSTRACT: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa, Korth.) is an evergreen tree that is indigenous to Southeast Asia. When ingested, kratom leaves or decoctions from the leaves have been reported to produce complex stimulant and opioid-like effects. For generations, native populations in Southeast Asia have used kratom products to stave off fatigue, improve mood, alleviate pain and manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Despite the long history of kratom use in Asia, it is only within the past 10-20 years that kratom has emerged as an important herbal agent in the United States, where it is being used for the self-treatment of pain, opioid withdrawal symptoms, and mood disorders. The increase in the use of kratom in the United States has coincided with the serious epidemic of opioid abuse and dependence. S

SUBMITTER: Prozialeck WC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8427750 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature