Factors Affecting Biomarkers of the Digestive System in Male Kratom Consumers in the Three Southern Border Provinces of Thailand: A Study on Consumption Duration and Quantity
Keywords:
Kratom, Digestive system, Consumption behaviorAbstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of both the duration and quantity of kratom consumption on gastrointestinal biomarkers among 87 male participants residing in three southern border provinces of Thailand. This cross-sectional study employed interviews and blood samples for analysis of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The results indicated that individuals who consumed kratom exhibited a higher average ESR than the established reference value, whereas the mean values of the other biomarkers remained within the reference range. Comparison analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the monitored biomarkers in term of the quantity (< 40 vs. ≥ 40 leaves per day), frequency (< 10 vs. ≥ 10 times per day), and number of glasses (< 8 vs. ≥ 8 glasses per day) of kratom consumed. When considering the correlations between period of consumption and biomarker levels, the study found that the AST level was inversely correlated with the consumption period (p = 0.02) without clinical significances. In contrast, other biomarkers were not significantly correlated. Nevertheless, it is recommended that kratom consumers strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Public Health regarding appropriate consumptions and utilizations of kratom as an herbal remedy.
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