Liver experts are raising concerns about kratom, a botanical product with opioid-like effects, due to its potential to cause severe liver injury. Derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant native to Southeast Asia, kratom acts as a stimulant in low doses and a sedative in higher doses. The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) has reported an increase in cases of liver injury linked to kratom consumption, highlighting the need for caution among both healthcare providers and consumers.
This issue is particularly relevant as kratom has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for pain and opioid withdrawal, yet its safety profile remains under scrutiny.
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The leaves of this tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cultural practices in these regions.
Kratom is known for its stimulant effects at low doses and sedative-narcotic effects at high doses. It is commonly used to combat fatigue, manage pain, and alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
The leaves can be chewed, made into tea, or consumed in powder form.
Liver experts have raised concerns about kratom due to its potential to cause severe liver injury. Studies have shown that kratom can lead to liver damage, with symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, and other signs of liver dysfunction. The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) has reported cases of liver injury linked to kratom consumption, and researchers continue to investigate its safety.
Liver experts have raised several health concerns about kratom, particularly its potential to cause liver damage. Studies have shown that kratom can lead to severe liver injury in some individuals. The active ingredients in kratom, which are a group of alkaloids, need to be metabolized by the liver, and this process can sometimes result in liver toxicity.
Additionally, there have been reports of liver injury cases linked to kratom use, although these incidents are relatively rare.
Experts warn that using kratom in large amounts or for extended periods can increase the risk of liver damage. Symptoms of liver problems from kratom use include yellowing of the skin and eyes, stomach pain, dark urine, fatigue, itching, and changes in stool color.
Given these potential risks, liver experts advise caution when using kratom and recommend starting with low doses and not exceeding 8 grams per day. They also emphasize the importance of avoiding kratom if you have pre-existing liver conditions or if you are taking other medications that can affect the liver.
Liver experts have raised concerns about kratom due to its potential to cause liver damage. Studies have shown that kratom can lead to elevated liver enzymes, indicating liver stress or damage. Additionally, there have been cases of severe liver injury linked to kratom use.
Experts caution that while kratom is often used for pain relief and opioid withdrawal, its psychoactive and opioid-like alkaloids may have detrimental effects on liver function. They recommend using kratom in moderation and advise against combining it with other substances that can harm the liver.
In 2018, researchers identified at least five people in the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) database who had experienced liver injury after consuming kratom. This was an increase from just one case in 2016. The patients presented with severe liver disease, raising concerns among liver experts about the potential dangers of kratom.
Another study published in 2023 examined 404 cases of liver injury connected to supplements and found that 8 of these cases were associated with kratom.
This study highlighted the need for more research to fully understand the risks of kratom consumption.
These real-life examples illustrate why liver experts are sounding the alarm on kratom and its potential impact on liver health.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, is not federally regulated in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use and has not recognized it as safe and effective for any condition. Despite attempts to classify kratom under the Controlled Substances Act, it remains unregulated at the federal level.
In Europe, the legal status of kratom varies by country.
Some countries have no specific regulations, allowing for its possession and use without legal consequences, while others have stricter controls.
Liver experts have raised concerns about kratom due to its potential to cause severe liver injury. Studies have linked kratom use to cases of liver damage, with symptoms including jaundice, nausea, and other signs of liver dysfunction. The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) has reported an increase in liver injury cases associated with kratom consumption.
The lack of federal regulation means that kratom products are not subject to the same safety and efficacy standards as other drugs, which contributes to the concerns raised by liver experts about its potential health risks.
Liver experts are raising concerns about kratom due to its potential to cause severe liver injury, particularly in individuals who consume it in large amounts or for extended periods. Studies have shown that kratom can lead to liver damage, with symptoms including jaundice, nausea, and other signs of liver dysfunction.
The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) has reported an increase in cases of liver injury linked to kratom consumption, highlighting the need for caution among both healthcare providers and consumers. Experts warn that using kratom can lead to elevated liver enzymes, indicating liver stress or damage, and recommend starting with low doses and not exceeding 8 grams per day.
The lack of federal regulation means that kratom products are not subject to the same safety and efficacy standards as other drugs, contributing to concerns raised by liver experts about its potential health risks. Liver experts advise caution when using kratom, particularly for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking medications that can affect the liver.
Kratom has been linked to cases of severe liver injury, including jaundice, nausea, and other signs of liver dysfunction. The active ingredients in kratom need to be metabolized by the liver, which can sometimes result in liver toxicity. Experts recommend using kratom in moderation and avoiding it if you have pre-existing liver conditions or are taking medications that can harm the liver.
The number of cases of liver injury linked to kratom consumption has increased over time, with at least five reported cases in 2018 and eight in a study published in 2023. These real-life examples illustrate why liver experts are sounding the alarm on kratom and its potential impact on liver health.