Mitragyna speciosa

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Mitragyna speciosa

Mitragyna speciosa (pronounced: mi-tra-gy-na spe-ci-o-sa), also known as Kratom, is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia.

Etymology

The genus name Mitragyna was named by the Dutch botanist Pieter Willem Korthals because the leaves and the stigmas of the flowers of the plant resemble a bishop's mitre. Speciosa is Latin for 'beautiful'.

Description

Mitragyna speciosa can grow to a height of 12-30 ft (3.7-9.1 m) and 15 ft (4.6 m) wide. The leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa are evergreen or deciduous, depending on the climate and environment in which it is grown.

Usage

In its native region, Mitragyna speciosa leaves are often chewed fresh (usually after removing the stringy central vein). Dried leaves can also be chewed, but since they are a bit tough, most people prefer to crush them up or powder them so that they can be swallowed easily.

Pharmacology

Mitragyna speciosa is known for its alkaloid content, with the primary alkaloids being mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids act on the opioid receptors in the brain, leading to effects similar to those produced by opioids.

Legal Status

The legal status of Mitragyna speciosa varies by country and sometimes within countries. In the United States, it is legal in most states, but some have banned or restricted its use.

Related Terms

External links

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