ketum

Ketum (*Mitragyna speciosa*) is a tropical evergreen tree indigenous to Southeast Asia, traditionally used for its stimulant and opioid-like analgesic properties. The plant contains several active alkaloids, most notably mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act as partial agonists at the mu-opioid receptor. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has been actively researching the plant's therapeutic potential, specifically investigating its analgesic effects and impact on pain tolerance. In clinical trial settings, USM has evaluated ketum decoctions in chronic users using the cold pressor task to determine its efficacy in increasing pain threshold and tolerance compared to placebo. While it exhibits potential as an alternative for pain management, it remains a subject of significant regulatory and safety scrutiny due to its potential for dependence and its complex pharmacology involving multiple neurotransmitter systems.

Other names

kratomMitragyna speciosabiak-biak