MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA
FAMILY :: RUBIACEAE
KRATOM: A tender large tropical tree from Southeast Asia that is used as a stimulant in small doses (2-10 grams) and a sedative or euphoric in larger doses (up to 50 grams).
The leaves may be used fresh or dried by smoking, eating or in a tea. The effects are quite variable from person to person.
Kratom requires tropical conditions of humidity, warmth, rich soil and partial shade for good growth. Grows very rapidly, up to 2-3 meters a year. It goes semi-dormant in the winter, even in the tropics.
It contains the tryptamine alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine which are similar chemically to yohimbine in structure but not in effect. Medicinally, kratom is used as a pain killer, for diarrhea and as a treatment for opiate addiction. This plant is legal everywhere except in Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.
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