Kratom at a crossroads: Trends, controversies, and the evidence gap.

Modesto-Lowe, Vania; Sgambato, Deanna; Kaur, Jasleen; Chaplin, Margaret · Cleve Clin J Med · 2026

review · Level V

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Abstract

As kratom products become more widely used in the United States, physicians will be more likely to encounter patients who are using these unregulated and unstudied substances. This focused review addresses questions such as what kratom is, whether it is safe, who is using it (and why), how to treat patients who are using it, and what to tell them.

Medical subject headings