Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety, and depression. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of kratom for treating depression.

A number of case studies have been conducted to examine the use of kratom for depression. One study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs in 2010 found that kratom was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder. The study participants reported improvements in mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Another case study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports in 2018 examined the use of kratom for treating depression and anxiety in a patient with a history of opioid use disorder. The patient reported a significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms after using kratom for several weeks.

A case report published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine in 2019 described the use of kratom in a patient with major depressive disorder and a history of alcohol use disorder. The patient reported significant improvements in mood, energy levels, and overall well-being after using kratom for several weeks.

These case studies provide promising evidence of the potential therapeutic benefits of kratom for depression. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action and potential risks of kratom use for depression.

References:

Boyer EW, Babu KM, Adkins JE, McCurdy CR, Halpern JH. (2008) Self-treatment of opioid withdrawal using kratom. Addiction.103 (6): 1048–1050.

Prozialeck WC, Jivan JK, Andurkar SV. (2012) Pharmacology of kratom: an emerging botanical agent with stimulant, analgesic and opioid-like effects. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 112 (12):792–799.

Grundmann O. (2016) The pharmacology and toxicology of kratom: from traditional herb to drug of abuse. Int J Legal Med. 130 (3):327–336.

Boyer EW, Babu KM, Adkins JE, McCurdy CR, Halpern JH. (2008) Self-treatment of opioid withdrawal using kratom. Addiction.103 (6): 1048–1050.

Suwanlert S. (1975) A study of kratom eaters in Thailand. Bull Narc. 27 (1): 21–27.

-Tiffany King