Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, where it has been traditionally used for centuries. The leaves contain naturally occurring compounds called alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most prominent.
In its native regions, kratom leaves have been traditionally used by local communities as part of their cultural practices. Workers would often chew fresh leaves or brew them into teas as part of their daily routines.