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The Kratom plant is supposed to have many medical functions and uses. Photo: Unair
KALIMANTAN – Maybe many people have just heard of the Kratom plant. Because it’s not very popular. However, the plant with the scientific language Mitragyna Speciosa Korth has recently been widely discussed because it is included in the narcotics category.
Kratom plants grow widely in the West Kalimantan area, especially in the Kapuas Hulu area. Kratom is known as a traditional medicinal plant by Indonesian people. However, recently this plant was classified as a class I narcotic.
Responding to the polemic about the kratom plant being a new type of drug but still being an export commodity for Indonesia, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Inspector General Marthinus Hukom said to follow existing regulations.
“Yes, I just look at the law, if the law prohibits it, we prohibit it,” said Inspector General Marthinus at the State Palace recently, Tuesday (12/12). Furthermore, the reason this plant is included in class I narcotics is because it has dangerous side effects.
According to the Brawijaya University Journal, the effects are the same as class I narcotics, this is confirmed by laboratory test evidence on the chemical compounds of the Kratom plant.
Therefore, there is a need for updates regarding the regulation of Kratom in the future, taking into account that the Kratom plant can be regulated in law by adding the Mitragyna compound.
On the other hand, Inspector General Marthinus also confirmed that his party would coordinate with the Indonesian Minister of Health (Menkes) Budi Gunadi Sadikin regarding the polemic that occurred in Indonesia.
“Yes, I have to study it first, because I’m not a chemist, I’m not an expert on health. We need to coordinate with the Minister of Health, and what government policies we are following. “And this will also concern human safety and our use of benefits,” said Inspector General Marthinus.
“If there are indeed more benefits, what are the legal considerations, what are the ethical considerations. But if it is more harmful or destructive, why should we do it (export)? “I happen to not yet know the impact of this, later I will consult with the Ministry of Health who understands it better,” he said.
Here are some facts about the kratom plant:
1. Kratom is a plant that originates from Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
2. The kratom plant has the scientific name Mitragyna speciosa.
3. The kratom plant contains alkaloids called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
4. The alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine have stimulant and opioid effects.
5. Kratom has been used traditionally by Southeast Asian peoples for a variety of purposes, including medicinal, ritual, and recreational.
6. Kratom has become popular in the West in recent years as an alternative medicine for a variety of health problems, including pain, depression, and addiction.
7. Kratom is still a controversial plant, due to its potentially dangerous side effects.
Also Read: 7 Herbal Medicines Designated by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage
The following are some of the side effects of kratom that can occur, including:
Addicted
Indigestion
Sleep disorders
Depression
Hallucinations
Withdrawal symptoms
Kratom can also interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a doctor before consuming kratom.
Chindy Aprilia
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