Investigating Kratom’s Nootropic Potential Through Studies

Studies on kratom's nootropic potential.

Written by: KRI Team

Last Updated: October 14, 2024

While kratom is generally known for its ability to act as a stimulant or a sedative depending on the dosage an individual takes, there’s been some talk about it also being a nootropic. Is it possible that kratom is indeed a cognitive enhancer, and if so, can it be clinically proven? We’ll cover what kratom is, anecdotal and scientific studies about its claims as being a nootropic, and other information about this unique botanical product.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is derived from a tropical evergreen tree native to parts of Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its leaves were chewed and used as a productivity aid for those with labor-intensive jobs. Now popular in the West, the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, the scientific name for the tree, are available as capsules, extracts, gummies, and finely ground raw leaf powder.

Indigenous people from places like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where kratom use was common, in addition to chewing kratom leaves for an increase in energy and focus, would also brew it as a tea to be consumed during village ceremonies. This tea helped with sociability and overall well-being.

Kratom's benefits can vary depending on the strain and dosage.

The Benefits of Kratom

Recently, there has been a discussion of the legality of kratom due to its sometimes addicting nature. A 2021 study suggested that while kratom use can lead to addiction, it is less likely to disrupt a user’s life when compared to opioid dependence. In fact, many people addicted to opioids have used kratom to help combat the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Kratom’s two main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the brain’s opiate receptors and can help to lessen the pain of withdrawal from opioids.

While its benefits can be specific to both strain and dosage, in general, kratom can provide the following benefits:

Energy boost: Kratom has long been known to provide an increase in energy and focus. Many use kratom for its stimulative effects.

Sedation: At higher dosages, kratom can provide a feeling of profound relaxation. Some kratom strains can also provide feelings of euphoria along with a deep sense of calm.

Pain relief: Its analgesic properties can help users relieve pain. Large dosages can help to treat chronic pain.

Mood enhancement: Kratom users report an improvement in well-being. Some studies also suggest that it can help combat the symptoms of stress and depression.

Opioid withdrawal relief: Kratom’s alkaloids interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, and some individuals suffering from opioid dependence have self-medicated with kratom to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal.

Neuroprotective effects: Kratom’s compounds can act as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, and some studies strongly suggest that they can help support brain function and health.

What Is a Nootropic?

Although the scientific community is still debating whether kratom is an actual nootropic substance, some studies and a lot of anecdotal evidence do seem to say that it is. It’s worth noting that the leaves from Mitragyna speciosa that produce the product known as kratom are in the same family as the coffee plant, and many do agree that caffeine fits the definition of being a nootropic substance.

Caffeine
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Ginko Biloba
Creatine
Ashwagandha

Nootropics enhance neurotransmitter activity.

How Does a Nootropic Work?

Many substances fall under the category of a nootropic due to having a far-reaching description. In general, nootropics can enhance brain function by:

Boosting neurotransmitters
Increasing blood flow to the brain
Protecting brain cells from free radicals
Promoting the growth of new brain neurons

No matter how insignificant, any substance that benefits the brain could be considered a nootropic. While this doesn’t provide a definitive answer to what is and what isn’t a nootropic, the term is generally used loosely.

Is Kratom a Nootropic?

Although the scientific community is still debating whether kratom is a true nootropic substance, some studies and a lot of anecdotal evidence do seem to say that it is. It’s worth noting that the leaves from Mitragyna speciosa that produce the product known as kratom are in the same family as the coffee plant, and many do agree that caffeine fits the definition of being a nootropic substance.

Unfortunately, there’s been little research directly related to kratom and its nootropic properties. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from kratom users who do report a positive increase in cognitive function, until more research is conducted, there isn’t a true definitive answer.

Some studies have suggested that kratom does have potential cognitive benefits. Again, due to the definition of what constitutes a nootropic substance, some will argue for or against it being considered as one.

A 2021 study suggests that kratom, more specifically, the alkaloid mitragynine, can help to improve cognitive function. This study examined the cognitive performance of morphine-addicted rats and tested the efficacy of kratom as a way to help alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. However, until studies are performed on humans, this study merely suggests kratom could have nootropic properties.

Some studies suggest the opposite effect that kratom use can impair cognitive function. A 2021 study on the effects of mitragynine on the electroencephalogram (EEG) activity of rats showed that while kratom could provide pain relief and opioid withdrawal symptom management, it could also negatively affect cognitive function and memory.

To further muddy the waters, some feel that low dosages, those that provide an energy boost and can help to enhance focus and concentration, do constitute kratom as being a nootropic. Larger doses, those that leave users feeling sedated, could potentially have the opposite effect and be detrimental to cognitive function.

Kratom’s Nootropic Potential

Is kratom a nootropic? The answer to this question will be different depending on who you ask. Regular users of kratom will probably tell you that, yes, their cognitive functions do improve when consuming this Southeast Asian plant. However, with such limited research devoted to addressing kratom and its effects on cognition, the answer is still unclear.

Much more research is needed to define kratom’s role as a nootropic. Until there’s more research that isn’t either solely anecdotal or performed on laboratory animals, this question will be left unanswered.