Kratom and Health Care among Thais

Abstract

Thai people have been using Kratom for a long time, especially in the South of Thailand. In 2021, the government of Thailand, amendment to the narcotic act. An amendment to remove Kratom from the list of harmful drugs and eliminate all penalties related to Kratom. The studies show Kratom has more benefits than harm. It is difficult to addictive if used properly. The purpose of this academic article was to present the botanical characteristics and chemical composition of Kratom, Kratom and drug laws, toxicology of Kratom, and Kratom and health care among Thais. The data from literature show the important substances in Kratom are alkaloids such as mitragynine which is found only in Kratom. It acts like opioids. The 7-hydroxymitragynine act as pain control like morphine, while limiting the negative side effects. It does not suppress the respiratory system. Kratom is also composed of a few other alkaloids which have the benefit of reducing pain and anti-inflammatory. Kratom leaves can be used to treat diarrhea symptoms, loss of weight, anti-oxidant, peptic ulcer, cough relief, anti-depression, stress relief, anti-depressive, and muscle relaxant. However, the determination of safe dosage has not been established for the treatment and the medical research on using Kratom was not been widely published. Moreover, if used improperly, it may cause toxic effects on the body. Therefore, the dosage of Kratom in the treatment of different symptoms should be studied to get more clear on its use to promote health care among Thais. This will promote confidence for people in using Kratom to take care of their health.