Ketem, commonly known as kratom, is the plant Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, indigenous communities have used its leaves as a traditional herbal remedy for various purposes.
What is Ketem
Mitragyna speciosa is a tree, related to coffee, that can grow up to 25 meters (82 feet) tall. Native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, it thrives in tropical, marshy environments. Its leaves contain active compounds called alkaloids.
Its primary alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Mitragynine is the most abundant, with 7-hydroxymitragynine typically less than 2% of the total alkaloid content. These compounds give the plant its distinct properties.
Effects and Potential Uses
Ketem’s effects vary by dosage and individual physiology. Lower doses (1-5 grams) often produce stimulant-like effects: increased energy, alertness, and enhanced sociability. These effects typically begin within 5-10 minutes and last 60-90 minutes.
Higher doses (5-15 grams) produce sedative and pain-relieving effects. Traditionally, in Southeast Asia, ketem was used for manual labor energy, pain relief, and relaxation. It also helped alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. These are reported effects and traditional uses, not medical recommendations or endorsements.
Risks and Safety Concerns
Despite traditional uses, ketem carries potential side effects and safety concerns. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, and dizziness. More serious concerns, such as liver damage, seizures, and respiratory depression, occur especially with high doses or when combined with other substances.
Prolonged use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. These may include anxiety, depression, muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, and intense cravings, often resembling opioid withdrawal. Lack of regulation means inconsistent product potency and potential contaminants like heavy metals or Salmonella. Combining ketem with other drugs (prescription medications, alcohol, recreational substances) can lead to severe, potentially fatal interactions. Research on ketem’s long-term effects and safety remains limited.
Legal Status and Regulation
Ketem’s legal status varies globally. While not federally controlled in some countries, many nations have banned it. For example, it is illegal in Australia, Japan, and several European nations, including France and Poland.
In the United States, ketem is not federally regulated, but its legality differs at state and local levels. Some states, like Alabama, Arkansas, and Indiana, have banned it. Others have implemented age restrictions or specific regulations on its sale and possession. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any ketem products for medical use and issues safety warnings, emphasizing checking local laws before purchasing or using them.