The complete guide to the effects of kratom

Kratom is a curious plant. Long used by locals in the regions where it grows, it’s now becoming more popular in Europe and the US. Containing various active compounds, it’s able to exert distinct effects at different doses, which makes it unique in the world of drugs.

Here, we’re taking a look at the complete effects of kratom, including which doses cause which effects. Now, there are many strains of kratom containing different ratios of the relevant compounds, so the thresholds may change a little depending on which strain is being discussed. As such, here we’re providing averages, but you should always do further research on the exact strain and product you’re using to ensure you know what you’re doing.

The psychoactive compounds in kratom

Kratom, a tropical shrub native to Southeast Asia, has been used for centuries in this part of the world thanks to its uniquely contradictory effects. At low doses, it has stimulating, energising properties, while at higher doses it has effects more akin to opioid drugs. Given this, it can be used to help aid activity in the day and to help relax in the evening.

Its distinct effects stem from two key alkaloids (among a host of other, less potent ones): mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

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Mitragynine

Mitragynine is an indole-based alkaloid that binds to the brain's opioid receptors. This is the most abundant alkaloid in kratom, accounting for around 66% of its total alkaloid content. However, this differs depending on the strain of kratom.

Mitragynine can also bind to adrenergic and serotonin receptors, increasing energy and focus. The most noticeable effects of this compound are experienced when kratom is taken in low doses.

7-hydroxymitragynine

7-hydroxymitragynine is a terpenoid indole alkaloid and metabolite of mitragynine. Though it only accounts for around 2% of the total alkaloid content of kratom, it is thought to be the other key compound responsible for this plant’s effects, as it has a much higher affinity to opioid receptors, specifically mu-opioid receptors.

When taken in higher doses, the amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine in kratom is high enough to exert the dominant effects, and it is this compound that is chiefly responsible for causing the opioid-like high.

What are the effects of kratom?

The effects of kratom can be categorised into physical and mental effects. These vary significantly depending on dose, individual physiology, and the strain of kratom used.

Before we proceed, it’s important to note that many of kratom’s proposed effects have yet to be scientifically confirmed; however, we can consult the available research to make some general statements.

Physical effects

Kratom has numerous physical effects that make it desirable for certain users. Let’s take a look at what kratom may be able to do for the body.

Pain relief

Certain studies are investigating whether kratom has pain-relieving effects. For instance, a small human study from 2020 concluded: “Kratom decoction demonstrated a substantial and statistically significant increase in pain tolerance” (Vicknasingam).

The authors point out that further, more-in depth studies are necessary to conclude whether or not kratom is actually analgesic. Regardless of whether it is the case, many people use kratom hoping to experience this effect.

Energy and physical endurance

Kratom is known to boost physical energy, yielding similar effects to caffeine. This can be helpful for those who want to use their bodies in strenuous ways but need an extra kick to increase endurance. In Southeast Asia, it’s common for labourers to use kratom to aid them during their working day.

Sedation

A study from 2019, focusing mainly on men from Malaysia, examined the sedative potential of kratom (Singh). In practice, some people use kratom at higher doses in the evening to try to aid sleep, or may seek these effects as a means to influence anxiety.

However, it remains uncertain whether kratom really is effective for these purposes, and further studies will be necessary to ascertain if and how it produces these effects.

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Mental effects

Kratom doesn’t just exert physical effects but has a range of mental effects too. That said, the mental effects are closely linked to the physical ones, as the mind and body are a single organism, but they are also distinct in terms of how users experience this plant. Here are some of the potential mental effects of kratom.

Mood changes

Both low and high doses of kratom are known to change people’s moods, and many say that it induces a sense of euphoria. At lower doses, this typically manifests as an energising effect that makes people feel more lively and in tune with the world; at higher doses, it’s more similar to an opioid high where people feel a deep sense of contentment and stillness.

Focus and alertness

Much like the physically stimulating effects of kratom, this plant is also mentally stimulating at lower doses. This can cause increases in mental energy and alertness, and increase people’s ability to focus on both simple and more complex tasks.

Stress and anxiety applications

As mentioned above, some people report using kratom for its soothing and tension-relieving qualities. One 2020 study notes that “several online and in-person surveys note relief of depression and anxiety symptoms among those who consume kratom products” (Johnson).

The study authors then go on to point out that this “highlights the dire need for further research to be conducted on kratom”, given that it is not clear if and how kratom may produce such effects.

How does dose influence kratom’s effects?

The way in which dose influences the effects of kratom is incredibly interesting. With most drugs, if you take a higher dose, then the effects become more intense. With kratom, if you increase the dose, then the effects change completely, from energising (similar to caffeine) to relaxing and lethargic.

Here’s some information regarding how different doses exert different effects.

Low dose

A low dose of kratom can be considered between one and five grams of dried leaf. Be careful, as kratom is often sold as an extract, which is much more concentrated than dried leaf, so you’ll need to check how to specifically dose any given extract.

A low dose is one that has energising, stimulating effects resulting from a dominant presence of mitragynine. Most people who take low doses of kratom do so to experience effects similar to caffeine, often taking it in the morning or during the day, while at work or socialising.

High dose

Amounts over five grams of dried leaf are typically considered to be high doses. At this threshold, 7-hydroxymitragynine becomes the dominant compound, and the euphoric, stimulating effects are eclipsed by opioid-like ones. At these doses, users tend to feel relaxed and tired. For this reason, people tend to take high doses in the evenings, when they have little to do.

How long does a kratom high last?

The duration of kratom’s effects depends on several factors, including dose, strain, and the user’s metabolism. However, we can provide information on average times:

• Low doses: Effects typically last 2–4 hours.
• High doses: Effects can persist for 4–6 hours, with residual lethargy potentially lasting longer.
• Onset time: Effects usually begin within 15–30 minutes of consumption, depending on the method of ingestion.

Side effects of kratom use

While kratom offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects. These can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Common, particularly at higher doses.
• Dizziness and drowsiness: Often linked to high doses or prolonged use.
• Constipation: A frequent side effect due to kratom’s interaction with the digestive system.
• Dependence and withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, insomnia, and muscle aches.
• Risk of addiction: Primarily due to 7-hydroxymitragynine.

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Understanding how kratom affects the mind and body

As you can see, kratom is an unusual drug. To fully understand its effects and how it works, you’ll need to experiment with it (if you like). But experimenting can be much safer if you already have an overview of what to expect at certain doses, and know a little about why this happens.

Suitable for a range of purposes, kratom can appeal to a range of different people—or the same person for a range of reasons—but nevertheless, it’s a drug that must also be treated with respect, as it has the potential to cause addiction. Always educate yourself, and investigate the strain and product you’re using prior to taking it, as this will put you in the best stead for controlling and understanding what will happen.

Max Sargent

Max has been writing for over a decade, and has come into cannabis and psychedelic journalism in the last few years. Writing for companies such as Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, Cannaconnection, Gorilla Seeds, MushMagic and more, he has experience in a broad spectrum of the industry.

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