This article clarifies what is often referred to as “22 plant,” a botanical substance. It covers its origins, traditional uses, reported effects, and current safety and legal status.
Understanding “22 Plant”
The “22 plant” is scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, more commonly recognized as Kratom. This tropical evergreen tree belongs to the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and is native to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The tree can grow quite tall, sometimes exceeding 18 meters, and features large, glossy-green oval leaves.
Kratom leaves are harvested, dried, and processed into a powder. The drying process can vary, sometimes including fermentation, which influences the final alkaloid composition. This results in different “strains” categorized by leaf vein color, such as red, white, or green.
Traditional Uses and Reported Effects
Indigenous cultures in Southeast Asia have used Kratom for centuries. Laborers chewed fresh or dried leaves, or brewed teas, to combat fatigue, enhance energy, and improve sociability. It was also used for pain relief, as a local anesthetic, and to manage symptoms like coughs, diarrhea, and muscle pain.
Kratom’s effects are attributed to its active compounds, primarily alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. At lower doses, Kratom can produce stimulant-like effects, increasing alertness and physical energy. At higher doses, it can produce sedative and pain-relieving effects, similar to opioids. Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid, while 7-hydroxymitragynine, though present in smaller quantities, is considered more potent in activating opioid receptors and contributing to pain relief and mood enhancement.
Safety and Legal Landscape
The legal status of Kratom varies significantly across different regions globally and within the United States. While it is not a federally controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S., some states and local jurisdictions have implemented their own regulations or outright bans on its sale, possession, and use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Kratom for any medical use and advises against its consumption due to potential risks.
Side effects of Kratom range from mild issues like nausea, constipation, dizziness, and dry mouth, to more serious concerns. More severe effects include liver toxicity, seizures, and in rare instances, psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. While some deaths are associated with Kratom use, they often involve co-ingestion of other drugs or contaminants, making Kratom’s direct contribution unclear. Research into long-term effects is ongoing, with some studies suggesting potential for dependence and addiction with chronic use, resembling opioid withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.