The Department of Medical Sciences has warned against overconsumption of kratom-mixed beverages, saying the drink may contain a higher level of mitragynine than the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recommendation.
The department began collecting samples of kratom-infused beverages from various regions for safety testing in March. All 52 samples were found to contain a high level of mitragynine, from 22 to 352.6 milligrammes per litre, or 109.5 milligrammes per litre on average.
The level is above the FDA's recommended amount for daily consumption, which is 0.2 milligrammes per day.
Dr Yongyot Thammawut, the department's chief, said mitragynine is an indole-based alkaloid commonly found in kratom plants. Mitragynine is said to stimulate the nervous system, reduce pain and boost energy. It also has an anti-inflammatory property and helps reduce stress, advocates say.
Experts warn, however, people can become intoxicated just by consuming kratom. The substance likewise can become addictive if taken in large volumes for an extended period. It is possible to overdose on kratom, which can pose a threat to people's health.
Dr Yongyot said people must be careful when mixing other materials with kratom, even though there are few, if any, legitimate studies regarding its toxicity. In 2021, kratom was removed from the list of narcotics, allowing people to grow the plant for therapeutic purposes. However, it cannot be mixed with other drugs that affect the way the brain functions.
