Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil.

DeFilipps, Robert A. & Krupnick, Gary A., 2018, The medicinal plants of Myanmar, PhytoKeys 102, pp. 1-341 : 149

Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil.

Names.

Myanmar: bein-sa. English: kratom.

Range.

Native to Southeast Asia. In Myanmar, found in Chin and Taninthayi.

Use.

Leaf: used to induce stupor.

Notes.

In Thailand chewed leaves are reputed to act as a stimulant to help person endure fatigue and long-lasting periods without food. It is also used as an opium substitute, "but is habit-forming" ( Perry 1980). On the Malay Peninsula, in addition to chewing the leaves or drinking an infusion, the residue is dehydrated and smoked; all have the same effect ( Perry 1980). The leaves, heated with those of Morinda citrifolia , Blumea balsamifera , and Oroxylum indicum , are applied hot to an enlarged spleen; pounded leaves are used as a poultice for wounds or to expel worms from children ( Perry 1980).

Reported chemical constituents include mitragynine and mitraphylline; the former is said to be a local anesthetic ( Perry 1980).

Reference.

Perry (1980).