How Hard Is Kratom on the Liver?
- Oct 19, 2022
By Jill Raver
With an influx of information about Kratom’s potential effect on the liver, users of Kratom are on edge. But it is important to remember that people have been safely using this natural compound for a variety of purposes at least since the 19th century. Kratom contains several alkaloids, which is why it may be harder on the liver than other herbal extracts. It may also interfere with the absorption of certain medications that are broken down by cytochrome P450 enzymes. However, with a bit of knowledge, you can feel more confident that you are safe to use Kratom. For a majority of people, Kratom is safe - but you should always speak with your doctor before adding any new compounds to your regimen. With that said, let’s discuss, “How hard is kratom on the liver?”
What is Kratom?
Kratom (mitragynine) is a herbal extract that comes from a tree called Mitragyna speciosa or the kratom tree. The Kratom tree is native to Southeast Asia and is in the coffee family. Kratom extract has been used in its native region as a natural medicine for hundreds of years.
It is important to note that Kratom is not approved by the FDA. However, it is legal in the United States. Not all kratom products are created equal. Be sure to choose a reputable kratom retailer that has a strong emphasis on quality control, on-site testing and third-party lab testing like Mystic Labs.
What Are the Positive Effects of Kratom?
Kratom may offer you relief from pain, anxiety, and depression. At higher doses, Kratom may relax you and help you sleep. At lower doses, Kratom may give you energy and a mood boost.
Is Kratom Metabolized in the Liver?
Yes, the liver is the primary source for metabolizing Kratom. Kratom is broken down in the liver and then moved to the kidneys to be eliminated from your system.
How Long Does it Take the Liver to Process Kratom?
There is limited information on the exact amount of time it takes for your liver to process Kratom, and everyone's body is different. However, the half-life of Kratom is about 24 hours. Generally, Kratom is completely out of your system within a week.
How Hard Is Kratom on the Liver?
Anytime that your liver is overloaded with herbal supplements, recreational drugs and/or prescription drugs, it can become injured. Kratom can be harder on the liver than other health supplements because it contains around a dozen alkaloids, which are naturally occurring compounds found in plants. However, a person with a healthy liver is extremely unlikely to develop any liver problems as a result of Kratom use.
Kratom may affect how the liver processes certain prescription drugs such as those that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Grapefruit juice can also affect these medications.
If you have liver problems, take medications that are hard on your liver, drink heavily or are allergic to Kratom (mitragynine), you should not use Kratom.
We hope you have a better knowledge base for “How hard is Kratom on the liver?” and things to avoid when using Kratom. Kratom, by itself, when used by people with healthy livers is safe. However, combining it with excessive alcohol, certain medications or health supplements or using it when you have a history of liver problems is not recommended. Once again, speak with your doctor before consuming any Kratom products. You can then check out our Kratom Gummies and Kratom Shots.
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