New peer-reviewed research adds to a substantial body of scientific evidence highlighting the safety of natural kratom leaf.
BROKEN ARROW, OK -- feel free CLASSIC contains 1.75 g of natural kratom leaf per 1 fl oz serving, delivering 20 mg of mitragynine — at the lower end of servings examined across 19 clinical trials that have established a substantial body of scientific evidence supporting the safety of natural kratom leaf.
A comprehensive peer-reviewed study published in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring marks the latest addition to this research, examining natural botanical material identical to what is used in feel free CLASSIC.
All clinical studies to date have focused exclusively on natural kratom leaf and powder. No comparable clinical research exists for kratom extracts, concentrates, or synthetic mitragynine compounds.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 116 healthy volunteers over 47 days, making it the largest controlled kratom administration study conducted to date. Researchers administered both single servings and 15 consecutive daily servings of natural kratom leaf powder at levels ranging from 6.65 mg to 53.2 mg of mitragynine.
Study Findings
The study reported no serious adverse events or deaths across any serving levels tested. Treatment-emergent adverse events were generally mild and increased with servings. Researchers found no evidence of meaningful abuse potential or withdrawal, and no clinically significant abnormal findings in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, or blood oxygen levels.
These results align with findings across clinical studies of natural kratom leaf. A Johns Hopkins survey of 2,798 kratom users found that only 0.6% sought medical treatment for adverse effects, noting that "serious adverse effects were uncommon."
Previous controlled clinical trials have reported similar safety profiles. A study by Tanna et al. involving 12 participants who consumed kratom tea containing 39 mg of mitragynine reported no serious adverse events. Earlier research involving chronic kratom users who received doses ranging from 6.25 mg to 23 mg of mitragynine in kratom tea reported no adverse events.
Distinguishing Natural from Synthetic
The pharmacology of natural kratom leaf differs substantially from synthetic opioids. The study notes that mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are partial agonists of the µ-opioid receptor. Unlike full agonists such as morphine and fentanyl, mitragynine poorly activates the ß-arrestin-2 pathway, which is implicated in adverse effects including respiratory depression and constipation.
The research confirmed that 7-hydroxymitragynine is not present in detectable levels in fresh kratom leaves, but forms as a metabolite when the body processes mitragynine through the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway. Mitragynine also demonstrates activity at multiple receptor systems including adrenergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and adenosinergic receptors, distinguishing its pharmacology from traditional opioids.
Regulatory Context
The World Health Organization's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence reviewed kratom and mitragynine in 2021 and determined they did not meet criteria for inclusion as a banned substance.
The research was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Advarra Institutional Review Board and Health Canada.
The full study is available at the link below.
About Botanic Tonics
Botanic Tonics is a plant-based, herbal supplement company headquartered in Broken Arrow, OK. Established in 2020, we produce kava-centric tonics under our feel free brand. Our signature product, feel free CLASSIC, is crafted with ancient functional plants to provide mood lift, chilled energy, and enhanced focus. Botanic Tonics' products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility, and we actively support consumer safety regulations through transparent labeling and educational resources.
Disclaimer
Warning: This product contains natural kratom leaf which, like caffeine and alcohol, may be habit-forming and harmful if consumed irresponsibly. Avoid if you have a history of substance abuse. When consumed as recommended, feel free CLASSIC has not been shown to cause any serious physical or social harm.
Caution: Not for consumption by or sale to persons under the age of 21. May interact with certain medications — consult a licensed, qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not consume with excessive alcohol. This product is not intended for those who are sensitive to the active ingredients or women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant.
To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page.
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