What is the Historical Use of Kratom?

In recent decades, the popularity of kratom has risen internationally. People from all walks of life espouse the botanical’s myriad potential benefits and the safe, regulated provision of kratom is the aim of many legislators.

However, scientific research on the effects of kratom, through federal agencies like NIH (National Institutes of Health) and the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), academic institutions, and other research labs, is ongoing, and empirical evidence of kratom’s benefits or adverse effects has not yet been published.  

This research continues to explore the potentially quantifiable advantages of the botanical, and how users can avoid detrimental risks. Nevertheless, kratom has been used for centuries for medicinal and spiritual purposes. By understanding the historical use of kratom, scientists may be able to find breakthrough evidence of how to use it safely and effectively.

What is kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree and member of the coffee family found in Southeast Asia — including Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Also known by the botanical name, Mitragynia speciosa, kratom may give users natural benefits, such as energy or relief. (1)

The tropical tree’s leaves are harvested in different stages of the growth cycle and the concentrate is then used for kratom products, such as capsules, gummies, liquid extracts, and raw leaf powder. 

How does kratom work?

Kratom can produce a variety of effects based on the alkaloids it contains, which then react with the human body’s opioid receptors. The main alkaloids found to occur naturally in kratom are Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. 

Pharmacological studies have found direct correlations between these alkaloids and the effects that kratom users experience after taking the botanical. Mitragynine may help with relaxation and comfort, while 7-hydroxymitragynine might energize or soothe a kratom user. (2)     

The potential benefits of kratom are experienced quickly and last for several hours — which is partially responsible for the longevity of its popularity throughout history. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand the historical roots of kratom use, the potential impact of the botanical on your body, and the effects of different kratom strains.

The historical roots of kratom use  

The historical use of kratom in countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Thailand dates back several centuries. According to Pharmacotherapy, natives have used kratom for medicinal purposes since at least the 19th century. (3)

Typically, the traditional use of kratom to soothe aching patients involved drying kratom leaves and brewing them into comforting teas. Day laborers and farmers would often chew or smoke kratom leaves throughout the day in hopes of a sustained energy boost to help them complete their work. (4)

From the discovery of the botanical’s potential benefits through modern day use in local regions, different strains of kratom have been thought to support different positive effects. 

Most common kratom strains and their benefits 

Kratom veins and strains don’t always denote the same classification. The three naturally occurring veins (White Vein, Green Vein, and Red Vein) that specify the growth cycle of a harvested kratom leaf can help kratom users classify the properties of a kratom strain. 

Although gold and yellow kratom products are becoming increasingly popular, neither occurs naturally, and both are typically the result of either a blend between two to three vein types, or, an extended leaf drying process after harvest. On the other hand, strains refer to the cultivar type and often signify the specific region of growth.

For example, Green and Red Borneo Kratom products come from the same cultivar, and may be manufactured from leaves that share certain characteristics. However, the color of the leaf’s vein at the time of harvest signifies different results for kratom users. (5)

Here are some of the distinguishing features of the three most common kratom vein types:

• White Vein Kratom: White-veined kratom leaves harvested in the earliest growth cycle. Thought to powerfully promote lasting energy and uplifting results in kratom users.
• Red Vein Kratom: Red-veined kratom leaves are harvested in the most mature stages of the growth cycle. These leaves are often a rich red color, potentially give kratom enthusiasts strong comfort, and promote relaxation.
• Green Vein Kratom: Green-veined kratom leaves are harvested in the middle stages of the growth cycle and may provide a well-balanced experience for kratom users. Green Vein Kratom powders and capsules are popular products for people looking for both uplifting and soothing feelings and versatility in the kratom experience.

The history of kratom in the Western World

In 1831, Pieter Willem Korthals, the official Dutch East India Service botanist, discovered kratom during his travels to Southeast Asia. Along with the documentation of numerous flora, Korthals is responsible for kratom’s botanical name (Mitragyna speciosa), which he named because he thought the leaves looked like a mitre (bishop’s hat). (6)

Korthals went on to make significant contributions to international botany, but his discovery of kratom is thought to be the botanical’s first introduction to the western world.

Kratom use in Southeast Asia

Although kratom is native to countries like Thailand and has been used by locals for hundreds of years, until recently, the country legally banned kratom use. In 2021, Thailand decriminalized kratom use. (7) 

Indonesia, another region rich with kratom trees, has considered placing heavy regulations on the botanical, but has also called for a partnership with the U.S. to lift any FDA-approved kratom import limits. (8)

The historical use of kratom in the U.S.

Although verifiable evidence for historical use of kratom in the U.S. has not been found, many think that American soldiers in the Vietnam War used the botanical while overseas and transported it back to the states with them. (9) 

Nevertheless, the widespread historical use of kratom in the U.S. began in the late 1990s, and in the mid 2000s, the botanical surged in popularity. Many of the most reputable and established online kratom vendors opened for business after 2014. (10)

Today, almost two million people in the U.S. use kratom regularly in capsule, gummy, liquid extract, and raw leaf powder form, and that number continues to increase as more people learn of the botanical’s potential benefits. (11)

Kratom’s current legal status in the U.S.

Until enough clinical trials have been conducted and quantifiable evidence of kratom’s benefits have been established, many people will continue to call for heavy kratom regulations or bans. 

Similarly, although many online vendors, such as Golden Monk and MIT45, are committed to quality, purity, safety, and transparent product standards, there is no universally accepted standards mandate for the kratom industry. Thus, some disreputable brands may adulterate the purity of their kratom products and include dangerous additives such as heavy metals.

Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act and state kratom regulations

Many kratom advocacy groups like the American Kratom Association (AKA) call for federal regulations on kratom to ensure the safety for kratom users from all walks of life. The AKA also works to raise public awareness and education on the benefits of kratom.

A proposed federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act has been circulating through the chambers of the U.S. Congress that would establish required industry standards. (12)

However, until it’s passed, many states have adopted their own regulatory policies or have banned the distribution, sale, and use of the botanical. (13)

The risks of kratom use

Along with the immediate benefits historically associated with kratom, the botanical can present potential risks for users. Factors such as medical history, physique, and tolerance to natural substances can significantly impact a kratom user. 

Unfortunately, some fatalities have been associated with kratom use as well. However, many of these deaths included kratom as one of many contributing factors.(14)

Adulterated kratom may include health-threatening additives, and present inherent risks.  It’s important to research kratom vendors, look for transparent product labeling, and take your own history with addiction or other health issues into account before choosing to use kratom.

Some of the adverse effects of kratom use may include:

• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Kratom Research Institute is a vital resource

The Kratom Research Institute is dedicated to providing the unbiased truth about the benefits, risks, and legality of kratom and giving the public access to vital kratom education resources. Our readers should be equipped with the necessary knowledge to make informed choices about taking the kratom journey.

By learning about the historical use of kratom and how the botanical may support well-being or result in adverse effects, kratom-curious readers can decide whether or not the botanical is the right choice to support their optimal health. 

The Kratom Research Institute includes collaborations between consumers, industry leaders, and health experts to bring you the latest kratom news and scientific research.

Sources

1. Weeks, Annika. “What is Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa)? A Beginner’s Guide on Uses, Strains & Product Types.” MIT45.com. N.d.
2. Kruegel, Andrew C. Uprety, Rajendra. et. al. “7-Hydroxymitragynine Is an Active Metabolite of Mitragynine and a Key Mediator of Its Analgesic Effects.” PubMed Central. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health. Published online 26 June 2019.
3. Rech MA, Donahey E. Cappiello, Dziedzic JM. et. al. “New Drugs of Abuse.” “New drugs of abuse”. Pharmacotherapy. accp Journals. Published 04 December 2014.
4. Drug Enforcement Administration. Diversion Control Division. Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section. “KRATOM (Mitragyna speciosa korth) (Street Names: Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketum, Biak).” deadiversion.usdoj.gov. Published April 2024.
5. Pickett, Marcus. “Kratom Strains: Differences in Red, Green, White & Gold Vein.” MIT45.com. N.d.
6. Eisenman, Sasha W.  Raffa, Robert B, (ed). “Kratom and Other Mitragynines: The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Opioids from a Non-Opium.” First Edition. CRC Press. pp. 57–76. Published 2014.
7. Kamolvattanavith, Teirra. “Why Thailand Just Decriminalized a Plant That the US Has Tried To Ban.” Vice News. Published 26 August 2021.
8. EZ Newswire. “The Kratom Coalition Supports Indonesian Appeal to President Biden to Lift FDA Import Alert.” Eznewswire.com. Published 15 November 2023.
9. Smith, Kirsten Elin. Rogers, Jeffrey M. Feldman, Jeffrey D. “Kratom’s Emergence and Persistence Within the US Polydrug Epidemic.” PubMed Central. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health. Published online 18 April 2023.
10.  Virginia Department of Health. “Kratom.” Vdh.virginia.gov. Published 26 February 2019.
11. SAMHSA. “National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).” Samhsa.gov. N.d.
12. Sen. Lee, Mike (R-UT). 118th U.S Congress (2023-2024). S.3039-Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act . Congress.gov. Introduced 4 October 2023.
13.  Congressional Research Service. “Kratom Regulation: Federal Status and State Approaches.” Crsreports.com. Published 28 November 2023.
14.  Freund, Helen. Ogozalek, Sam. Taylor, Langston. Critchfield, Hannah. “PART 1: Hundreds died using kratom in Florida. It was touted as safe.” Tampa Bay Times. Published 7 December 2023.