Does Kratom Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?: What Research Says

Kratom (botanically known as Mitragynine speciosa) provides many potential benefits for users. However, as research into the effects of natural, pure kratom products continues, scientists are still determining what impact long-term use might have on the human body.

Overuse or misuse of kratom can lead to detrimental effects, but can long-term use negatively affect kratom users as well? For example, can kratom cause swollen lymph nodes?  How might the botanical affect other parts of the body? How can kratom enthusiasts safely avoid adverse effects?

Let’s take a look at how lymph nodes work, what causes swollen lymph nodes, and what research shows about the impact of kratom on lymph nodes and other areas of the body.

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are bean-shaped formations found in clusters throughout the body’s immune system.(1) Lymph nodes contain white blood cells vital to fighting off disease and infection, and are located in the abdomen, chest, groin, neck, and underarm. 

These important structures are part of the lymphatic system that includes blood vessels, the spleen, tonsils, and thymus.(2) Collectively, the parts of the lymphatic system help support the following functions (3):

• Immune system protection: Remove harmful bacteria and viruses, and alert white blood cells to potential pathogens. 
• Fat absorption: Lacteals (lymphatic vessels) absorb dietary fats through the small intestine.
• Maintenance and balance of fluids: Removes excess lymph fluid from and prevents swelling of tissue.
• Promotes tissue health: Lymph fluid provides minerals, nutrients, and protein to tissue.
• Drainage to the superior vena cava: Lymphatic vessels drain into veins underneath the collarbone, and ultimately, to the superior vena cava — the large vein that supports blood flow from the upper body to the heart.

How lymph nodes work 

Your lymph nodes are one of your body’s first lines of defense against dangerous bacteria, pathogens, and viruses. When they work correctly and aren’t inflamed, lymph nodes help to keep you consistently healthy. (4)

Your lymph nodes constantly look for infection in lymph, the clear-to-white fluid made of plasma, white blood cells, healthy bacteria, and other cells that passes through the nodes and travels throughout the lymphatic system. 

If infection or harmful bacteria is detected, the white blood cells in your lymph nodes work to eradicate these possible risks to your health. Lymph nodes also can detect precancerous or cancerous cells and will try to eliminate them.

Glands vs lymph nodes

Although people often mistake lymph nodes for glands, lymph nodes are not part of the glandular system. Glands are located below the brain, in the neck, the adrenals (above the kidney), ovaries and testes, the thymus, and the pancreas. Unlike lymph nodes, glands fall into two categories: Endocrine and exocrine.

Endocrine glands are responsible for organ function, hormones that regulate mood and metabolism, development and growth, and reproduction. (5) Exocrine glands control sweat, tears, saliva, and body temperature regulation, help with digestion, and provide lubrication for the body. (6) 

Common causes of swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can signify serious health issues, and may feel tender and painful. They can be externally visible, and often appear under your arms, below your chin, in the sides of your neck, and in your groin. (7)

Common causes of swollen lymph nodes can range from mild to severe health issues, including (8):

• Allergic reactions
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancers like leukemia and lymphoma
• Cold
• Ear Infection
• Flu
• Measles
• Mononucleosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sinus infection
• Skin wounds
• Strep throat
• Tooth abscess
• Upper respiratory infection

Kratom’s impact on lymph nodes and the body      

Kratom products from reputable vendors are extracted from leaves that grow on a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia (where it has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries). Although unscrupulous brands may add synthetic or adulterated substances to their products, there are many credible brands that offer 100% pure, unadulterated kratom.

Across the globe, the enormous popularity of kratom among enthusiasts stems from its natural effects. Many people use kratom to boost their energy levels, calm their nerves, or even to soothe drug withdrawal symptoms. (9) 

As research into the quantifiable benefits of kratom continues, there is both anecdotal and scientific evidence that points toward how kratom, generally speaking, can impact the body. Here’s a few examples:

• Kratom has been found to contain alkaloids that interact with the body’s opioid receptors and can impact the user’s experience. Although kratom contains over 45 active alkaloids, two — mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — are considered the most active found in the botanical. 

• Kratom is a member of the coffee family, and may provide similar stimulant effects to its caffeinated counterparts.

• Kratom products derived from white-veined leaves may provide calming and soothing effects. Enthusiasts with chronic pain tout the comfort they receive from White Vein Kratom. (10)

Short-term effects of kratom

Low dosage and short-term kratom use doesn’t appear to have any widespread negative effects on users. (11) However, every individual user is different. Weight, medical history, chronic conditions, prescription medicine, and supplement use may all impact the user experience.

Most people who use kratom on a short-term or as needed basis report the following positive effects:

• Comfort
• Energy boost
• Focus support
• Mood enhancement
• Pain relief
• Uplifting feelings
• Withdrawal management

Research on kratom and swollen lymph nodes

Kratom may have many pharmacological effects on the human body. Years of scientific research dedicated to studying kratom’s benefits and adverse effects reveal indications of both, based on the isolation of alkaloid compounds. For example, both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine can present mild morphine-like effects in users. (12) 

However, there is no evidence that kratom can cause swollen lymph nodes. In fact, evidence to the contrary shows that kratom may contain anti-inflammatory and immune system-enhancing properties. 

If you take kratom and experience swollen lymph nodes, it’s important to seek medical attention as this symptom may not be kratom-related, but could point toward an infection or underlying health issue.

Possible adverse effects of long-term kratom use

Although there is no evidence to indicate that kratom can cause swollen lymph nodes, there are potentially negative consequences to long-term dependence on or overuse of kratom. Too much of a good thing can still lead to adverse effects.

For example, chronic or acute kratom toxicology can lead to the following symptoms (13):

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Vomiting

There is also evidence to suggest that misuse or overuse of kratom can directly lead to acute liver injury, acute liver failure, organ dysfunction, toxicity, and in rare cases, fatality  (14). 

These symptoms typically occur if kratom is overused (ie. high dosages, taken frequently) or used in conjunction with other herbal supplements or drugs. Research does not show that a casual or responsible kratom user will experience extreme symptoms.

Help from the Kratom Research Institute

Thus far, research has not revealed that kratom can cause swollen lymph nodes. However, as with any other substance, it’s vital to ensure that the kratom products you purchase are clearly labeled and do not contain any dangerous additives.

Kratom may be safe to use long-term, but if you feel you’ve developed a dependence on the botanical or any negative symptoms appear, it’s a good idea to stop use and consult a medical professional before you take kratom again.

The Kratom Research Institute is a collaboration of kratom consumers, health experts, and industry leaders that provides transparent and unbiased kratom resources, shares breakthrough scientific kratom research and the latest news. We’re committed to raise public kratom awareness and education, so that every kratom user can make an informed choice about their botanical journey.   

Sources

1. National Cancer Institute. “Lymph Node.” National Cancer Institute. National Institutes of Health. N.d.
2. Cleveland Clinic. “Lymphatic System.” Cleveland Clinic. Medically reviewed 31 July 2023.
3. Duketis, James D., MD. “Overview of the Lymphatic System.” Merck Manual. Revised April 2024.
4. Shmerling, Robert H., MD. “Wondering what your lymph nodes have done for you lately?” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 10 October 2023.
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Anatomy of the Endocrine System.” Johns Hopkins Medicine. N.d.
6. Freeman, Caleb S. Malik, Ahmad. Basit, Hajira. “Physiology, Exocrine Gland.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine. Updated 26 September 2022.
7. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Swollen Lymph Nodes.” Mayo Clinic. 10 January 2024.
8. Cleveland Clinic. “Swollen Lymph Nodes.” Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed 17 May 2022.
9. National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Kratom.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. National Institutes of Health. March 2022.
10. Pickett, Marcus. “Kratom Strains & Types of Kratom: Red, Green, White & Gold.” MIT45. N.d.
11. Prevete, Elisabeth. Kupers, Kim Paula Colette. et. al. “Clinical Implications of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use: A Literature Review.” Springer Link. Published 12 May 2023.
12. Hossain, Rohni. Sultana, Abida. et. al. “A Critical Review of the Neuropharmacological Effects of Kratom: An Insight from the Functional Array of Identified Natural Compounds.” PubMed Central. National Library of Medicine. Published online 31 October 2023.
13. Tanna, Rakshit S. Cech, Nadia B. et. al. “Translating Kratom-Drug Interactions: From Bedside to Bench and Back.” PubMed Central. National Library of Medicine. Published online August 2023.
14. Roma, Katerina. Mohammed, Salman. et. al. “Kratom-induced acute liver injury: A case study and the importance of herbal supplement regulation.” Journal of Hepatology. August 2023.