Is kratom too dangerous to use?

Latest Update

Kratom $8.75 million Settlement

Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated April 14, 2025 ⓘ

Is kratom safe? Is it legal? -- Kratom leaf and pills

Answer:

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a native herb of Southeast Asia sold in the U.S. typically as a leaf powder or leaf extract in the form of a powder, liquid, capsule, or tea. The active compounds in kratom can have opioid-like effects similar to morphine and heroin. Kratom is promoted for many uses, including increasing energy, helping with anxiety and depression, providing pain relief, and easing symptoms of opioid withdrawal. However, these potential benefits come with serious potential risks, including liver and kidney injury, heart rhythm problems, cardiac arrest, seizures, coma and death.

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