Daun Ketum (Mitragyna speciosa)

 

Daun Ketum (Mitragyna speciosa): Traditional Remedy with Modern Controversy

Abstract

Daun Ketum, also known as Mitragyna speciosa or Kratom, is a tropical medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and Thailand. For generations, its leaves have been used in traditional medicine to combat fatigue, enhance work productivity, manage pain, and relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, it has recently gained global attention due to its psychoactive effects and potential for dependence. This article reviews the botanical background, traditional uses in Malay medicine, TCM interpretations, phytochemical composition, pharmacological actions, and the ongoing debates surrounding its use.

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1. Botanical Profile

• Scientific Name: Mitragyna speciosa

• Family: Rubiaceae

• Common Names:

  • Daun Ketum (Malay)

  • Kratom (International)

  • Biak-biak (local Malay)

• Native Region: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia

• Plant Description: Medium to large evergreen tree (up to 20 meters); leaves are oval, glossy, and dark green; flowers are small and round with yellow clusters

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2. Traditional Malay Medicine (TMM) Usage

In traditional Malay ethnomedicine, Daun Ketum was used for:

• Fatigue relief among laborers and rubber tappers

• Pain relief and treatment of body aches

• Stimulant for energy and endurance during long work hours

• Herbal tonic to improve stamina and appetite

• Sometimes used in small doses to treat diarrhea, cough, and fever

Leaves are traditionally chewed fresh, brewed as tea, or crushed and extracted with water.

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3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) View (Theoretical)

Kratom is not officially classified in the Chinese pharmacopeia, but based on its energetic profile, it may be interpreted as:

• Taste: Bitter, slightly astringent

• Nature: Warm

• Meridian Tropism (proposed): Liver, Kidney, Spleen

• Theoretical Functions:

  • Tonifies qi and essence (short-term use)

  • Moves blood and reduces pain

  • Calms shen (mind) in withdrawal or emotional stress

Note: TCM cautions against prolonged use of bitter-warm herbs due to liver and yin damage.

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4. Phytochemical Composition

Class	Key Compounds	Effects
Alkaloids	Mitragynine, 7-Hydroxymitragynine	Analgesic, stimulant, sedative (dose-dependent)
Flavonoids	Quercetin, Isorhamnetin	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Saponins	—	Immune-modulating, antibacterial
Glycosides	—	Mild laxative effect
Polyphenols	Various	Antioxidant

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5. Nutritional & Energetic Profile

Although primarily medicinal, Ketum leaves contain:

• Trace minerals: calcium, potassium, iron

• Tannins: which contribute to its astringent taste

• Calories: minimal when consumed as tea

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6. Medicinal Benefits (Based on Traditional and Modern Use)

6.1 Pain Management

• Mitragynine acts on opioid receptors to reduce chronic pain

• Commonly used to relieve back pain, arthritis, and muscular aches

6.2 Energy & Mood Enhancement

• In small doses, acts as a stimulant improving focus and stamina

• Traditionally used by field workers to combat fatigue

6.3 Opioid Withdrawal Support

• Mimics effects of opioids without respiratory depression

• May ease withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, cramps, and insomnia

6.4 Anti-diarrheal & Antioxidant

• Used to stop diarrhea and intestinal discomfort

• Leaf extracts show moderate antioxidant activity

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7. Dosage and Preparation

Form	Preparation
Chewed Fresh	Leaves chewed directly for stimulant effect
Kratom Tea	1–2 grams of dried leaves boiled in water for 10–15 minutes
Powder/Capsules	Used in modern formulations (not traditional)

⚠️ Dose-dependent effects:

• Low dose (1–5g): stimulant

• Medium (5–15g): pain relief and mild euphoria

• High (>15g): sedative, high risk of dependency and side effects

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8. Safety, Side Effects & Legal Status

8.1 Side Effects (Especially with Regular Use)

• Nausea, constipation, dry mouth

• Dependency and withdrawal syndrome

• Liver toxicity (with prolonged high doses)

• Mental fog, hallucinations (rare but reported)

8.2 Legal Status

• Malaysia: Classified under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952; possession, use, and cultivation without license is illegal

• Thailand & Indonesia: Legalized for controlled medical use

• International: Banned or restricted in several countries (e.g., USA—varies by state)

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9. Controversy & Research Directions

Despite its deep cultural roots, Daun Ketum is subject to intense debate:

• Supporters: Advocate for legalization in controlled doses for chronic pain and opioid recovery

• Opponents: Warn of unregulated abuse, especially among youth and addiction patients

• Research Needs:

  • Long-term safety profile

  • Standardization of alkaloid concentration

  • Clear distinction between therapeutic and abusive use

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10. Conclusion

Daun Ketum represents a complex intersection of traditional healing and modern pharmacological interest. While its potential for managing pain and opioid withdrawal is promising, unregulated use poses serious risks. Culturally, it holds value in Malay traditional medicine, but further research, standardization, and regulation are necessary to balance benefit with harm.

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References -Data Compile by Chat GPT

1. Suhaimi, F. W., Hassan, Z., Mansor, S. M., & Navaratnam, V. (2016). Mitragynine and its analogs: The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of alkaloids from Kratom. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7, 1–9.

2. Ahmad, K., & Aziz, Z. (2012). Mitragyna speciosa use in the northern states of Malaysia: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 141(1), 446–450.

3. Khalil, J., & Abdullah, M. Y. (2019). Kratom: Traditional use, potential harm, and regulatory approaches. Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 26(1), 4–11.

4. Institute for Medical Research Malaysia. (2015). Malaysian Herbal Monograph: Mitragyna speciosa (Ketum).