Kratom: History, Science and Therapeutic Potential

Kratom: History, Science and Therapeutic Potential delivers the first in-depth exploration of the rapidly growing, largely unregulated availability of kratom, a botanical known for its mild opioid and stimulant effects. Despite its increasing use, awareness among healthcare professionals remains limited. This comprehensive resource examines kratom’s geographical origins, historical applications, modern global consumption, and its compelling therapeutic promise. It highlights emerging research on kratom’s potential role in treating conditions such as depression, ADHD, PTSD, substance-use disorder, and particularly opioid use disorder (OUD)—a topic of rising importance in clinical practice.

As more than eight million Americans now use kratom annually, its active alkaloid mitragynine is capturing unprecedented attention from federal and local authorities. Yet the lack of accessible, evidence-based information for clinicians and researchers remains a significant concern. This book provides essential insight for healthcare scientists, researchers, and providers seeking to understand kratom’s therapeutic possibilities, current scientific findings, and the evolving landscape of legal status and regulation. It offers timely, cutting-edge knowledge comparable to the early discussions around medical marijuana, making it an indispensable guide for anyone involved in clinical care, policy development, or emerging health trends.