What is kratom used for

On 18 September 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a comprehensive update regarding the status of kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The agency reiterated its long-standing position that kratom is not an FDA-approved drug for any medical condition. Despite this, the report acknowledges a significant rise in consumer use, with individuals increasingly turning to the substance for self-management of chronic pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. The FDA highlighted that while proponents claim kratom provides therapeutic relief, the lack of rigorous clinical trials and standardized manufacturing processes poses substantial safety risks, including potential addiction, liver toxicity, and adverse interactions with other medications. Public health officials emphasized that the botanical product remains unregulated at the federal level, leading to concerns regarding product purity and contamination. The agency continues to advise against the use of kratom until further scientific evidence can definitively establish its safety profile and efficacy for specific health applications, urging consumers to consult healthcare providers for evidence-based pain management alternatives.