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From ancient wisdom to modern medicine: How did kratom become a star in herbal medicine?
Craton (Mitragyna speciosa), also known as white gum tree, originates from Southeast Asia and is an evergreen tropical tree belonging to the coffee family. Craton leaves have been used in herbal medicine since the 19th century. It has been used in a variety of ways, including chewing, smoking and making tea, and has a long history. The complex manifestations of this plant, which contain opioid properties and certain stimulant effects, have triggered widespread global controversy over its efficacy and safety.
The effects of cratons usually appear within 5 to 10 minutes and last between 2 and 5 hours.
The uses and effects of cratons have made them popular among certain communities. Many people use it to relieve chronic pain, deal with opiate withdrawal symptoms, and even for recreational use. However, according to 2019 information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is currently no evidence that kraton is a safe or effective treatment.
In traditional medicine, kraton leaves are considered a versatile natural medicine. Workers in Southeast Asia used kratons during hard labor to increase their physical strength and boost their mood. Ancient customs incorporated cratons into the food culture that greeted guests and were used in sacrifices to gods. And its bitter taste often needs to be combined with sweeteners to improve the taste.
Research shows that some species of cratons may contain varying proportions of alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Although cratons are deeply ingrained in some cultures, they have become a public health concern in recent years. In 2013, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stated that kraton had no legitimate medical uses and was skeptical of its safety and effectiveness. As the number of users increases, side effects of kraton continue to emerge. Common side effects include loss of appetite, erectile dysfunction, nausea and constipation.
At the same time, the sudden cessation of kraton use may lead to a series of withdrawal reactions, which has triggered academic discussions on kraton addiction. According to reports, cratons may cause severe toxic reactions at high doses, including respiratory depression and epileptic seizures.Some users have reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping using Kraton, making its potential for addiction not to be ignored.
Public health agencies have repeatedly issued warnings about the use of kraton, especially when it is mixed with other drugs during consumption. The supply and import of craton has been banned in some areas of the United States due to public health concerns. Particularly among young people, the growing use of kratons in combination with other drugs such as caffeine and opioids is further exacerbating the problem.
While the oral tradition of cratons is remarkable, their place in modern medicine remains subtle and unclear.
While some literature claims that kratons have a lower risk of addiction and overdose than traditional opioids, others argue that the withdrawal effects of kratons themselves are still quite strong. Furthermore, existing clinical data are insufficient to support the effectiveness of kraton treatments, leaving users facing uncertainty when seeking alternative medicines.
Currently, 16 countries in the world have classified cratons as controlled drugs, and many countries have expressed concerns about this. People can't help but wonder, will the use and reputation of this ancient herbal medicine continue to bring challenges and impacts to modern medicine?
