Everything you need to know about kratom: Types, effects, risks, addiction, dosage, legality and personal experience

20. 03. 2025

What is kratom?

Kratom is a natural compound that resembles opioids in its effectiveness with possible side effects and a high risk of addiction. It is often used by individuals with anxiety or opioid addiction. In past centuries, this substance was used to treat diarrhea, pain, withdrawal symptoms from opioids and alcohol, as well as to detoxify the body from other substances, to improve low libido and against fatigue.

 

There are different types of kratom sold on the market, which differ in their effects.

For example, green kratom has milder and more balanced effects, providing a certain stimulation and burst of energy, while white kratom shows intense stimulating and euphoric effects. Of  the types mentioned, red kratom is the most similar to opioid effects in its effect on the body.

Where does kratom come from?

Kratom is a plant substance derived from the tropical shrub Mitragyna Speciosa, which is native to Southeast Asia. Its height reaches about 16 meters and it grows in the rainforests of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The plant has a thin stem and wide leaves with a tip.

 

Leaves containing indole alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are used to make kratom. The leaves of the plant are dried and either crushed or ground into a fine powder. Traditionally, kratom leaves were chewed, made into tea, or used in cooking.

What substances does kratom contain and in what forms is it consumed?

The leaves of the bush are rich in alkaloids. The main indole alkaloids include mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids have a strong analgesic effect on the human body. There is a very high risk of addiction when using kratom, as highlighted by animal studies. Mitragynine may have addictive properties.

What does research suggest about the possible effects of kratom?

A study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that kratom may have a relatively low potential for abuse. Most users have reported using kratom to relieve pain, anxiety and depression, with a significant proportion using it to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.

According to a study from May in 2023,  the paradoxical effects of kratom, which include both stimulant and sedative properties, are not fully understood. Current data come mainly from user surveys and animal studies.

More controlled human studies are needed to understand the pharmacokinetics of kratom and its interactions with other substances, and thus better define its safety profile and therapeutic potential.

 

What are the general effects of kratom?

Kratom has the potential to have an intense effect on the body because it contains almost as many alkaloids as opium and hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Its main active ingredients include alkaloids – mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are used for their effects in medicine to treat chronic pain. There are some indications that these alkaloids may have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or relaxing effects on the muscles. Therefore, kratom is often used to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.

Alkaloids have a very strong physical effect. Some of these effects may be positive, while others are worrying. Therefore, further studies on this substance are needed, as significant side effects occur and it is not known whether and how much it is safe.

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reported that a small dose (just a few grams) already produces stimulant effects. The effects usually appear within 10 minutes of ingestion and can last up to 1.5 hours.

Described effects of kratom

The effects depend on many factors, such as age, weight, health and experience of the user, the body's tolerance and dose, but it also depends on the type of kratom, the method of processing and the place of origin. 

A low or high dose of kratom can cause different effects, even though it is the same variety.

General effects of kratom:

• vigilance
• sociality
• Dizziness
• Decreased motor coordination
• sedative effects

 

A larger dose of 10-25 g of dried leaves can have a sedative effect with feelings of calm and euphoria. This condition can last up to 6 hours.

Users most often use kratom because:

• reduces pain
• relieves irritating cough
• helps with depression and anxiety
• increases the ability to concentrate
• Arouses the desire to work
• Energizes
• Stimulates sports performance
• helps with opiate cessation

Kratom could also be used for more serious diseases such as diabetes. However, there have not been enough clinical studies to help understand the health effects of this substance.

Tip: Are you looking for stress relief? Try CBD (cannabidiol), which is non-psychoactive and is renowned for its calming effects and mental well-being.

How does the liver process the main alkaloid (Mitragynine) kratom?

The study, titled "Metabolite Profiling and Identification of Enzymes Responsible for the Metabolism of Mitragynine," focuses on the metabolic pathways of mitragynine, the main alkaloid found in kratom.

The main objective of the study was to identify and profile enzymes in the liver that are involved in mitragynine metabolism. By learning about these enzymes, scientists want to map how kratom is processed in the body.

Metabolic pathways of mitragynine have been identified in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and S9 fractions.  A total of thirteen metabolites were identified, with the main metabolites of mitragynine being four oxidative metabolites and a metabolite formed by demethylation on the 9-methoxy group.

Cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved in the metabolism of mitragynine, were predominantly via CYP3A4 with minor contributions from CYP2D6 and CYP2C9.

The study concluded that mitragynine was extensively metabolized in HLM, mainly to O-demethylated and monooxidative metabolites.

Knowing which enzymes metabolize mitragynine helps predict interactions with other drugs, can provide information on potential toxicity or side effects, and in addition, the findings from this study could guide dosing and safety monitoring in the clinical use of kratom.

For example, if mitragynine is metabolized by an enzyme that is also responsible for the metabolism of another drug, they can interact with each other, leading to an increase in the effects or toxicity of one or both drugs.

What are the types of kratom?

Whether we're talking about white, red, or green kratom, they all come from the same bush.

The venation of the leaves suggests their age, but the resulting shade of kratom and its effect affects the way it is processed. When it comes to the quality of kratom, several factors play a role, such as soil composition, sunlight yield, water, nutrients and drought/rainy seasons.

The 3 basic types of kratom:

• white (young tree, lighter veins than the leaf itself)
• green (mature shrub, the color of the veins corresponds to the color of the leaf)
• red (adult plant, main veins are reddish or brownish in color)

Brown and yellow kratom are also on offer. However, yellow kratom does not reflect the colour of the veins of the leaves, but is formed by mixing red and green kratom. Brown kratom is obtained by fermenting fresh leaves for 10 days in sealed bags and then drying them indoors.

 

Kratoms are also divided by variety, such as Maeng da and Indo kratom. Another type of division is by processing, which is important because the processing method affects the expected effect of kratom. Depending on the processing method, you will come across the designations Green MaengDa, Red Jungle, Green Super and others.

White kratom

White kratom is known for its distinctive aroma, which is often described as more energising and uplifting compared to green and red kratom varieties.

White kratom has energizing, stimulating effects.

White kratom production

Unlike other types of kratom, which can be dried indoors or outdoors, white kratom leaves are usually dried indoors without exposure to light, and then the leaves are dried in direct sunlight for more than 1 day, which contributes to the preservation of alkaloids.

Types of white kratom

When talking about the best kratom, the type referred to as  "Super" is often repeated. This species contains a balanced mix of alkaloids, which makes it perceived as a "guarantee" of a positive experience.

• Example: Super White

As for the strongest kratom, which stands out for its highest proportion of alkaloids and also for its potency, it is the Borneo variety  (according to the area where the highest levels of mytragine and 7-hydroxymitragynine were found on the leaves).

• Example: Borneo White

The best kratom for boosting energy is considered to be White Maeng Da, which originated in Thailand and is renowned for its stimulating effects.

Other types of white kratom include: White Magic, Puan White, White Bali, White Pure, White Vein, White Malay, White Indo, White Elephant and White Entikong.

Effects of white kratom

• Cognitive Enhancement
• Staying alert
• A surge of energy
• Creativity support
• increase in mental activity and concentration
• increased charge for physical activity
• mood improvement

Green kratom

Green kratom is one  of the most sought-after variants, perhaps because it is labeled the strongest "short", in terms of its balanced properties. This kratom is midway between the stimulating effects of white kratom and the sedative properties of red kratom.

 

The aroma of green kratom is earthy and similar to green tea. In general, green kratom is characterized  by uplifting and stimulating properties, similar to white kratom.

Green kratom production

The procedure for turning the plant into a powder begins with drying the leaves in cooler but dry interiors. After a predetermined time, they are left to dry outdoors to the desired state, and then poured into a grinder, which grinds them into powder.

All other kratoms are made from green kratom, but they differ in the length of fermentation.

Green kratom is only 100% pure leaves without veins and does not undergo a fermentation process.

Types of green kratom

Similar to white kratom, the best variety for green kratom is considered to be the variety called "Super". For example, Super Green, which induces euphoria and increased energy, is referred to as  the strongest kratom. This species contains a very high proportion of an alkaloid called mitragynine.

The Green Borneo variety  is renowned for its ability to relax muscles and relieve mild symptoms of pain.

Green Maeng Da has stimulating effects and contributes to improved concentration and concentration.

The mentioned varieties act similarly, so it depends on the user's preferences.

Other varieties of green kratom include: Green Bali, Green Thai, Pure Green, Green Malay, Green Entikong, Green Indo and Green Elephant.

Effects of green kratom

• increased energy, physical vitality and mental stimulation
• Staying alert
• Improved concentration
• a feeling of calm (relief from stress and depression)
• increased communicativeness, encouraging social interaction
• mood improvement
• Relief for mild to moderate pain

Red kratom

Red kratom has a typical aroma that is reminiscent of fermented black tea. It is generally said to be  the strongest of all species in terms of its sedative properties. This species acts as a sedative and has strong relaxing and analgesic properties.

On the other hand, green and white "shorts" are more stimulating. It is said that red kratom is only suitable for more experienced "collectors", as it has the most intense sedative effect.

Red kratom production

To give red kratom its reddish-brown color, it undergoes a process called fermentation. Fresh or wilted leaves are placed in airtight plastic bags in a humid environment. This process usually takes 5-7 days, after which the leaves are dried in ovens under ultraviolet light, which eliminates possible microbial contamination.

However, the processing process varies from variety to variety, for example, in the Bali Red variety, the kratom leaves are first partially dried in the sun and then poured into bags.

Types of red kratom

In kratom e-shops, the information that the Bali Red and Maeng-da varieties are among the best-selling types of kratom on the market is repeated. The Maeng-da variety is considered to be the strongest species. This kratom has a strong relaxing effect and is also known for its ability to relieve pain symptoms.

Bali Red is a traditional type of kratom, generally stated to have relaxing effects, can help with stress, anxiety and insomnia problems, and relieve pain symptoms. In the case of higher doses,  it causes euphoria.

The Borneo Red variety  got its name from the area where it is grown, the Indonesian island of Kalimantan, known as Borneo. According to available information, it can induce relaxation, a better mood and relieve pain.

Other types of red kratom include: Red Entikong, Red Indo, Red Elephant, Red Pure, Red Vine and Red Dragon.

Effects of red kratom

• sedative effects
• Relaxing effects
• calming the mind
• relieving stress and anxiety
• muscle relaxation
• suppression of pain symptoms
• Improved focus and alertness
• sleep support

What are the side effects of kratom?

The effects of kratom on the body may also depend on how it is consumed. If kratom users drink, it slows down the heart, affects the central nervous system and can damage the liver and kidneys.

If someone uses large amounts of kratom,  liver toxicity can occur. The toxicity disappears as soon as the consumer stops using kratom. If you have liver problems due to taking this substance, do not take it again! More studies are needed to uncover all the side effects of this drug on the human body.

 

At higher doses, side effects that are typical of opiates may occur. Reported side effects of long-term use of kratom include:

• constipation
• nausea
• attenuation
• itch
• muscle tremors
• sweating
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• loss of appetite or loss of appetite
• significant weight loss
• sleeplessness
• Changing the color of your face
• bouts
• hallucination
• liver damage

Acute side effects of kratom include anxiety, irritability, and increased aggression.

What are the risks of using kratom?

The main risk of kratom use is the high likelihood of addiction. Results from an animal study suggest that mitragynine may be highly addictive.

 

To date, the production of kratom is also not regulated. No authority controls the safety or purity of herbs. There are no set standards for the safe production of this compound. Unfortunately, this brings with it  a possible risk of contained dangerous and undesirable substances (salmonella, pesticides, heavy metals). Due to the widespread commercial spread, it is a big problem to find out what the available quality of kratom actually is, as no one supervises it.

Additionally, the  level of psychoactive alkaloids in kratom products can vary significantly, which is influenced by several key factors. These include the  climate in which the kratom was grown,  the specific strain or variety of the plant, and the quality of the soil. Some products may also contain traces of other unknown plants, which can further affect the overall effects.

The combination of kratom and alcohol slows down the heart rate and breathing. Kratom can also exacerbate the effects of other "drugs of abuse" (e.g. benzodiazepines, opiates and fentanyl). At the moment, there is not enough research to determine further drug interactions.

Addiction: How do withdrawal symptoms manifest themselves and how to get out of it?

Addiction can often cause negative effects such as nausea, sweating, tremors, inability to sleep, and hallucinations. Some regular users have reported that when they stopped taking kratom, they had pain, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea and fevers. Some have reported feeling nervous, tense, angry, or sad when they stopped taking him.

Anyone who decides to try kratom can reduce the risk of developing addiction. It is generally recommended that kratom should not be taken daily for more than 14 days, as after this time the body is already building up a certain tolerance and will therefore require higher doses.

It is absolutely essential to take a break from regular use, preferably 2× longer than the time kratom has been taken. In practice, this means that if someone uses kratom for a week, they should take a break of at least 2 weeks, in the case of 14 days, it is advisable to take an interval of at least 4 weeks.

If the user gets to the point where they feel withdrawal symptoms, they must not eliminate kratom immediately, i.e. from one day to the next, because there is a risk that serious withdrawal symptoms (vomiting, loss of appetite, cramps, insomnia and others) will occur.

Addiction to this drug can be broken  out by gradually reducing the number and amount of doses over several days. This is likely to allow the user to escape unwanted withdrawal symptoms and subsequently get rid of kratom addiction.

 

Where is kratom legal and in which European countries is the ban in place?

As kratom is an addictive substance, a ban is already in place in many countries. When it comes to the situation regarding new substances such as kratom and HHC, it can be described as globally exacerbated.

European countries where kratom is legal include, for example, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Malta, Portugal (but only possession, sale is illegal) and Spain.

However, legislation can change almost overnight, so if you travel with kratom, check the regulations of the country in question to avoid complications.

Some European countries, such as Slovakia, Poland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, France, Italy, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latvia and Switzerland, have already banned kratom. In countries such as Denmark, Finland and Iceland, this substance can only be legally obtained with a prescription.

How to dose kratom?

Since kratom is not (yet) regulated and not sufficiently researched, it is difficult to know what constitutes a low or high dose and how much kratom is too much.

In one 2015 study involving 10 men, 6.25-11.5 mg of kratom was administered daily for 1 week, and the final dose was 6.25-23 mg. Researchers have suggested that kratom can be used as an opioid replacement for opioid addicts. Among the worst side effects of the study were a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as numbness of the tongue. The researchers believe that there were no serious side effects, as they dosed less than 30 mg.

 

Dosage is always an individual matter.

Normally, the dose is in the range of 1-5 g. In optimal doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, increasing energy, concentration and sociability.

Sedative effects are likely to occur in higher doses of 5–15g, which can cause feelings of tiredness, calmness and euphoria.

Extreme sedative effects occur in very high doses above 15 g, can lead to immobility, stiffness, reduced response to stimuli from the environment and unconsciousness.

General kratom dosage recommendations

• Low doses of 1-2 g.
• Medium doses 2-5 g.
• High doses over 5 g, in these doses there is a risk  of overdose and the occurrence of side effects in the form of nausea (vomiting) and dizziness, in addition,  rapid tolerance is built, which increases the risk of addiction.

When taking high doses, the body begins to build a tolerance to kratom, and with that comes the need to increase the dose. It is recommended to stick with low doses, as the development of tolerance is one of the primary prerequisites for the development of addiction.

How long does it take for kratom to take effect?

The effect of kratom is usually felt within 10 minutes and its maximum effect occurs about an hour after ingestion. The effect usually lasts 3-9 hours and its duration depends on the dose and the type of kratom.

How long is kratom in the blood?

Kratom is metabolized in the liver, where enzymes break down alkaloids and convert them into metabolites that can be found in body fluids (blood, urine and saliva). Various methods are used to detect kratom in the body, such as special blood and urine tests. These tests detect the presence of alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine), but they are relatively expensive. Standard drug tests will not detect kratom.

 

To understand how long kratom stays in the body, it is important to mention  the half-life of kratom. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for an individual's metabolism, primarily the liver,  to break down the drug and reduce its concentration in the body by half.

It is generally assumed that about 5-6 half-lives are required for complete elimination of the drug from the body under most conditions. However, this figure is general, the elimination of the drug depends on many factors. Scientists believe that the half-life of kratom is about 24 hours. In some research, experts state that it can take up to 9 days for kratom to be completely eliminated from the body.

How long it is in the blood depends on several factors of the individual  (age, body proportions, health condition, metabolism and the amount of dose taken). It is usually stated that this substance can be detected in the blood for 2-9 days.

Personal experience with kratom

I got my hands on green kratom about a year ago in powder form, I felt a strong euphoria when I first took it, but unfortunately I didn't estimate my dose and I felt sick, vomiting. It's true that this didn't discourage me, probably due to the euphoric state and the surge of energy, and for some time I indulged in different types of kratom mixed with juice several times a day.

In the beginning, I was very excited for work, I felt energetic. Subsequently, however, I began to increase and increase my doses uncontrollably, taking over 15 g a day. In this way, I went against becoming addicted to kratom. And how did it turn out?

I almost stopped eating, in the afternoon I already felt inner aggression, I suffered from mood swings, I was grumpy and in the evening I couldn't fall asleep, I sweated overnight. In the morning, I immediately felt the need to mix kratom, in fact, during the day I only thought about having it again. When I had it, I felt the need to have another one in an hour. The turning point for me was when the whites of my eyes turned yellow. It should be added that I was not sufficiently informed and I used kratom for a longer time than it should have, and without a break.

Suddenly I realized that I was actually eating something that didn't make me feel good, and in good doses. And so I started to gradually break down kratom, or rather, I only had it in the morning for 5 days. It was easy for me, probably because I had sorted out in my head that it wasn't what I needed. I don't use kratom anymore and after my experience, I don't even expect to ever use it again. Thank God I don't even feel like it, because when I remember its aftertaste and how I felt, I don't miss it at all. 😀

From my experience, the  correct dosage is more than important, because it is very easy to overdo your dose and honestly it is easy to fall into addiction to this substance if you are not careful about the size of the doses, frequency and duration of use. At the moment, there is no scientifically proven information on how to use kratom safely, so it is debatable what the correct dosage actually is.

Personally, I have not used kratom to relieve pain and I do not rule out that it can be beneficial, but without proper instruction on how to use this drug safely, I believe it can do more harm than good.

Closing thoughts on kratom

Kratom is a substance derived from a tropical plant that acts as a stimulant in low doses and is said to have sedative effects at higher doses, inducing euphoria and dulling emotions and feelings.

There are 3 basic types, namely green, white and red kratom. The effects depend not only on the user, but also on the type of kratom, the method of processing and the place of origin. Dosage is always an individual matter.

There are reports of beneficial effects from the use of this substance, and in the future, with proper supporting research, kratom could have proven clinical potential. At the moment, however, the benefits of kratom are not sufficiently proven and, in addition, carry risks, including addiction.

A lot of confusion remains around this drug, and without further research, it is impossible to establish an effective and safe dosage, possible interactions, and evaluate all harmful effects.

If you are tempted to use kratom as a pain reliever or for recreational purposes, we strongly recommend not taking the substance, or consult your doctor first.

 

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

 

 

Resources:

• Kratom: Exploring the Science of a Controversial Botanical
• Metabolite Profiling and Identification of Enzymes Responsible for the Metabolism of Mitragynine, the Major Alkaloid of Mitragyna Speciosa (Kratom)
• Antioxidant and Antibacterial Efficiency of the Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil) and Its Effects on Growth, Health, and Disease Resistance
•  Discovering Dynamic Plant Enzyme Complexes in Yeast for Kratom Alkaloid Pathway Identification
• Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): User Demographics, Use Patterns, and Implications for the Opioid Epidemic.
• A Critical Review of the Neuropharmacological Effects of Kratom: An Insight from the Functional Array of Identified Natural Compounds
• Current perspectives on the impact of Kratom use
• Examining the paradoxical effects of kratom: a narrative inquiry

 

 

Photo: Shutterstock

"All information provided on this website, as well as the information provided through this website, is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained herein is intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis and such information is not to be considered medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not promote, endorse or advocate the legal or illegal use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or the commission of any other illegal activity. Please see our Disclaimer for further information."