Kratom extract is a highly concentrated form of kratom. It is typically made by boiling kratom powder or leaves and straining them to separate the alkaloids from the other plant matter. The alkaloids are then dried and mixed with a solvent such as ethanol or water to produce the kratom extract. kratom extract can be used in many forms such as tinctures, capsules, and tablets.
The leaves of the kratom tree Mitragyna speciosa can be chewed, brewed into a tea, or turned into a liquid product through extraction. Marketers claim that kratom has a wide range of medicinal properties including pain relief, energy boosts, and mood enhancement. However, kratom has not undergone sufficient scientific testing to determine whether it is safe and effective for long-term use.
Extracts of kratom are sold in the US as pills, powders, capsules, and liquids containing varying amounts of ethanol. They are primarily consumed orally with suggestions to consume 3-5 grams per day to achieve desired effects. Since kratom is unregulated, the quality and concentration of the plant material can vary. This results in widely varying concentrations of the putative active compounds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
These differences in the amount of phytochemicals present and their biological activity can be attributed to the extraction method, processing time, and preparation of the product. Various kratom extraction methods have been used with results that vary in dry yield and mitragynine content. However, researchers found that ASE (alcohol-water extraction) is the most efficient process with a low processing time, yielding a high dry yield and mitragynine content.
Other factors such as a person’s body weight, tolerance to the herb, and other drug interactions can also impact the effectiveness of kratom. Kratom is known to have sedative and stimulant effects and can increase or decrease the user’s blood pressure. High doses can cause sedation, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, kratom can also trigger hallucinations or delusions. While this is a rare side effect, it can be dangerous when combined with other drugs.
Kratom has been used by opiate addicts to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and to reduce cravings for opioids. It is also marketed as an alternative pain treatment for people with chronic and acute pain conditions. It may help relieve muscle spasms, reduce anxiety and depression, and suppress appetite. However, kratom has been linked to dependence and addiction in some users.
If you are suffering from kratom or kratom-based product addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Talk to a professional at Ascendant NY to learn about treatment options for you or a loved one. Getting the support and care you need can help prevent relapses in the future. The staff at Ascendant NY is here to help you regain control of your life! Contact us today to get started.