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A plant-based herbal supplement sold at gas stations and smoke shops may seem harmless, but experts are concerned about the widely popular supplement Kratom and the harmful side effects linked to its use. Kratom, an herbal product made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia), has exploded in popularity in recent years. An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021.

Kratom is typically consumed as a powder mixed into drinks, brewed as tea or taken in capsules or tablets and is used for a range of reasons, including to manage pain, ease anxiety or depression, improve focus or energy, and in some cases, to help reduce or quit other substances like opioids., While it may sound natural and harmless, kratom poses serious health risks because it isn’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The lack of oversight means that the strength and purity of each product are unknown. Kratom has been linked to hospitalizations, liver injury and even wrongful-death lawsuits.

Here’s what experts want you to know about the potential for addiction and health risks associated with taking Kratom.

Is Kratom Addictive?

Although kratom is sometimes promoted as a tool to help people stop using opioids, it can cause dependence of its own. Research shows that a small percentage of people who use kratom regularly experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, muscle aches or sleep problems, when they stop taking it.

Some experts are concerned about kratom’s addictive potential because its active compounds act on the same brain receptors as opioids. While the effects are weaker, regular use can still lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This raises the risk of toxicity or overdose, especially when kratom is combined with other drugs.

It Can Affect Your Heart

Kratom’s impact on the heart is one of its most concerning risks. “Kratom can raise heart rate and blood pressure and may cause irregular heartbeats or, in rare cases, cardiac arrest,” says Sheila Patterson, RD, CDCES. “Risks are higher at larger doses or with other medications, and because kratom isn’t FDA-regulated, it’s hard to know if a product is safe.”

Researchers believe these effects occur because kratom’s main compounds stimulate parts of the nervous system that control heart rate and blood vessel tone. This activation can make the heart work harder and raise blood pressure, especially at high doses or when combined with stimulants or other drugs.

It Can Damage the Liver

Kratom has been linked to rare cases of serious liver injury. People who use it regularly may develop fatigue, nausea, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes within a few weeks of starting use.

Experts aren’t sure exactly why this happens, but they believe compounds in kratom may put extra stress on the liver or interfere with how it breaks down other substances. In most cases, the liver heals once kratom use stops—but continued use could increase the risk of lasting damage.

It Can Upset Your Stomach

Digestive issues are among the most common side effects of kratom. In surveys, nearly four in five users reported stomach problems, and others said they experienced constipation, nausea or vomiting after taking it. Digestive symptoms can affect nutrient absorption and appetite, making it harder to eat enough to support energy and recovery.

It Can Affect the Brain and Mood

Kratom’s effects on the brain can range from mild to dangerous. Kratom’s main compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, act on the same brain receptors as opioids—though the effects are weaker. This means it can alter mood, energy and focus. Some people report feeling more relaxed or alert after taking it, but others experience serious side effects such as confusion, tremors or even seizures.

“Kratom can appear to be a holistic fix for energy or stress management, but regular or high-dosage use can lead to mild withdrawal symptoms like muscle aches, mood swings and fatigue once you stop consuming it,” says Jahaira Perez, RDN, LDN.

It May Cause Harm During Pregnancy

Kratom use during pregnancy has been linked to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)—a condition where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. In several U.S. case reports, infants exposed to kratom in the womb showed signs such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and a high-pitched cry shortly after delivery.

Researchers believe this happens because kratom’s compounds act on the same brain receptors as opioids, and babies can develop dependence while in utero.

It Has Been Linked to Deaths

Most deaths involving kratom also include other powerful substances, a pattern known as polysubstance use. A CDC study found that among 152 overdose deaths where kratom was detected, fentanyl or its analogues were present in about two-thirds, and heroin or other opioids were also common.

Deaths from kratom alone are rare but have been reported in toxicology records. Experts say highly concentrated kratom extracts may carry higher risks, and mixing kratom with opioids, alcohol or sedatives can increase the chance of overdose or death.

Our Expert Take

Kratom may be marketed as a natural remedy for pain or stress, but experts say its risks outweigh any potential benefits. Both the FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) caution that kratom is not approved for any medical use and has been linked to serious health problems.,

If you’re considering kratom for pain or stress, talk to your healthcare provider first. There are safer, proven ways to manage pain and stress through healthy lifestyle changes, balanced nutrition, and medical care. As Perez puts it, “Natural doesn’t always mean safe. What matters most is understanding how something works in your body.”