Mitragyna speciosa / Kratom / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ithang, Kakuam, Krathom and in southern regions of Thailand, Thom.

Description

Kratom is a tree in the Coffee family that is native to Thailand where it has a long history of use. It was mainly used by workers for its stimulant effects but has also been employed for a variety of other purposes.(1) The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Kratom has a rich chemistry and contains more than 25 different alkaloids. Mitragynine, the most abundant one, is structurally related to Yohimbe alkaloids and is more distantly related to tryptamine alkaloids such as psilocybin and Ibogaine. The plant also contains Epicatechin which is a powerful anti-oxidant also found in Cocoa and Green Tea. Botanically Kratom is also related to Cat's Claw. Although Kratom has recently been made illegal in Thailand, Malaysia and several other countries, some people are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into Kratom as a potential prescription substance.

Contents

Mitragynine, Mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-acetoxymitragynine, Paynanthine, Speciogynine, Speciofoline, Ajmalicine, Akuammigine, Corynanthedine, Mitraversine, Rhynchophylline, Speciociliatine, Stipulatine, Epicatechin and others. (2)

Historical

Traditional use of Kratom is usually associated with Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has also been reported. Use of Kratom dates far enough back that its beginnings can't be determined. The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Traditionally users tend to be peasants, laborers, and farmers who use the plant to overcome the burdens of hard work and as a stimulant to help endure long days. (2) Female users are apparently quite rare possibly due to the association of Kratom with labor, while women tend to have more domestic roles. In some parts of the country, it was said that parents would choose to give their daughters in marriage to men who used Kratom rather than men who used Marihuana, in part due to the idea that Kratom users are hard working, while Marihuana users are lazy. (3)
As well as being used as a stimulant it has also been used for medicinal purposes and as an opium substitute. It is interesting to note that it reportedly causes stimulant effects at low dosages and more narcotic analgesic effects at higher doses. (4)

In 1943, the Thai government passed the Kratom Act 2486 that made the planting of the tree illegal and required existing trees to be cut down. This law has not been very successful, because Kratom is an indigenous species. The Thai government also made Kratom illegal and classed it in the same enforcement group as cocaine and heroin.
More recently, scientists and other specialists in the field have opted Kratom's possible use as an aid in opium withdrawal, inspired by its traditional use, or as an active placebo in research. Pennapa Sapcharoen, director of the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, said krathom could be prescribed to addicts and patients suffering depression, but stressed that further research was needed. (3)

However it was recently discovered that 7-hydroxymitragynine is the most likely candidate as the chief agent of Kratom's effects and since most of the previous research was done with the assumption that Mitragynine was the most active chemical, many of the previous conclusions on Kratom may have to be revised. (2)

Health Warnings

Side effects from long term use include anorexia and weight loss, insomnia, and a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheeks, giving an appearance similar to a hepatic face. Among addicts, 30% report limited sexual desire and the need to use a combination of Kratom and alcohol to become sexually stimulated. One study found 5 people who had psychotic conditions which may or may not have been revealed by very heavy Kratom use. Addiction seems to be a possibility if high doses are used. Some withdrawal symptoms reported by addicts include hostility, aggression, wet nose, inability to work, flow of tears, muscle and bone aches, and jerky limb movement.

Plant Description

Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It usually grows to a height of around 15 feet though in some cases can reach up to 50 feet depending on species and location. The plant has a branch width of over 15 feet. The leaves are smooth, ovate-acuminate, opposite and dark green in color, and can grow to more than 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. During the dry part of the year leaf is more abundant and there is more new growth during the rainy season. (1)(2)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Iceland
• Romania
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Thailand
• Finland

References

(1) Kratom, Wikipedia
(2) Kratom, Murple.net
(3) Role Seen For Traditional Herbal Stimulant, Ploenpote Atthakor Bangkok Post, 27 November 1999
(4) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Microgram Bulletin, Vol XXXIX

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

7-acetoxymitragynine
7-hydroxymitragynine
Epicatechin
Erowid Kratom Vault
Mitragynine
Mitraphylline

Related Products

Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile (Nymphaea caerulea)

Mitragyna speciosa / Kratom / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ithang, Kakuam, Krathom and in southern regions of Thailand, Thom.

Description

Kratom is a tree in the Coffee family that is native to Thailand where it has a long history of use. It was mainly used by workers for its stimulant effects but has also been employed for a variety of other purposes.(1) The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Kratom has a rich chemistry and contains more than 25 different alkaloids. Mitragynine, the most abundant one, is structurally related to Yohimbe alkaloids and is more distantly related to tryptamine alkaloids such as psilocybin and Ibogaine. The plant also contains Epicatechin which is a powerful anti-oxidant also found in Cocoa and Green Tea. Botanically Kratom is also related to Cat's Claw. Although Kratom has recently been made illegal in Thailand, Malaysia and several other countries, some people are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into Kratom as a potential prescription substance.

Contents

Mitragynine, Mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-acetoxymitragynine, Paynanthine, Speciogynine, Speciofoline, Ajmalicine, Akuammigine, Corynanthedine, Mitraversine, Rhynchophylline, Speciociliatine, Stipulatine, Epicatechin and others. (2)

Historical

Traditional use of Kratom is usually associated with Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has also been reported. Use of Kratom dates far enough back that its beginnings can't be determined. The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Traditionally users tend to be peasants, laborers, and farmers who use the plant to overcome the burdens of hard work and as a stimulant to help endure long days. (2) Female users are apparently quite rare possibly due to the association of Kratom with labor, while women tend to have more domestic roles. In some parts of the country, it was said that parents would choose to give their daughters in marriage to men who used Kratom rather than men who used Marihuana, in part due to the idea that Kratom users are hard working, while Marihuana users are lazy. (3)
As well as being used as a stimulant it has also been used for medicinal purposes and as an opium substitute. It is interesting to note that it reportedly causes stimulant effects at low dosages and more narcotic analgesic effects at higher doses. (4)

In 1943, the Thai government passed the Kratom Act 2486 that made the planting of the tree illegal and required existing trees to be cut down. This law has not been very successful, because Kratom is an indigenous species. The Thai government also made Kratom illegal and classed it in the same enforcement group as cocaine and heroin.
More recently, scientists and other specialists in the field have opted Kratom's possible use as an aid in opium withdrawal, inspired by its traditional use, or as an active placebo in research. Pennapa Sapcharoen, director of the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, said krathom could be prescribed to addicts and patients suffering depression, but stressed that further research was needed. (3)

However it was recently discovered that 7-hydroxymitragynine is the most likely candidate as the chief agent of Kratom's effects and since most of the previous research was done with the assumption that Mitragynine was the most active chemical, many of the previous conclusions on Kratom may have to be revised. (2)

Health Warnings

Side effects from long term use include anorexia and weight loss, insomnia, and a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheeks, giving an appearance similar to a hepatic face. Among addicts, 30% report limited sexual desire and the need to use a combination of Kratom and alcohol to become sexually stimulated. One study found 5 people who had psychotic conditions which may or may not have been revealed by very heavy Kratom use. Addiction seems to be a possibility if high doses are used. Some withdrawal symptoms reported by addicts include hostility, aggression, wet nose, inability to work, flow of tears, muscle and bone aches, and jerky limb movement.

Plant Description

Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It usually grows to a height of around 15 feet though in some cases can reach up to 50 feet depending on species and location. The plant has a branch width of over 15 feet. The leaves are smooth, ovate-acuminate, opposite and dark green in color, and can grow to more than 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. During the dry part of the year leaf is more abundant and there is more new growth during the rainy season. (1)(2)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Iceland
• Romania
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Thailand
• Finland

References

(1) Kratom, Wikipedia
(2) Kratom, Murple.net
(3) Role Seen For Traditional Herbal Stimulant, Ploenpote Atthakor Bangkok Post, 27 November 1999
(4) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Microgram Bulletin, Vol XXXIX

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

7-acetoxymitragynine
7-hydroxymitragynine
Epicatechin
Erowid Kratom Vault
Mitragynine
Mitraphylline

Related Products

Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile (Nymphaea caerulea)

Mitragyna speciosa / Kratom / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ithang, Kakuam, Krathom and in southern regions of Thailand, Thom.

Description

Kratom is a tree in the Coffee family that is native to Thailand where it has a long history of use. It was mainly used by workers for its stimulant effects but has also been employed for a variety of other purposes.(1) The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Kratom has a rich chemistry and contains more than 25 different alkaloids. Mitragynine, the most abundant one, is structurally related to Yohimbe alkaloids and is more distantly related to tryptamine alkaloids such as psilocybin and Ibogaine. The plant also contains Epicatechin which is a powerful anti-oxidant also found in Cocoa and Green Tea. Botanically Kratom is also related to Cat's Claw. Although Kratom has recently been made illegal in Thailand, Malaysia and several other countries, some people are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into Kratom as a potential prescription substance.

Contents

Mitragynine, Mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-acetoxymitragynine, Paynanthine, Speciogynine, Speciofoline, Ajmalicine, Akuammigine, Corynanthedine, Mitraversine, Rhynchophylline, Speciociliatine, Stipulatine, Epicatechin and others. (2)

Historical

Traditional use of Kratom is usually associated with Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has also been reported. Use of Kratom dates far enough back that its beginnings can't be determined. The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Traditionally users tend to be peasants, laborers, and farmers who use the plant to overcome the burdens of hard work and as a stimulant to help endure long days. (2) Female users are apparently quite rare possibly due to the association of Kratom with labor, while women tend to have more domestic roles. In some parts of the country, it was said that parents would choose to give their daughters in marriage to men who used Kratom rather than men who used Marihuana, in part due to the idea that Kratom users are hard working, while Marihuana users are lazy. (3)
As well as being used as a stimulant it has also been used for medicinal purposes and as an opium substitute. It is interesting to note that it reportedly causes stimulant effects at low dosages and more narcotic analgesic effects at higher doses. (4)

In 1943, the Thai government passed the Kratom Act 2486 that made the planting of the tree illegal and required existing trees to be cut down. This law has not been very successful, because Kratom is an indigenous species. The Thai government also made Kratom illegal and classed it in the same enforcement group as cocaine and heroin.
More recently, scientists and other specialists in the field have opted Kratom's possible use as an aid in opium withdrawal, inspired by its traditional use, or as an active placebo in research. Pennapa Sapcharoen, director of the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, said krathom could be prescribed to addicts and patients suffering depression, but stressed that further research was needed. (3)

However it was recently discovered that 7-hydroxymitragynine is the most likely candidate as the chief agent of Kratom's effects and since most of the previous research was done with the assumption that Mitragynine was the most active chemical, many of the previous conclusions on Kratom may have to be revised. (2)

Health Warnings

Side effects from long term use include anorexia and weight loss, insomnia, and a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheeks, giving an appearance similar to a hepatic face. Among addicts, 30% report limited sexual desire and the need to use a combination of Kratom and alcohol to become sexually stimulated. One study found 5 people who had psychotic conditions which may or may not have been revealed by very heavy Kratom use. Addiction seems to be a possibility if high doses are used. Some withdrawal symptoms reported by addicts include hostility, aggression, wet nose, inability to work, flow of tears, muscle and bone aches, and jerky limb movement.

Plant Description

Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It usually grows to a height of around 15 feet though in some cases can reach up to 50 feet depending on species and location. The plant has a branch width of over 15 feet. The leaves are smooth, ovate-acuminate, opposite and dark green in color, and can grow to more than 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. During the dry part of the year leaf is more abundant and there is more new growth during the rainy season. (1)(2)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Iceland
• Romania
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Thailand
• Finland

References

(1) Kratom, Wikipedia
(2) Kratom, Murple.net
(3) Role Seen For Traditional Herbal Stimulant, Ploenpote Atthakor Bangkok Post, 27 November 1999
(4) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Microgram Bulletin, Vol XXXIX

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

7-acetoxymitragynine
7-hydroxymitragynine
Epicatechin
Erowid Kratom Vault
Mitragynine
Mitraphylline

Related Products

Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile (Nymphaea caerulea)

Mitragyna speciosa / Kratom / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ithang, Kakuam, Krathom and in southern regions of Thailand, Thom.

Description

Kratom is a tree in the Coffee family that is native to Thailand where it has a long history of use. It was mainly used by workers for its stimulant effects but has also been employed for a variety of other purposes.(1) The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Kratom has a rich chemistry and contains more than 25 different alkaloids. Mitragynine, the most abundant one, is structurally related to Yohimbe alkaloids and is more distantly related to tryptamine alkaloids such as psilocybin and Ibogaine. The plant also contains Epicatechin which is a powerful anti-oxidant also found in Cocoa and Green Tea. Botanically Kratom is also related to Cat's Claw. Although Kratom has recently been made illegal in Thailand, Malaysia and several other countries, some people are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into Kratom as a potential prescription substance.

Contents

Mitragynine, Mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-acetoxymitragynine, Paynanthine, Speciogynine, Speciofoline, Ajmalicine, Akuammigine, Corynanthedine, Mitraversine, Rhynchophylline, Speciociliatine, Stipulatine, Epicatechin and others. (2)

Historical

Traditional use of Kratom is usually associated with Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has also been reported. Use of Kratom dates far enough back that its beginnings can't be determined. The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Traditionally users tend to be peasants, laborers, and farmers who use the plant to overcome the burdens of hard work and as a stimulant to help endure long days. (2) Female users are apparently quite rare possibly due to the association of Kratom with labor, while women tend to have more domestic roles. In some parts of the country, it was said that parents would choose to give their daughters in marriage to men who used Kratom rather than men who used Marihuana, in part due to the idea that Kratom users are hard working, while Marihuana users are lazy. (3)
As well as being used as a stimulant it has also been used for medicinal purposes and as an opium substitute. It is interesting to note that it reportedly causes stimulant effects at low dosages and more narcotic analgesic effects at higher doses. (4)

In 1943, the Thai government passed the Kratom Act 2486 that made the planting of the tree illegal and required existing trees to be cut down. This law has not been very successful, because Kratom is an indigenous species. The Thai government also made Kratom illegal and classed it in the same enforcement group as cocaine and heroin.
More recently, scientists and other specialists in the field have opted Kratom's possible use as an aid in opium withdrawal, inspired by its traditional use, or as an active placebo in research. Pennapa Sapcharoen, director of the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, said krathom could be prescribed to addicts and patients suffering depression, but stressed that further research was needed. (3)

However it was recently discovered that 7-hydroxymitragynine is the most likely candidate as the chief agent of Kratom's effects and since most of the previous research was done with the assumption that Mitragynine was the most active chemical, many of the previous conclusions on Kratom may have to be revised. (2)

Health Warnings

Side effects from long term use include anorexia and weight loss, insomnia, and a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheeks, giving an appearance similar to a hepatic face. Among addicts, 30% report limited sexual desire and the need to use a combination of Kratom and alcohol to become sexually stimulated. One study found 5 people who had psychotic conditions which may or may not have been revealed by very heavy Kratom use. Addiction seems to be a possibility if high doses are used. Some withdrawal symptoms reported by addicts include hostility, aggression, wet nose, inability to work, flow of tears, muscle and bone aches, and jerky limb movement.

Plant Description

Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It usually grows to a height of around 15 feet though in some cases can reach up to 50 feet depending on species and location. The plant has a branch width of over 15 feet. The leaves are smooth, ovate-acuminate, opposite and dark green in color, and can grow to more than 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. During the dry part of the year leaf is more abundant and there is more new growth during the rainy season. (1)(2)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Iceland
• Romania
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Thailand
• Finland

References

(1) Kratom, Wikipedia
(2) Kratom, Murple.net
(3) Role Seen For Traditional Herbal Stimulant, Ploenpote Atthakor Bangkok Post, 27 November 1999
(4) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Microgram Bulletin, Vol XXXIX

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

7-acetoxymitragynine
7-hydroxymitragynine
Epicatechin
Erowid Kratom Vault
Mitragynine
Mitraphylline

Related Products

Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile (Nymphaea caerulea)

Mitragyna speciosa / Kratom / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ithang, Kakuam, Krathom and in southern regions of Thailand, Thom.

Description

Kratom is a tree in the Coffee family that is native to Thailand where it has a long history of use. It was mainly used by workers for its stimulant effects but has also been employed for a variety of other purposes.(1) The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Kratom has a rich chemistry and contains more than 25 different alkaloids. Mitragynine, the most abundant one, is structurally related to Yohimbe alkaloids and is more distantly related to tryptamine alkaloids such as psilocybin and Ibogaine. The plant also contains Epicatechin which is a powerful anti-oxidant also found in Cocoa and Green Tea. Botanically Kratom is also related to Cat's Claw. Although Kratom has recently been made illegal in Thailand, Malaysia and several other countries, some people are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into Kratom as a potential prescription substance.

Contents

Mitragynine, Mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-acetoxymitragynine, Paynanthine, Speciogynine, Speciofoline, Ajmalicine, Akuammigine, Corynanthedine, Mitraversine, Rhynchophylline, Speciociliatine, Stipulatine, Epicatechin and others. (2)

Historical

Traditional use of Kratom is usually associated with Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has also been reported. Use of Kratom dates far enough back that its beginnings can't be determined. The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Traditionally users tend to be peasants, laborers, and farmers who use the plant to overcome the burdens of hard work and as a stimulant to help endure long days. (2) Female users are apparently quite rare possibly due to the association of Kratom with labor, while women tend to have more domestic roles. In some parts of the country, it was said that parents would choose to give their daughters in marriage to men who used Kratom rather than men who used Marihuana, in part due to the idea that Kratom users are hard working, while Marihuana users are lazy. (3)
As well as being used as a stimulant it has also been used for medicinal purposes and as an opium substitute. It is interesting to note that it reportedly causes stimulant effects at low dosages and more narcotic analgesic effects at higher doses. (4)

In 1943, the Thai government passed the Kratom Act 2486 that made the planting of the tree illegal and required existing trees to be cut down. This law has not been very successful, because Kratom is an indigenous species. The Thai government also made Kratom illegal and classed it in the same enforcement group as cocaine and heroin.
More recently, scientists and other specialists in the field have opted Kratom's possible use as an aid in opium withdrawal, inspired by its traditional use, or as an active placebo in research. Pennapa Sapcharoen, director of the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, said krathom could be prescribed to addicts and patients suffering depression, but stressed that further research was needed. (3)

However it was recently discovered that 7-hydroxymitragynine is the most likely candidate as the chief agent of Kratom's effects and since most of the previous research was done with the assumption that Mitragynine was the most active chemical, many of the previous conclusions on Kratom may have to be revised. (2)

Health Warnings

Side effects from long term use include anorexia and weight loss, insomnia, and a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheeks, giving an appearance similar to a hepatic face. Among addicts, 30% report limited sexual desire and the need to use a combination of Kratom and alcohol to become sexually stimulated. One study found 5 people who had psychotic conditions which may or may not have been revealed by very heavy Kratom use. Addiction seems to be a possibility if high doses are used. Some withdrawal symptoms reported by addicts include hostility, aggression, wet nose, inability to work, flow of tears, muscle and bone aches, and jerky limb movement.

Plant Description

Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It usually grows to a height of around 15 feet though in some cases can reach up to 50 feet depending on species and location. The plant has a branch width of over 15 feet. The leaves are smooth, ovate-acuminate, opposite and dark green in color, and can grow to more than 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. During the dry part of the year leaf is more abundant and there is more new growth during the rainy season. (1)(2)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Iceland
• Romania
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Thailand
• Finland

References

(1) Kratom, Wikipedia
(2) Kratom, Murple.net
(3) Role Seen For Traditional Herbal Stimulant, Ploenpote Atthakor Bangkok Post, 27 November 1999
(4) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Microgram Bulletin, Vol XXXIX

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

7-acetoxymitragynine
7-hydroxymitragynine
Epicatechin
Erowid Kratom Vault
Mitragynine
Mitraphylline

Related Products

Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile (Nymphaea caerulea)

Mitragyna speciosa / Kratom / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ithang, Kakuam, Krathom and in southern regions of Thailand, Thom.

Description

Kratom is a tree in the Coffee family that is native to Thailand where it has a long history of use. It was mainly used by workers for its stimulant effects but has also been employed for a variety of other purposes.(1) The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Kratom has a rich chemistry and contains more than 25 different alkaloids. Mitragynine, the most abundant one, is structurally related to Yohimbe alkaloids and is more distantly related to tryptamine alkaloids such as psilocybin and Ibogaine. The plant also contains Epicatechin which is a powerful anti-oxidant also found in Cocoa and Green Tea. Botanically Kratom is also related to Cat's Claw. Although Kratom has recently been made illegal in Thailand, Malaysia and several other countries, some people are lobbying their governments to allow medical research into Kratom as a potential prescription substance.

Contents

Mitragynine, Mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-acetoxymitragynine, Paynanthine, Speciogynine, Speciofoline, Ajmalicine, Akuammigine, Corynanthedine, Mitraversine, Rhynchophylline, Speciociliatine, Stipulatine, Epicatechin and others. (2)

Historical

Traditional use of Kratom is usually associated with Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has also been reported. Use of Kratom dates far enough back that its beginnings can't be determined. The genus was first recorded and named by the Dutch Botanist Pieter Willem Korthals who gave it its name because the stamen of the species he first discovered resembled a bishop's miter. Traditionally users tend to be peasants, laborers, and farmers who use the plant to overcome the burdens of hard work and as a stimulant to help endure long days. (2) Female users are apparently quite rare possibly due to the association of Kratom with labor, while women tend to have more domestic roles. In some parts of the country, it was said that parents would choose to give their daughters in marriage to men who used Kratom rather than men who used Marihuana, in part due to the idea that Kratom users are hard working, while Marihuana users are lazy. (3)
As well as being used as a stimulant it has also been used for medicinal purposes and as an opium substitute. It is interesting to note that it reportedly causes stimulant effects at low dosages and more narcotic analgesic effects at higher doses. (4)

In 1943, the Thai government passed the Kratom Act 2486 that made the planting of the tree illegal and required existing trees to be cut down. This law has not been very successful, because Kratom is an indigenous species. The Thai government also made Kratom illegal and classed it in the same enforcement group as cocaine and heroin.
More recently, scientists and other specialists in the field have opted Kratom's possible use as an aid in opium withdrawal, inspired by its traditional use, or as an active placebo in research. Pennapa Sapcharoen, director of the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, said krathom could be prescribed to addicts and patients suffering depression, but stressed that further research was needed. (3)

However it was recently discovered that 7-hydroxymitragynine is the most likely candidate as the chief agent of Kratom's effects and since most of the previous research was done with the assumption that Mitragynine was the most active chemical, many of the previous conclusions on Kratom may have to be revised. (2)

Health Warnings

Side effects from long term use include anorexia and weight loss, insomnia, and a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheeks, giving an appearance similar to a hepatic face. Among addicts, 30% report limited sexual desire and the need to use a combination of Kratom and alcohol to become sexually stimulated. One study found 5 people who had psychotic conditions which may or may not have been revealed by very heavy Kratom use. Addiction seems to be a possibility if high doses are used. Some withdrawal symptoms reported by addicts include hostility, aggression, wet nose, inability to work, flow of tears, muscle and bone aches, and jerky limb movement.

Plant Description

Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It usually grows to a height of around 15 feet though in some cases can reach up to 50 feet depending on species and location. The plant has a branch width of over 15 feet. The leaves are smooth, ovate-acuminate, opposite and dark green in color, and can grow to more than 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters. During the dry part of the year leaf is more abundant and there is more new growth during the rainy season. (1)(2)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Iceland
• Romania
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Thailand
• Finland

References

(1) Kratom, Wikipedia
(2) Kratom, Murple.net
(3) Role Seen For Traditional Herbal Stimulant, Ploenpote Atthakor Bangkok Post, 27 November 1999
(4) Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Microgram Bulletin, Vol XXXIX

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

7-acetoxymitragynine
7-hydroxymitragynine
Epicatechin
Erowid Kratom Vault
Mitragynine
Mitraphylline

Related Products

Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile (Nymphaea caerulea)

Tagetes lucida / Mexican Tarragon / Compositae (Sunflower family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Mexican Tarragon, Texas Tarragon, Pericon, Sweet Mace, Mexican Mint Marigold, Sweet Marigold, Sweetscented Marigold, Tzitziqui, Winter Tarragon. "Lucida" means: "shining" or "clear".

Description

As a native Marigold of Mexico and Guatemala, T. lucida is well known by the locals as a substitute for Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), and as such is used in teas, vinegars and dishes. The Zapotecs use Tagetes as a primary herb in purification rituals. The plant is popular with the Tarahumara Indians of Chihuahua and is used by the modern Huichol Indians in their religious Peyote rituals. Smoked, the plant is said to enhance closed-eye visions. The botanical genus name Tagetes is in reference to a Roman deity, Tages which, probably, was originally an Etruscan god of prophecy. The species name lucidus means "bright", or "light". In Mexico, it is traditionally used as a tea but also as a flavoring for soups, sauces, chicken dishes, etc. and harsh Turkish tobaccos. A strong Tagetes Lucida tea is said to produce similar but milder effects than those of Peyote and has been used since pre-Hispanic times with many of its properties ascribed to this plant, known as Yauhtli in the Nahuatl language. The leaves were an important flavouring of "Chocolatl", the foaming Cocoa-based drink of the Aztec.

Scent

Bruised leaves have and intoxicating, sweet Licorice, and Tarragon-like smell with overtones of Anise, with a hint of floral. Tagetes lucida is amongst the most sweetly-scented of all flowers.

Aromatic Properties

Tagetes lucida offers a new dimension of relaxation to aromatherapy. The aroma clears thinking, relieves tension, aids emotional control. The dried plant can also be burnt as an incense and used to repel insects.

Contents

Tagetes species contain a number of bioactive compounds; notably flavonoids. Flavonoids constitute a large group of natural compounds, with an array of pharmacological activities. Notably, we find patuletin. We also find quercetagetin, and a related compound, quercetagritin. In addition to the abovementioned compounds, the genus Tagetes is rich in thiophenes, carotenoids and xanthophylls, as well as smaller levels of terpenes, ketones and other types of active chemicals. T. Lucida contains small amounts of methyl eugenol and anethole.

Historical

Bernal Diaz, one of the Conquistadors sent by Spain to explore middle America, recorded in his diary the Conquistadors astonishment at the gardens of the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, "with their many varieties of flowers and sweet-scented trees... his gardens were a wonderful sight." But plants were not merely used for decorative purposes as Diaz later notes; Montezuma kept a place within the palace gardens for "the medicinal and useful herbs". The Aztecs had developed a highly sophisticated system of medicine, in which these medicinal and useful herbs played a vital part. We know this because, in the wake of the Conquistadors, scholars travelled to the Americas to record the knowledge of the indigenous people in the form of codices and other documents. We can also see traces of traditional uses of herbs in the contemporary use of medicinal plants by Mexican communities.
In Sahagún’s description of the use of Tagetes Lucida: "it is an ejector of humors, it is a medicine... one who has chills drinks an infusion of it. It is rubbed in the hands with water. And with it there is incensing, and there is washing." It is worth mentioning that powdered Tagetes Lucida was also administered to certain sacrificial victims, with the dual intention of inducing both anaesthetic and hallucinogenic effects.
When Tagetes Lucida was administered to sacrificial victims, it was as a powder of dried herb, which would be blown into the face of the intended victim. It is not especially likely that this is an effective way of administering the drug. There are manyfold properties to Tagetes Lucida and Erecta, that, although commonplace to us, they actually held a central place in the Aztec world, being both sacred herbs of Tlaloc, and enormously important medicines.
Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil and the growing plant also has a repellent effect on various insect pests. A yellow dye can be obtained from the flowers, which was also known in Cherokee herbal knowledge as well as the medicinal qualities.
It is used in the kitchen as a condiment and tea. Leaves are dried and ground into a powder then used as a Tarragon substitute for flavouring soups, sauces etc. They have an Anise-like flavour. The petals are used as a condiment.

Plant Description

Tagetes Lucida or Mexican tarragon is an attractive landscape ornamental, a beautiful, bright green perennial herb. Mexican tarragon is originally from Guatemala and the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is a half-hardy semi-woody sub-shrub that grows 50-100cm tall. The plant is bushy with many smooth, upright, unbranched stems. The leaves are linear to oblong, about 7cm long, and shiny medium green, not blue-green as in real French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus). In late summer Mexican tarragon bears clusters of small yellow flower heads on the ends of the stems. The flower heads are about a half inch across and have 3-5 golden-yellow ray florets. They continue to bloom late into autumn.

References

(1) The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Lucid Dreaming
Tagetes lucida - Aztec Medicine by Francisco Guerra
Tagetes lucida - Aztecs: Yauhtli and Cempoalxochitl.
Tagetes lucida - Floridata

Petivera alliacea / Mucura / Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Anamu (Dominican Republic), Apacin (Guatemala), Feuilles Ave, Herbe Aux Poules, Mucura (Peru), Petivere A Odeur Ail.

Other Common Names:

Apacin, Apacina, Apazote De Zorro, Aposin, Ave, Aveterinaryte, Calauchin, Chasser Vermine, Congo Root, Douvant-douvant, Emeruaiuma, Garlic Guinea Henweed, Guine', Guine, Guinea, Guinea hen leaf, Gully Root,Herbe Aux Poules, Hierba De Las Gallinitas, Huevo De Gato, Kojo Root, Kuan, Kudjuruk, Lemtewei, Lemuru, Mal Pouri, Mapurit, Mapurite, Mucura-caa, Mucuracaa, Ocano, Payche, Pipi, Tipi, Verbena Hedionda, Verveine Puante, Zorrillo.

Description

Anuma or Mucura, Petiveria alliacea, grows in tropical areas in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa. It has dark green leathery leaves. The plant has a long history of use in medicine and magic. In the Amazon, the plant is used for cleansing baths. The plant also serves for ritual cleansing against witchcraft, for example in Ayahuasca ceremonies. Throughout Latin America, the plant is used internally for a variety of illnesses.

Scent

It is sometimes called "garlic weed," as the plant, and especially the roots, have a strong garlic odor.

Contents

P. alliacea contains several biologically active compounds. The quantity of compounds varies in the plant parts. Primary compounds in the essential oil of the roots include: benzaldehyde, dibenzyl disulfide, dibenzyl trisulfide, and cis- and trans-stilbene. Other compounds in P. alliacea are benzoic acid (root), benzyl-2-hydroxyethyl-trisulfide (leaf), coumarin (root), isoarborinol, isoarborinol acetate, isoarborinol cinnamate, isothiocyanates (seed), polyphenols (leaf), senfol (leaf), tannins (leaf), trithiolaniacine (root). (3)

Historical

Petiveria alliacea has been widely used to treat an astounding range of medical conditions both in humans and in animals. Anamu has a long history in herbal medicine in all of the tropical countries where it grows. In the Amazon rainforest, anamu is used as part of an herbal bath against witchcraft by the Indians and local jungle herbal healers called curanderos. The Ka'apor Indians call it mikur-ka'a (which means opossum herb) and use it for both medicine and magic. Usually root or leaf infusion is used. Other indigenous Indian groups beat the leaves into a paste and use it externally. This same jungle remedy is also used as an insecticide. In the Dominican Republic, the roots of Petiveria alliacea are used in treatments in livestock and as an insect repellent. (1)(2)(3)

Plant Description

Petiveria alliacea is a deeply rooted herbacious perennial shrub growing in tropical areas of Africa, South and Central America and the Caribbean. It grows up to 1 metre in height and has small greenish piccate flowers. The roots and leaves have a strong acrid, garlic-like odour which taints the milk and meat of animals that graze on it. (1)

References

(1) Petiveria alliacea, Wikipedia
(2) Anamu, Raintree Plant Database
(3) Treating Livestock with Medicinal Plants: Beneficial or Toxic? - Petiveria alliacea, Cornell University

Petivera alliacea / Mucura / Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Anamu (Dominican Republic), Apacin (Guatemala), Feuilles Ave, Herbe Aux Poules, Mucura (Peru), Petivere A Odeur Ail.

Other Common Names:

Apacin, Apacina, Apazote De Zorro, Aposin, Ave, Aveterinaryte, Calauchin, Chasser Vermine, Congo Root, Douvant-douvant, Emeruaiuma, Garlic Guinea Henweed, Guine', Guine, Guinea, Guinea hen leaf, Gully Root,Herbe Aux Poules, Hierba De Las Gallinitas, Huevo De Gato, Kojo Root, Kuan, Kudjuruk, Lemtewei, Lemuru, Mal Pouri, Mapurit, Mapurite, Mucura-caa, Mucuracaa, Ocano, Payche, Pipi, Tipi, Verbena Hedionda, Verveine Puante, Zorrillo.

Description

Anuma or Mucura, Petiveria alliacea, grows in tropical areas in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa. It has dark green leathery leaves. The plant has a long history of use in medicine and magic. In the Amazon, the plant is used for cleansing baths. The plant also serves for ritual cleansing against witchcraft, for example in Ayahuasca ceremonies. Throughout Latin America, the plant is used internally for a variety of illnesses.

Scent

It is sometimes called "garlic weed," as the plant, and especially the roots, have a strong garlic odor.

Contents

P. alliacea contains several biologically active compounds. The quantity of compounds varies in the plant parts. Primary compounds in the essential oil of the roots include: benzaldehyde, dibenzyl disulfide, dibenzyl trisulfide, and cis- and trans-stilbene. Other compounds in P. alliacea are benzoic acid (root), benzyl-2-hydroxyethyl-trisulfide (leaf), coumarin (root), isoarborinol, isoarborinol acetate, isoarborinol cinnamate, isothiocyanates (seed), polyphenols (leaf), senfol (leaf), tannins (leaf), trithiolaniacine (root). (3)

Historical

Petiveria alliacea has been widely used to treat an astounding range of medical conditions both in humans and in animals. Anamu has a long history in herbal medicine in all of the tropical countries where it grows. In the Amazon rainforest, anamu is used as part of an herbal bath against witchcraft by the Indians and local jungle herbal healers called curanderos. The Ka'apor Indians call it mikur-ka'a (which means opossum herb) and use it for both medicine and magic. Usually root or leaf infusion is used. Other indigenous Indian groups beat the leaves into a paste and use it externally. This same jungle remedy is also used as an insecticide. In the Dominican Republic, the roots of Petiveria alliacea are used in treatments in livestock and as an insect repellent. (1)(2)(3)

Plant Description

Petiveria alliacea is a deeply rooted herbacious perennial shrub growing in tropical areas of Africa, South and Central America and the Caribbean. It grows up to 1 metre in height and has small greenish piccate flowers. The roots and leaves have a strong acrid, garlic-like odour which taints the milk and meat of animals that graze on it. (1)

References

(1) Petiveria alliacea, Wikipedia
(2) Anamu, Raintree Plant Database
(3) Treating Livestock with Medicinal Plants: Beneficial or Toxic? - Petiveria alliacea, Cornell University