kratom

noun

kra·​tom ˈkrā-təm  ˈkra- 

1

: a psychoactive preparation that is composed of the crushed or powdered dried leaves of a yellow-flowered tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa of the family Rubiaceae) of southeastern Asia and that is smoked or ingested orally (as in tea or capsules)

Note: Kratom contains the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine which produce stimulatory effects at low doses and sedative and analgesic effects at high doses.

At lower dosages, kratom is a mood enhancer … . But at higher levels, it functions as a mini-opioid, causing drowsiness, calmness, and a level of euphoria.

—Peninsula Daily News (Port Angeles, Washington)

Information and data on the positive and negative effects of kratom are limited, and because of this, health officials have voiced concerns that it is largely unregulated.

—Bryce Dole

Traditional medicine utilizes kratom to deal with muscle pain, depression, fatigue, and other physical and mental health problems.

—Rishi Madan

The Food and Drug Administration does not view kratom as safe and has repeatedly warned against use of the substance, which has been marketed for pain relief, depression and anxiety.

—Blair Emerson

2

: the tree or leaves from which kratom is derived

As a society, we're now using other medications to control pain, while actively searching for more. Some consider kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a tree native to Southeast Asia, to have potential in this respect.

—Robert Ashley

For centuries, kratom has been grown in African and Southeast Asia as an ingredient that locals can use in traditional medicine.

—The Daily Herald (Everett, Washington)

Examples of kratom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bill would limit kratom sales to people 21 years and older. —Rebecca Grapevine, The Courier-Journal, 16 Feb. 2024

Enquirer readers donate $66,000 to help United Way Wish List families • What is kratom, and why are Kentucky legislators working to regulate it? —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 12 June 2024

The National Institute of Public Health says kratom can become addictive. —Georgea Kovanis, Detroit Free Press, 26 Mar. 2024

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is studying how kratom impacts opioid use disorder. —Rebecca Grapevine, The Courier-Journal, 16 Feb. 2024

Products containing kratom, a substance with opioidlike effects, which are sold over the counter in many gas stations, claim to be herbal supplements but are mislabeled. —Emily Hemendinger, Discover Magazine, 10 Feb. 2024

The American Kratom Association admits there are many illegitimate kratom products. —Mark Strassmann, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2023

The use of Red vein kratom made from kratom leaves eventually extended outside of Malaysia, sparking the curiosity of both researchers and new kratom enthusiasts. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2024

Debate on kratom's effects Some people believe kratom can help treat opioid use disorder by replacing opioids or help alleviate withdrawal. —Rebecca Grapevine, The Courier-Journal, 16 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Thai krathɔ̂:m

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

kratom

noun

kra·​tom ˈkrāt-əm  ˈkrat- 

1

: a psychoactive preparation that is composed of the crushed or powdered dried leaves of a yellow-flowered tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa of the family Rubiaceae) of southeastern Asia and that is smoked or ingested orally (as in tea or capsules)

Note: Kratom contains the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine which produce stimulatory effects at low doses and sedative and analgesic effects at high doses.

In folk medicine, kratom has been used for its reported analgesic and euphoric effects, as well as for intestinal infections, diarrhea, and cough.

—Marc T. Swogger et al., Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

… there has been an increase in reported adverse effects associated with kratom, which prompted the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to consider classifying kratom as a Schedule I drug, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to warn consumers against its use.

—Sara Post et al., Clinical Toxicology

2

: the tree or leaves from which kratom is derived

Growing approximately 15 m tall, the kratom tree possesses relatively large, broad, glossy leaves that are oval shaped and dark green in color.

—Marcus L. Warner et al., International Journal of Legal Medicine