Does Kratom Interact With Orange Juice?
Kratom doesn’t significantly interact with orange juice. However, mild potentiation may occur, leading to a slightly higher risk of side effects.
How does this potentiation occur?
Well, most of the drugs and supplements we take are metabolized in the liver by a group of enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 (CYP450).
Kratom requires two specific enzymes for its metabolism —CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 [1]. Although drinking orange juice does not affect the activity of CYP2D6, it does have an inhibitory effect on CYP3A4 [2].
In other words, this combination will slightly slow down kratom’s metabolism, making it stay longer in the body and increasing the duration and potency of its effects.
Nevertheless, this interaction is considered mild and probably won’t cause any severe side effects.
Some other citrus fruits do present a more significant problem, though, especially grapefruit juice [3].
Is It Safe to Take Kratom With Orange Juice?
It’s generally regarded as safe to take kratom with orange juice. Orange juice is the most common beverage people use to mask the taste of kratom.
Unlike grapefruit juice, your morning glass of OJ doesn’t have much of an impact on kratom.
Orange juice has high amounts of antioxidants and vitamins and a strong citrus flavor. It can also extract and dissolve more alkaloids than most beverages. This allows it to be a nearly perfect mask for the off-putting taste of kratom powder.
Be aware that anything that potentiates kratom carries some risks.
Orange juice may be one of the lowest-risk items, but there is still a chance that it could cause problems. This becomes especially noteworthy if you take it every day.
The most likely adverse effect from this interaction is a higher chance of side effects from kratom — such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. Severe side effects are very unlikely.
What is Kratom?
The kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa) hails from Southeast Asia, namely Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. It’s part of the coffee family and has been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 19th century.
Kratom has gained a reputation for helping people with opioid withdrawal. It can have stimulating or sedating effects, depending on how much you take.
The most common uses for kratom are to help manage chronic pain, alleviate anxiety, improve sleep onset, elevate mood, and improve focus and concentration. People also take kratom as an energy booster or a pre-workout supplement.
What’s The Dose of Kratom?
Kratom newcomers would be well-served by sticking with two grams or less for the first dose. Only once you’re familiar with how your body reacts to kratom should you move on to a larger dose.
General dosage guidelines for kratom include the following:
- Low-Dose Kratom (2–6 grams of dried powder)
- High-Dose Kratom (6–12 grams of dried powder)
The more kratom you take, the more likely you will have problems with it. As long as you don’t exceed 12 grams, though, you will most likely be fine.
Anyone who exceeds 12 grams has a slightly higher risk of becoming addicted and/or going through withdrawal once they stop using kratom.
What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?
Kratom doesn’t tend to cause a lot of side effects. It’s generally well-tolerated, especially in lower doses. However, if you deal with side effects, they will likely wean off once your body breaks down kratom.
Common side effects of kratom include:
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Liver damage (with long-term use)
- Low libido
- Nausea and vomiting
- Numbness
- Sedation and prolonged sleepiness
- Withdrawal symptoms
- The Wobbles
Keep also in mind that kratom has the potential to cause addiction and dependence. Make sure to take tolerance breaks from time to time and stick to the dosage guidelines to avoid this.
What are the Different Types of Kratom?
Kratom has many strains, divided into four classes: white, red, green, and yellow.
Within each class are dozens of different strains. Each strain offers its specific qualities, although they usually match their class.
Here’s a quick run-down of the different kratom strain classes:
- White Vein Kratom — Best for concentration, energy, and focus. The effects are euphoric and energizing.
- Red Vein Kratom — Best for pain and sleep; it’s potent and fast-acting. The effects are numbing and relaxing.
- Green Vein Kratom — Balanced between white and red (sedating and stimulating).
- Yellow Vein Kratom — Made from white kratom and other strains. Effects cover all ranges of the spectrum (sedating or stimulating).
Key Takeaways: Is it Safe to Mix Kratom & Orange Juice?
Orange juice and kratom are relatively safe to mix. However, that doesn’t mean this combination isn’t without risk.
Some of the compounds in orange juice act as a potentiator (makes kratom effects stronger). This could mean that taking kratom and orange juice together can lead to a higher chance of side effects like dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
- Kamble, S. H., Sharma, A., King, T. I., León, F., McCurdy, C. R., & Avery, B. A. (2019). Metabolite profiling and identification of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of mitragynine, the major alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom). Xenobiotica, 49(11), 1279-1288.
- Niewiñski, Przemys³aw & Jaÿwiñska-Tarnawska, Ewa & Orzechowska-Juzwenko, Krystyna & Czarnik-Matusewicz, Henryk & Hurkacz, Magdalena & Niewiñska, Kinga & Wiela-Hojeñska, Anna. (2007). Orange juice has no effect on CYP2D6-dependent drug metabolism. Pharmacological Reports. 59.
- Kim, H., Yoon, Y. J., Shon, J. H., Cha, I. J., Shin, J. G., & Liu, K. H. (2006). Inhibitory effects of fruit juices on CYP3A activity. Drug metabolism and disposition, 34(4), 521-523.
