Researchers tested whether kratom, a plant supplement that many people use for health benefits, could help prevent weight gain and affect heart and breathing in mice. They found that kratom slowed down breathing slightly but didn’t dangerously reduce how much air the lungs moved. Interestingly, when given daily for three weeks, kratom actually increased weight gain rather than preventing it. The study suggests that kratom’s effects may depend on the dose used and that more research is needed to understand how it affects metabolism and body weight.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether kratom, a plant-based supplement, could prevent weight gain from eating high-fat foods and how it affects heart rate and breathing
  • Who participated: Male laboratory mice that were either normal weight or made overweight by eating a high-fat diet. The exact number of mice wasn’t specified in the abstract
  • Key finding: Kratom reduced breathing rate by about 15% but didn’t dangerously reduce overall lung function. However, when given daily for 3 weeks, kratom actually increased weight gain by about 1 gram in the final week, rather than preventing it
  • What it means for you: This early-stage animal research suggests kratom may not help with weight management as some people believe. The findings are preliminary and only tested in mice, so humans should not assume these results apply to them. More research is needed before drawing any conclusions about kratom’s safety or effectiveness

The Research Details

Scientists conducted two separate experiments using mice. In the first experiment, they gave mice a single dose of kratom extract or its main active ingredient (mitragynine) and measured how it affected their breathing and heart rate using special equipment that tracks these vital signs. In the second experiment, they gave mice daily doses of kratom for 21 days while they ate a high-fat diet designed to cause weight gain, then measured how much weight they gained and how active they were.

The researchers used different dose amounts to see if higher or lower doses had different effects. They also compared kratom’s effects to a known breathing-slowing medication (alprazolam) to understand how kratom works differently. The mice were observed for their activity levels and behavior changes after the kratom treatment stopped.

This research approach matters because it tests kratom in a controlled setting where scientists can measure exact doses and track specific body functions. Animal studies like this are an important first step before testing anything in humans. By using mice that were made overweight, the researchers could see if kratom works differently in obese versus normal-weight individuals, which is a realistic question since many people use kratom while managing weight issues.

This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. However, the abstract doesn’t specify exactly how many mice were used, which is important information for evaluating the study’s strength. The research used standardized equipment to measure breathing and heart function, which is reliable. The main limitation is that this is animal research, so results may not apply to humans. Additionally, the study only tested male mice, so it’s unclear if female mice would respond differently.

What the Results Show

When mice received a single dose of kratom, their breathing rate decreased by approximately 15% across all doses tested. This is important because it shows kratom does affect breathing, but unlike some dangerous drugs, it didn’t reduce the total amount of air moving through the lungs (minute ventilation), which is what matters for oxygen delivery to the body.

The higher dose of kratom (500 mg/kg) also reduced heart rate by about 12% in normal-weight mice. This suggests kratom may have effects on the heart, though the significance of this change isn’t clear from this study alone.

In the weight gain experiment, the results were surprising and somewhat contradictory to what kratom marketers claim. Mice that received the higher daily dose of kratom (150 mg/kg) for 21 days actually gained more weight than mice receiving a lower dose, gaining approximately 1 extra gram in the final week. This is the opposite of what would be expected if kratom helped prevent weight gain from a high-fat diet.

After the kratom treatment stopped, researchers tested how active the mice were using a maze test. Mice that had received the higher kratom dose showed reduced activity compared to those receiving the lower dose. This behavioral change suggests that kratom may have lingering effects on activity levels even after treatment ends, which could potentially affect metabolism and weight management.

Kratom has been marketed for various health benefits, with some sellers claiming it can aid weight management. This study contradicts those claims, at least in mice. The finding that kratom reduces breathing rate is consistent with what we know about kratom’s main active ingredient (mitragynine) affecting the nervous system. However, the weight gain finding is unexpected and suggests that kratom’s effects on metabolism may be more complex than previously thought. The study indicates that dose matters significantly, as different amounts produced different effects.

This research has several important limitations. First, it was conducted only in mice, and mouse biology doesn’t always match human biology. Second, only male mice were tested, so we don’t know if female mice or humans would respond the same way. Third, the abstract doesn’t specify the exact number of mice used, making it hard to judge how reliable the findings are. Fourth, the study only lasted 21 days, so we don’t know what happens with longer-term kratom use. Finally, this is early-stage research that needs to be repeated and expanded before any conclusions can be drawn about kratom’s effects in humans.

The Bottom Line

Based on this single animal study, no specific recommendations can be made for human use. The research suggests that kratom may not help prevent weight gain from high-fat diets, contrary to some marketing claims. If you’re considering kratom for any health purpose, consult with a healthcare provider first. This research is too preliminary to guide personal health decisions. Confidence level: Very Low (animal study only, needs human research)

People interested in kratom for weight management should pay attention to these findings, as they suggest kratom may not work as advertised. People with heart or breathing concerns should be aware that kratom may affect these functions. Healthcare providers and researchers studying kratom should consider these results when planning future studies. People should NOT change their kratom use based on this single mouse study without consulting a doctor.

This is animal research, so there is no realistic timeline for human benefits. If kratom were to be studied in humans, it would typically take several years of research before any conclusions could be drawn about safety and effectiveness. Anyone using kratom should not expect immediate weight loss or other health benefits based on this research.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user is taking kratom, they could track: daily dose amount (in grams), time of day taken, body weight (weekly), energy levels (1-10 scale daily), and any breathing or heart-related symptoms. This personal tracking could help identify individual patterns, though it won’t replace medical advice
  • Users interested in weight management should focus on proven strategies like balanced nutrition and physical activity rather than relying on kratom. If using kratom for other reasons, users could log their weight weekly and monitor whether their weight changes, while also tracking other factors like diet and exercise to understand what’s actually affecting their weight
  • Long-term tracking should include weekly weight measurements, monthly reviews of energy and activity levels, and noting any changes in breathing or heart function. Users should also track diet and exercise to separate kratom’s effects from other lifestyle factors. Any concerning symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, unusual weight changes) should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. The findings should not be used to make decisions about kratom use in people. Kratom is not regulated by the FDA and its safety and effectiveness in humans are not established. If you are considering using kratom or are currently using it, consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes. This research is preliminary and requires further investigation before any conclusions can be drawn about kratom’s effects on weight, heart health, or breathing in humans. Do not stop or start any medications or supplements based on this animal study without medical guidance.