Is Kratom associated with diabetes mellitus and/or pancreatic disorders?

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Last updated: February 15, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Association with Diabetes Mellitus

  • Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has been used to reduce blood sugar and lipid profiles in traditional medicine, with mitragynine being a major constituent in kratom leaves 1.
  • The ethanol extract of kratom exhibited the strongest inhibition activity against α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, with mitragynine showing the most potent α-glucosidase inhibition 1.
  • These results suggest the potential of mitragynine from kratom as a herbal supplement for the treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus 1.

Association with Pancreatic Disorders

  • There is limited information on the association between kratom and pancreatic disorders, but the inhibition of pancreatic lipase by mitragynine may have implications for pancreatic function 1.
  • No direct evidence is available to suggest a link between kratom use and pancreatic disorders, but further research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of kratom on the pancreas.

General Health Effects of Kratom

  • Kratom has been associated with various adverse health effects, including hepatic, cardiac, and CNS effects, as well as potential drug-drug interactions 2, 3, 4.
  • The use of kratom has been linked to multiorgan toxicity and cardiotoxicity, including ventricular arrhythmia and cardiopulmonary arrest, particularly when co-administered with other substances 5.
  • However, the current evidence suggests that kratom may have therapeutic potential in some individuals, and products present few risks with typical, non-polysubstance use 3.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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