Local culture of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) consumption in Kapuas Hulu district

Abstract

Kratom leaves (Mitragyna speciosa Korth) have been used by people in West Kalimantan, especially Kapuas Hulu District, as local culture, for traditional medicine. This research was conducted to obtain facts and data on utilization and complaints due to the use of kratom leaves in local culture by the people of Kapuas Hulu Regency. Data obtained by interview using a questionnaire and the determination of the respondents is done by snowball. The relationship between period, dose and frequency of kratom leaf consumption and complaints was searched statistically using the chi-quadrate. It was found that 152 respondents who consumed kratom leaves. The main reason respondents consume kratom leaves to overcome fatigue or get stamina (49%) and to treat illness 25%. Generally, 46% of respondents consume kratom leaves for less than 1 year, although 25% of them are more than 5 years. Most of the respondents consumed kratom leaf powder at a dose of ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) with the highest frequency once a day (27.94%). Chi-square analysis showed that there was no very significant relationship between the period of drinking kratom leaves and complaints, but there was a very significant relationship between the dose of kratom leaf consumption and complaints and between the frequency of drinking kratom leaves and complaints. There were no complaints such as symptoms of narcotics and drug users. Generally, respondents stated that they did not experience complaints 93.42%. About 6.58% of complaints were feeling tired, drowsy and achy.