10 Jul 2019 --- The kratom herb, widely used in pain management and in treating opioid addiction, may not be safe to use as an herbal supplement. This is according to a new research from The State University of New York at Binghamton, US. Kratom is an herbal supplement derived from a plant that grows throughout South-East Asia and its active chemicals act on opioid receptors in the body. The study found that it presents side-effects including agitation, increased heart rate and vomiting. In light of the findings, the scientist suggest halting kratom’s use as an herbal supplement, but more research is warranted.