The herbal supplement kratom has gained popularity as a potential alternative for pain relief, but experts at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) caution that more research is needed before it can be considered safe and effective. While some compounds in kratom have shown promise in blocking pain more effectively than morphine in animal studies, the lack of rigorous clinical trials and concerns about contamination make it a risky choice for cancer patients.
Dr. Gavril Pasternak, a neurologist and pharmacologist at MSK, is studying kratom’s active components to develop safer painkillers. However, he warns that current kratom products vary widely in potency and composition, making proper dosing difficult. MSK pharmacist K. Simon Yeung advises cancer patients to avoid kratom due to potential salmonella contamination and instead rely on established painkillers under medical supervision.
For more information on kratom research and its potential risks, visit the full article on MSK’s website.
