The Department of Medical Sciences has warned against overconsumption of kratom-infused beverages, saying the drink may contain a higher level of mitragynine than the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recommendation.
The department started to collect samples of kratom-mixed beverages for safety testing from various regions in March. All 52 samples were found to contain a high level of mitragynine, from 22 to 352.6 milligrammes per litre, or 109.5 milligrammes per litre on average.
The level is above the FDA's recommended amount for daily consumption, which is 0.2 milligrammes per day.
Dr Yongyot Thammawut, the department's chief, said mitragynine is an indole-based alkaloid commonly found in kratom plants. Mitragynine is said to stimulate the nervous system, reduce pain and boost energy. It also has an anti-inflammation property and helps reduce stress, advocates say.
People can also become intoxicated just by consuming kratom, experts warn. The substance can also become addictive if taken in large volumes for an extended period. It is possible to overdose on kratom, which can pose a threat to people's health.
Dr Yongyot said people must be careful when mixing other materials with kratom, even though there are few, if any, legitimate studies regarding its toxicity. In 2021, kratom was revoked from the list of narcotics, allowing people to grow the plant for therapeutic purposes. However, it cannot be mixed with other drugs that affect the way the brain functions.