Kratom contains over 40 unique alkaloids that contribute to its sedating and stimulating effects. Understanding these alkaloids helps you to choose a strain for specific needs, avoid consuming more than the recommended amount, and store it properly to preserve potency.
In this article, we will cover the top alkaloids in kratom, their effect, and unique abilities.
Key Kratom Alkaloids and Their Effects
1. Mitragynine
Mitragynine is a primary alkaloid found in the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is known as kratom. It is the most abundant alkaloid found in kratom, with approximately 60% of its total chemical content. However, the amount of mitragynine can vary based on the strain and environmental factors.
It has a unique chemical composition that interacts with opioid receptors in the brain to provide effects such as mood enhancement, increased energy, and pain relief. Mitragynine is also responsible for sedative and stimulating effects.
2. 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
7-hydroxymitragynine is found in minor quantities, but it is a highly potent alkaloid that makes up 0.01-0.03% of the total alkaloid content. The effect of 7-hydroxymitragynine is stronger than that of mitragynine due to its high affinity for opioid receptors.
ON7 Hydroxy shots are a powerful punch of 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is perfect for seasoned users to achieve strong and rapid effects. Manufactured by Occurs Naturally, these shots come in three effects: relief, energy, and focus, powered by strong kratom alkaloids. These shots are a new edition in the line of 7-Hydroxymitragynine products by Occurs Naturally.
3. Paynantheine
Paynantheine is another chemical compound that is widely found in kratom leaves. It has more concentration than 7-Hydroxymitragynine, so basically, it is the second-highest alkaloid after mitragynine. However, it is not commonly discussed as it performs little or no activity in the human body.
4. Speciogynine
Speciogynine is also an alkaloid found in kratom that provides active effects in the human body. There is very little to no research on this, but it has the potential for more studies.
5. Corynoxine A & B
Corynoxine A & B provides dopaminergic effects that help with focus and productivity. It also has neuroprotective potential, but studies are ongoing on this alkaloid.
Other Notable Alkaloids
There are many more alkaloids found in kratom other than mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine, but most of them have very minimal research on them. Along with the highest found alkaloids, these smaller, concentrated alkaloids activate the simulation process in the body.
Ajmalicine is another alkaloid receptor antagonist that interacts with the human body to help stimulate and regulate various body organs. It was one of the first alkaloids found in kratom in 1970 in Southeast Asia.
Mitraphylline is another major pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid found in kratom that has traditionally been used to deal with heart diseases, cancer, arthritis, and bone alignments. This alkaloid has more potential, but it is found in less than 1% of kratom.
What Affects Kratom Alkaloid Content?
1. Strain & Vein Color
Strain types such as red, white, and green all have different alkaloid profiles. Red strains are higher in 7-hydroxymitragynine, while white vein strains are rich in mitragynine. Green vein strains have a more balanced alkaloid profile.
2. Growing Conditions
Growing conditions, such as soil quality and climate, are highly important for alkaloid production. Tropical environments are suitable for kratom planting as the humidity in the air provides consistent alkaloids, thus producing more potent strains. These environments also have mineral-rich soil that delivers higher alkaloid content in kratom leaves.
3. Processing Methods
Sundrying, indoor drying, and fermentation are three common methods used to create and preserve kratom strains. Sundrying method increases 7-hydroxy content, which is commonly used for red strains, while for white strains indoor drying method is used to preserve mitragynine alkaloid content. However, some strains, such as Gold Borneo made through a fermentation process to alter the alkaloid profile.
4. Storage Conditions
It is necessary to store alkaloids in airtight containers to longer their shelf life and preserve potency. Light and heat exposure degrade the alkaloids over time. Freezing can also increase shelf life, but it often changes the alkaloid balance.
Most Potent Alkaloid Combinations
You can combine Mitragynine with 7-OH for stronger pain relief. Mitragynine with Speciogynine can help you achieve balanced energy & relaxation, often found in green strains. Mitragynine combined with Paynantheine helps in muscle relaxation.
How to Identify High-Alkaloid Kratom
You can identify high alkaloids by lab testing. Freshness also indicates good quality kratom, as bright green powder shows higher mitragynine.
Final Thoughts
Alkaloids are present in everything we eat, drink, and use daily. They are the most commonly occurring organic compounds that are not widely discussed. Each alkaloid has its own set of characteristics, pros and cons, effects, and uses, so it has a specific name rather than being known as an alkaloid in general. Alkaloids found in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. Kratom Alkaloids are one of the commonly searched keywords by people who are looking to find the nitty-gritty of kratom before consumption.
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