23 Other Names for Kratom
Below are all of the alternative names for Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) around the world, along with its common street names.
1. Biak
Biak is an Indonesian island on which kratom commonly grows. This term is usually only used in Thailand, where kratom use is more popular and widespread. Biak is a street name for kratom.
2. Biak-Biak
The origin of this name is unknown, but it’s suspected that this name comes from the island it grows on. This term is mostly used in Thailand as a street name for kratom.
3. Cratom
“Cratom” is a misspelling of “kratom” but is popular on certain Indonesian islands.
4. Giam
“Giam” is the Vietnamese word for “kratom.”
5. Gratom
This is another misspelling of “kratom” that persists on the internet and the street. It’s believed to be a regional spelling of “kratom” on certain Indonesian islands.
6. Herbal Speedball
Kratom is a natural herb that provides an intense boost of energy and nootropic effects. As such, it has gained the nickname “herbal speedball,” which is primarily used in the UK.
7. Kadamba
“Kadamba” is a regional name for “kratom” in Indonesia.
8. Kakuam
“Kakuam” is a common street name for kratom used in Thailand.
9. Katawn
The word “katawn” is used to describe kratom on certain islands in Indonesia.
10. Kedemba
“Kedemba” is another word for the psychoactive plant, most commonly used on certain Indonesian islands.
11. Ketum
Kratom is referred to as “ketum” in Malay, the most prominent language spoken in Malaysia. It’s believed that the term “kratom” is an English derivation of “ketum.”
12. Krathom
“Krathom” is a common way to spell kratom in Thailand, where many of the plant’s nicknames have originated.
13. Kraton
This alternative spelling of “kratom” is most commonly used on some islands in Indonesia.
14. Kratum
Another alternative spelling of “kratom,” possibly originating from a phonetic spelling and is used in Indonesia.
15. Madat
“Madat” means “opium” in Indonesian. Kratom interacts with opiate receptors in the human body, which is likely why it garnered this nickname.
16. Maeng Da Leaf
“Maeng Da” is a variety of kratom hailing from Indonesia. This nickname is more of a slang term and doesn’t always refer to Maeng Da kratom, specifically.
17. Mambog
The Mitragyna speciosa tree is also referred to as the Mambog tree in the Philippines.
18. Mitragyna speciosa
Mitragyna speciosa is the botanical name for the plant that most botanists or researchers use to avoid confusion with the many common names.
19. Mitragynine
Kratom’s effects are best attributed to the alkaloids contained within the leaves. Mitragynine is one of the most prominent alkaloids found in most kratom species. Some people simply refer to the plant as the most abundant alkaloid.
20. Nauclea
The nauclea tree is indigenous to Africa and part of the Rubiaceae family. Nauclea speciosa is commonly used as a synonym of Mitragyna speciosa, and both terms refer to kratom.
21. Puri
“Puri” is another regional name for “kratom” used in certain parts of Indonesia.
22. Thang
Thang is a street name for kratom.
23. Thom
“Thom” is another common name for kratom in Thailand. The origin of this nickname is unknown.
Wrapping it Up: Kratom’s Many Names
The above alternative names for kratom can make purchasing the herb somewhat confusing, especially when you consider that kratom strains are commonly named after their origin.
Kratom goes by many names, primarily because it originated in Southeast Asia, where naming conventions differ from island to island. The above glossary should help you identify the herb in all settings.
