High serum high-density lipoprotein and low serum triglycerides in Kratom users: A study of Kratom users in Thailand

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to examine the association between Kratom use and serum lipid level. METHOD: This study compared the serum lipid profile of Kratom users and non-users living in Nam Phu Subdistrict, a special area that allows the traditional use of Kratom. The study subjects consisted of 581 individuals aged 18 and above. Binary logistic regression was used to determine an association between Kratom use and serum lipid level. RESULTS: The findings revealed an association between Kratom use and an elevated HDL level (≥60 mg/dL) with an adjusted OR of 1.82 (95% CI, 1.17–2.8), and an association between Kratom use and a triglyceride level <90 mg/dL with an adjusted OR of 1.75 (95% CI; 1.17–2.63). There were no associations between Kratom use and LDL as well as total cholesterol level. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study provided additional evidence of Kratom use and a favorable lipid profile. Prevention of coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease via an improvement in the lipid profile may be a future pharmaceutical application of Kratom.