The Kratom Plant [Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.)] Paradox: Beneficial or Detrimental?

The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and practices of some selected/vulnerable residents from 'Tanjung Dawai' village (Kedah, Malaysia) about Kratom plant [Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.)]. Several drug addicts from 'Tanjung Dawai' village as well as from adjacent areas come to specific places of 'Tanjung Dawai' village on a regular basis to buy Kratom drinks and or products. We have visited this village to collect the first-hand primary information about traditional use of Kratom plant. We selected some residents from 'Tanjung Dawai' village as well as some individuals those have Kratom plant in their backyard and interviewed them. We found that some consume it intermittently or daily for strength and energy. They felt they could work better after consuming Kratom. Some subjects highlighted that small amounts of Kratom boost their strength and energy, while others claimed that Kratom is useful for lowering blood pressure, treating diarrhea, and as anxiolytic, antidiabetic. However, now Kratom usage is causing concern as it emerges as a potential drug of abuse. Although Kratom has been associated with drug abuse and as a dangerous drug in recent years; it possesses certain beneficial properties as claimed by the villagers. The systematic pharmacological study needs to be done to understand the beneficial properties of this plant. Hence, further research is required to explore the potential applications of this plant.