Finding effective pain relief can be a daunting task, especially for people with chronic medical conditions that present persistent body aches.
While conventional analgesics remain the first port of call for many, these drugs are notorious for their high propensity for adverse reactions. It’s in that light that alternative interventions like kratom have gained considerable traction in the recent past.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant Indigenous to Southeast Asia, touted by many wellness aficionados for its potential for pain relief. But to what extent does the herb deliver on its analgesic claims?
Read below to find out.
How Might Kratom Relieve Pain?
To understand kratom’s perceived analgesic effects, it’s important to back up and familiarize yourself with the plant’s chemical composition.
Mitragyna speciosa contains dozens of alkaloids, which are responsible for its therapeutic abilities. The number and concentration of these compounds vary by kratom strain, with some cultivars boasting at least two dozen alkaloids.
However, the two most prevalent and widely studied alkaloids in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. Both compounds are opioid receptor agonists – they bind to opioid receptors to initiate a slew of effects, including pain relief.
Kratom’s powerful analgesic properties explain the rising number of vendors. A simple online search for the phrase ‘kratom canada’ is all you need to locate dozens of suppliers that operate in your location. You can then customize your search further depending on the vendor’s reputation as well as your preferred kratom strain and formulation.
Kratom notably interacts with similar opioids as traditional opioid drugs like morphine. That pharmacological similarity explains why some regulators have banned or restricted access to kratom in their jurisdictions. The logic is that if Mitragyna speciosa affects similar opioids as the likes of morphine and codeine, then it’s equally addictive.
However, the reality is pleasantly different.
Kratom is a partial opioid agonist. That means it binds partially to opioid receptors, producing tempered effects.
Comparatively, regular opioids exert their full effects on opioid receptors. This seemingly insignificant difference explains why kratom is considerably less addictive than other opioids.
Are Kratom’s Analgesic Effects Science-backed?
While research on kratom’s analgesic benefits is ongoing, available findings point to its efficacy. One study found that mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine might alleviate pain by modulating opioid activity.
In the experiment, researchers observed the pharmacological effects of administering 15 and 30 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of mitragynine on rat specimens. It turned out that the alkaloid reduced the vanilloid receptor 1 expression in the tested subjects’ brains.
Below are other ways kratom may revolutionize pain relief;
1. Alleviating Inflammation
Pain and inflammation are ugly cousins. While inflammation is usually a natural immune response, it can trigger or worsen pain sensations.
A review of kratom’s neuropharmacological effects found that its active alkaloids, like mitragynine, possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Kratom can be a welcome relief for people grappling with chronic pain and inflammation. Depending on the strain and doses consumed, its effects may equal or exceed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Besides, you won’t need to worry about side effects like headaches and drowsiness.
Some studies have further established a direct nexus between mitragynine and COX-2. Mitragynine may suppress inflammation by selectively inhibiting COX-2 mRNA expression.
Selective inhibition of COX-2 has been shown to attenuate inflammation without altering key physiological functions of COX-1-derived PGs, underscoring kratom’s ability to induce analgesia without inducing adverse effects.
2. Fighting Anxiety
Some findings suggest that mitragynine may improve serotonin signaling, as both compounds share a similar chemical structure. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter involved in various physiological processes, including pain signaling and stress management.
Studies have shown that serotonin activation can suppress or amplify pain signals. While these mixed effects may present a valid argument against administering serotonin agonists like kratom, it’s reassuring to know that the chemical’s antidepressant properties might support pain mediation.
Serotonin reduces anxiety by inducing ‘feel-good’ effects, which modulate the mind-body responses associated with pain. The happier you are, the less likely you’ll focus on pain.
Best Tips to Use Kratom for Pain Relief
1. Talk to Your Doctor
Before taking kratom for pain relief or any purpose, it’s important to get preapproved by your doctor.
Inform the physician of your intention to administer kratom to let them recommend the best action plan based on your condition.
2. Pick Soothing Strains
Kratom can charge you up or mellow you down, depending on the strains consumed. For pain relief, insist on soothing red veins. Examples include Red Maeng Da, Red Bali, Red Borneo, and Red Elephant.
While widely recommended for anxiety and sleep deprivation, red vein kratom strains may also soothe pain away. They’re often contrasted with white veins, which are typically stimulating.
If you seek to energize your mind as you combat pain, then you might consider the more balanced green vein strains.
3. Go slow on it
Kratom has no standard dosage. Ideal serving portions will depend on your pain’s severity and persistence.
That said, an overdose may trigger unpleasant reactions. The trick is to start low, say 1 gram/day, and gradually increase the serving portions.
Final Word
Kratom’s potential analgesic properties are undeniable. Alkaloids in the plant ameliorate aches by impacting opioid receptors and other neurotransmitters in pain management.
Kratom’s popularity as a potent analgesic is also rooted in its high safety profile compared to conventional pain medications. Provided that you consult your doctor prior to administering the herb and stick to expert dosage guidelines, you’re unlikely to encounter severe or life-threatening adverse effects.
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