KRATOM AS A NOOTROPIC

Nootropic is a drug, supplement, herb or other substance which enhances cognitive function, such as focus, mood, energy, creativity, and motivation, and may regulate hyperactivity, help with depression, lower anxiety, reduces inflammation, and helps with insomnia and fatigue. Often referred to as “Cognitive Enhancers” or ‘Smart Drugs,” Nootropics are supplements which keeps your brain sharp and healthy.

A true nootropic:

Enhances memory and the ability to learn
Assists brain function under disruptive conditions such as lack of oxygen
Protects the brain from chemical and physical toxins like anticholinergic drugs and barbiturates
Increases natural cognitive processes
Must be non-toxic to humans, nor stimulate or depress the brain

Most of the time, when you hear the term ‘nootropic’ used, people loosely mean “cognitive enhancer”. A substance or compound that improves memory, increases cognitive processing speed, boosts alertness, concentration and focus, or a combination of these qualities.

Nootropics are commonly referred to as smart drugs, brain drugs, memory enhancers, neuro-enhancers, cognitive enhancers, intelligence enhancers, racetams, nootropic supplements, brain supplements, neuroceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cognition-enhancing supplements.

Users report the ability to:

Interpret and retain complex information
Learning is faster and more efficient
Signal to noise ratio gets better
Emotions are affected generally in a positive way
Anxiety levels drop
Sociability can be affected either way

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is the leaf of a tropical deciduous evergreen tree within the coffee family (Rubiaceae) native to Southeast Asia.

The genus was given its Mitragyna name by the Dutch botanist Pieter Korthals in 1839 because the leaves and the stigmas of the flowers of the plant resemble the shape of a bishop’s mitre.

Kratom has been safely used as a dietary and nootropic supplement, and natural remedy in Southeast Asia for centuries.

They typically consumed Kratom in small quantities by chewing fresh or dried leaves, as a steeped tea, mixed in with fruit juices, and used in baking. Kratom was used throughout the workday for energy and pain relief.

At lower servings, Kratom is used for its stimulant effects and to combat fatigue.

At higher dosages, Kratom can have more of a relaxing and anxiolytic effect, and has also been used in traditional and natural medicine as an alternative to medications and alcohol.

Anti-inflammatory: The compounds mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are agonists of mu (μ) -, delta (δ) –, and kappa (κ) opioid receptors. Resulting in relief from discomfort and soreness.

Anxiolytic: Kratom affects serotonin and norepinephrine pathways in the central nervous system providing relief from stress and sadness.

Energy: Kratom affects dopamine D1 receptors which helps boost energy and mood.

Studies also show that mitragynine significantly inhibits mRNA expression of COX-1 and COX-2, and the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Meaning Kratom “may be useful for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.”

Resources:

What Are Nootropics?

https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-guide/

How Does Kratom Work in the Brain

https://nootropicsexpert.com/kratom/

Tamara Webster, Herbal Consultant, CH, CHHP

Inland Botanicals, LLC, Post Falls, Idaho

5/20/2021