Kava and kratom are plants that are used for medicinal and recreational purposes. They share many similarities, including their medicinal benefits, such as anti-anxiety and pain-relieving properties, and their potential physical and psychological risks. However, they also differ in many ways, including their chemical compositions and range of effects.
- Kava is a plant native to the South Pacific Islands, and kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Both have been used for many centuries as ceremonial and healing substances.
- The use of kava and kratom has increased in the West, both for medicinal and recreational purposes.
- Kava and kratom can provide many therapeutic benefits, but may also increase the risk of serious adverse effects.
Kava vs Kratom: Origins and tradition uses
Kava (Piper methysticum) is native to the South Pacific Islands, where it has been used for centuries in healing, ceremonial, and spiritual rituals, particularly used to enhance social connections and reduce stress, muscle pain, insomnia, pain, and stomach issues. [1][2]
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is native to Southeast Asia, where it has historically been used for its medicinal and ceremonial purposes. For example, it was used in low doses to increase alertness and energy in manual laborers and in higher doses for its pain-relieving effects. It has also been used to help treat opium or morphine dependence. [3]
What are the main differences?
Kava and kratom are similar as they are both plants that have been used in traditional medicine for many centuries, with potential psychoactive effects, that have, in recent decades, become increasingly used in the West, both for their medicinal properties and as drugs of abuse. [4][5]
The chemical compositions of kava and kratom differ. Kava contains kavalactones, which provide its medicinal and psychoactive effects. The root of the plant is chewed or crushed, producing a pulp that is mixed with water or coconut milk and consumed as a drink. [1]
Kratom contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act on neurotransmitters and receptors to produce its effects. The leaves of the plant are crushed to be smoked, brewed into tea, or ingested in capsules. [5][6]
Legality
Neither kava nor kratom is classified as a controlled or regulated chemical in the US, making them legal. However, kava is sold as a dietary supplement, while kratom is not approved to be marketed as a dietary supplement. [2][6]
Although both are legal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory alert for kava due to its potential harm to the liver, while the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern, and it is banned in some states. [4][5]
Effects and potential benefits
| Kava | Kratom | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary medicinal or beneficial uses |
|
|
| Potentially desirable effects |
|
|
Kava
Kava is commonly used as a natural alternative to treat anxiety and stress, sleep disorders, and low mood. Various studies have demonstrated its anxiolytic effects, although the safety of its use has not been determined. [2][4] Some research indicates that kava can produce anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, although this requires further exploration. [2]
Kratom
Kratom produces dose-dependent effects. In low doses, it causes stimulant effects, increasing energy, alertness, and talkativeness. In higher doses, it causes opioid-like effects, such as sedation, euphoria, reduced anxiety, relaxation, and pain relief. [7][8] Because of its impact on opioid receptors, it also demonstrates benefits in substance use disorder treatment and withdrawal, particularly opioid use disorder. Further research and clinical studies are required to clarify the safety and efficacy of this use. [3][7]
Safety profiles and risks
Neither kava nor kratom has been approved by the regulating authorities due to uncertainties around their safety. [4][5]
Kava
The main concern with kava is its potential to cause severe liver damage, which has been reported in several cases. [1][4] However, the exact extent of this risk is unclear and may be linked to other contributing factors. Because of this, people with liver dysfunction should avoid kava.
Other adverse and potentially harmful effects of kava include: [2][4]
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling and numbness in the mouth
- Dry, scaly, or discolored skin
- Shaking
- Unusual body movements
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Impaired driving ability
Kratom
Harmful psychological effects of kratom include its potential for addiction. Kratom causes a similar action to opioids, which can lead to addiction and physical dependence. Kratom withdrawal and overdose symptoms can be similar to those seen with opioids, although they are typically milder and less dangerous. [7][8]
Other potentially harmful effects of kratom can include: [3][5]
- Psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, and confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Stomach issues
- Irregular heartbeat and breathing
- Drowsiness
- Reduced appetite and weight
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Liver damage
- Impaired memory and cognition
Interaction with other medications
Kava and kratom may interact with other medications and substances. Neither should be used alongside central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, and some antidepressants, as this can cause an increased risk of oversedation, breathing issues, coma, or death. [9][10]
Kava should not be used with alcohol or other substances that impact the liver, as this can increase the risk of liver toxicity. [2][9 Kratom should also not be used alongside antidepressants or other serotonergic medications, as this can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. [10]
Kratom and Kava in addiction recovery: A risky substitute?
Kratom has been used traditionally and recently as an opioid substitute and opioid addiction treatment with reported success. [7][8] However, much of this evidence is self-reported, and this use has not been extensively studied. Similarly, some evidence suggests that kava might help reduce substance cravings during recovery. Again, this requires further studies to confirm its effect and safety. [11]
While both kava and kratom demonstrate the potential to be helpful addiction treatments, they are currently not fully understood and may pose risks that outweigh the benefits. It is advised for people requiring professional support to utilize evidence-based treatments, such as medications, therapies, and rehabilitation services.
Final thoughts
Kava and kratom are both plants that have traditionally been used as healing and ceremonial substances and are used currently as medicinal and recreational drugs. Both have been found to provide many benefits, including anxiolytic and analgesic properties and potential benefits in addiction treatment. However, further investigation and studies are needed to clarify the safety and efficacy of these uses and the extent of their risks.
