Kratom is related to the coffee tree, which grows in Southeast Asia. Dutch botanist Pieter Korthals gave this plant its scientific name, Mitragyna speciosa. Korthals noticed the similarity between the structure of the leaves and stems of the flower and a bishop’s mitre, which served as the basis for the name. Since then, Korthals has been engaged in detailed research and documentation of the properties of this leaf.
Kratom is known by many names: Krathom, Kakaum, Ithang, Kratum, Thom (in Thailand), Biak-Biak and Ketum (in Malaysia), Mambog (in the Philippines). Despite the differences in names, the chemical composition of the plant remains stable.
The kratom tree is a very specific plant. Its natural habitat is a tropical climate with high humidity and temperature. It usually grows in the wild, in the jungle, where abundant water supplies and fertile soil allow it to reach a height of up to 30-35 meters. If these conditions are not met, the kratom tree is still able to grow, but it does not reach its full potential and remains dwarf-like.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION ABOUT KRATOM
For centuries, kratom has been an integral part of the lives of local people. Although official records of its use did not appear until the 1880s thanks to the work of Pieter Korthals, it is clear that the plant had been used for many centuries before that.
It is believed that the inhabitants of Southeast Asia collected kratom leaves and chewed them or brewed them into tea. It is likely that they used the leaves to combat fatigue and increase work performance. Korthals‘ documents testify to the local population’s deep knowledge of the collection and processing of the leaves, suggesting that this was a custom passed down from generation to generation.
Since Korthals‘ discovery and up to the present day, kratom has become increasingly well-known and popular, especially in Western culture. People are increasingly learning to manage their health with the help of natural resources.
ABOUT KRATOM LEAVES
Since 1921, scientists have been studying kratom leaves with great interest. The leaves contain alkaloids – chemical compounds that make up most of the plant’s medicinal properties. The kratom leaf reaches maturity in tropical conditions. It has an oval or oval-lanceolate shape, a dark green color, and can reach a length of up to 180 millimeters and a width of up to 100 millimeters.
It is believed that the indigenous people of Southeast Asia knew when to harvest the leaves to get the maximum benefit. They usually did this in late summer or early fall. After harvesting, the processing begins, which ultimately determines the color of the leaves that consumers prefer. It is believed that 75%–85% of all kratom leaves have red veins at the time of harvest, and the drying process allows for the creation of different varieties of leaf powder to satisfy the tastes of different consumers.
CHEMISTRY OF KRATOM
Since the early 20th century, kratom has been known for its alkaloid content. Scientists have found that two alkaloids predominate in its chemical structure. These are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
After further study, scientists concluded that mitragynine is the most common alkaloid in these ancient leaves. In 1921, mitragynine became the first alkaloid to be isolated, but scientists were not able to fully decode it until 1964. The research conducted during these years laid a solid foundation for other doctors and botanists to discover another compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine in 1993.
7-hydroxymitragynine, although not as common in the leaf as mitragynine, has been shown to be the most potent compound in the leaf. However, its content is very low. Further research has shown that these two alkaloids are not the only compounds that predominate in the chemistry of kratom.
MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA
Mitragyna comes from a genus of plants that includes plants such as gardenia, knotweed, and coffee, which are also well known in Western civilization.
Mitragyna belongs to a genus of plants that also includes Mitragyna Diversifolia, Mitragyna Hirsuta, Mitragyna Inermis, Mitragyna Parvifolia, and Mitragyna Speciosa. There are 17 entries in the Mitragyna genus list, but only seven of them are officially recognized, including the names mentioned above.
Mitragyna, although well known among plants, has unique properties within its genus, as representatives of this genus contain analgesic alkaloids. Currently, scientists have discovered more than 40 structurally related alkaloids, as well as flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, polyphenols, and various glycosides.
Mitragynine was the first alkaloid to be found in the leaves, as mentioned in the history of kratom. Mitragynine is also the most abundant alkaloid in this plant.
THE POWER OF PLANTS
Shamanism has given us knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants and the power that certain species have for our species. The relationship between humans and plants has existed since the dawn of time. Some scientists believe that humans and plants have a vital relationship, symbiotic in these terms, in the sense that oxygen is necessary for both humans and plants to continue to thrive and survive. When we breathe in oxygen, our bodies absorb it through a process called respiration. The carbon dioxide we breathe out is absorbed by the plants around us, which use it to produce their own energy. Humans have been connected to plants since the first sunrise and will remain connected until the last sunset.
Kratom lovers should continue to strengthen their relationship with Kratom and all other necessary plants. Today, the world is moving towards a holistic approach. More and more people are returning to the roots of primitive man and learning more about the overall power of these plants, with which they already have a special connection.
The Kratom community should continue its efforts to educate and inform others who may not clearly understand all the benefits or scientific facts about this plant. The World Health Organization reports that 75%–85% of the world’s population is completely dependent on herbal healthcare to ensure a better quality of life. However, various governments around the world are imposing restrictions. Corporations and lawmakers are losing when plants affect the lives of so many people.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Kratom powder has been present in our world for a long time. It is very important for Kratom consumers to continue the practice of responsible purchasing by buying uncontaminated Kratom. Laboratory testing is carried out by reputable sellers who care about the well-being of their customers, and this care should continue for every seller who wants to sell these products.
Kratom has established itself as a very important plant resource for the Indonesian colony and is now reaching the whole world. As long as the botanical community takes responsibility for the quality of the Kratom they buy and continues to set a certain standard for sellers, the plant they buy will be uncontaminated.
Scientists have found that when homo sapiens settled this land many years ago, primitive man originally took advantage of the natural benefits of plants. Research has shown that primitive man conducted his own „clinical trials“ with plants since the dawn of time, experimenting with the flora and fauna that surrounded his current dwelling. You can be confident in the quality of our products. Our store cares about its customers. Take a look at our Kratom catalog. If you need advice before making a purchase, contact our managers, and we will be happy to help you choose the most suitable option from our catalog.