AHPA publishes new entry for kratom in the online Botanical Safety Handbook

The safety classification for kratom is on par with kava as public interest in both herbs continues to grow

July 18, 2024

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has published an entry for kratom (Mitragyna speciosa [Korth.] Havil.) in the online Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd ed. The new entry is based on the traditional use of kratom when consumed as fresh leaves or prepared as a tea, and not the highly concentrated kratom extract products also on the market.

As with all Botanical Safety Handbook entries, the kratom entry is based on review of published literature that documents the pharmacological and toxicological profile of this herb, as well as clinical investigations and case reports of adverse effects. The entry also includes information relevant to traditional use of kratom in Southeast Asia where it is indigenous to several countries, such as Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Kratom is classified as not to be used during pregnancy (Safety Class 2b) or while nursing (Safety Class 2c) and as an herb for which clinically relevant interactions are biologically plausible (Interaction Class B). For comparison, the Botanical Safety Handbook safety classifications for kratom are the same as that of kava (Piper methysticum). Other well-known herbs classified as not for use during pregnancy include goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), boswellia (Boswellia serrata), and oshá (Ligusticum porteri). Additionally, as with kratom, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), ginkgo (Gingko biloba), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) are common herbs classified for possible drug and supplement interactions.

“Kratom has a long history of safe traditional use,” said Jane Wilson, AHPA Director of Program Development. “But, as with any botanical, we encourage consumers to take safety information available in the Botanical Safety Handbook and from other reputable sources into consideration when using herbs to support their personal health and wellness.”

AHPA members can obtain an annual individual subscription to the online Botanical Safety Handbook or a hard copy for $95.00, with multi-user rates available for companies needing expanded access. Information about subscriptions and hard copy purchases can be found on the AHPA website.

Subscribers to the online Botanical Safety Handbook can review short descriptions of updated entries in the “Revisions” panel on the online version homepage when they log in. The online Botanical Safety Handbook is undergoing review of existing entries and the addition of new entries to provide the latest safety information before it can be included in the next print edition of the handbook. AHPA will continue to post additional updates to existing entries as well as develop new botanical entries.

AHPA’s Botanical Safety Handbook is an essential tool for anyone who manufactures, recommends, or uses herbal products. The handbook provides safety information on over 500 species of herbs, derived from data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports, and historical texts. All entries are reviewed by an Expert Advisory Council that includes some of the most renowned herbal and integrative medicine experts in the United States.