The green horn kratom is an evergreen tropical plant which grows to a height of about 82 feet. This coffee family plant originates from South East Asia. Green Horn Kratom is native to countries like Malaysia, Thailand as well as Papua New Guinea where it was traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Kratom acts as both a stimulant and also has some opioid properties. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the key psychoactive elements of kratom. However, the kratom leaves contain more than other 40 compounds. These additional compounds other than Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine include 25 alkaloids.
According to Wikipedia, research on the kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa has born no substantial results since it was poorly done. Therefore, the safety, as well as the worth of this therapeutic agent, is still not established. In a report released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 February, there was no evidence that kratom was safe or could effectively treat any condition. Currently, there is an increased concern about the effects of kratom on public health. In some countries, the sale and distribution of kratom have been restricted for fear of its effects on the lives of the people. In more than ten countries, kratom is classified as a restricted substance. The FDA banned the importation and manufacturing of Kratom as a dietary supplement in 2014. Psychoactive drugs such as caffeine and codeine are sometimes produced with finished kratom products as part of the ingredients.
However, despite the reported doubts about its safety, some people have been using the plant to contain chronic pains and curb Opioid withdrawal symptoms. Once used, it is reported that the effects of kratom on a person are felt after five to ten minutes. The effects are said to last for up to five hours after usage. Just like any other drugs, kratom is accompanied by different side effects when taken. Some of these side effects range from minor ones to major effects, especially when taken in large amounts.
Some of the side effects include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. These effects are minor and common with other drugs. However, there are many adverse effects of using kratom such as respiratory depression which is a condition that leads to decreased breathing. Also, one may experience seizures and psychosis. When used frequently, kratom becomes addictive hence the user suffers withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.
So many kratom related deaths were reported between 2011 and 2017. These deaths either involved kratom alone or kratom mixed with other substances. In Sweden, Nine reported deaths between 2011 and 2012 were attributed to kratom. All the deaths reported in Sweden over the 2011-2012 period involved a mixture of kratom and other substances. Deaths related to kratom were mostly due to overdose which leads to liver failure.
