Kratom, a botanical substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, indigenous to Southeast Asia, contains a variety of natural compounds known as alkaloids. Among these, mitragynine is the most abundant, yet another alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OHM), garners particular attention due to its significant potency. This article explores the quantity of 7-OHM found in kratom and the factors influencing its concentration.
What is 7-Hydroxymitragynine?
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OHM) is a terpenoid indole alkaloid present in the kratom plant, first identified in 1994. While mitragynine is the primary alkaloid in kratom, 7-OHM is an active metabolite that forms when the body processes mitragynine through hepatic oxidation. This transformation means that even if 7-OHM is present in small amounts in the plant, more can be generated within the body after consumption.
Despite its lower concentration in the raw plant material, 7-OHM is recognized for its potent interaction with the brain’s mu-opioid receptors. Studies indicate that 7-OHM binds to these receptors with greater intensity than mitragynine itself. Its chemical structure, while similar to mitragynine, includes an additional hydroxyl group that enhances its activity.
Factors Affecting 7-Hydroxymitragynine Levels
The amount of 7-OHM in kratom can vary considerably due to several influencing factors, including the plant’s genetics and its growing environment. Different kratom strains or varieties, often categorized by vein color (e.g., Red, Green, White), tend to have distinct alkaloid profiles. Red vein kratom, for instance, typically contains higher levels of 7-OHM compared to white or green vein varieties.
Geographical origin also plays a role, as soil composition, climate, and light exposure impact alkaloid synthesis. The age of the kratom plant and its leaves also influences 7-OHM levels, with older, more mature leaves generally having higher concentrations.
Post-harvest processing methods significantly alter the final 7-OHM content in kratom products. Drying, fermentation, and oxidation processes can increase the concentration of 7-OHM from the more abundant mitragynine. This explains why processed forms like kratom extracts often contain higher amounts of 7-OHM than raw leaf powder. Extraction techniques specifically designed to isolate and concentrate alkaloids can further elevate 7-OHM levels.
Typical Concentrations in Kratom Products
The concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine in raw kratom products is generally quite low, making it a minor alkaloid compared to mitragynine. In dried kratom leaves, 7-OHM usually constitutes about 0.01% to 0.04% of the total weight. Some analyses indicate that 7-OHM can comprise up to 2% of the total alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.
However, the precise measurement and consistent reporting of 7-OHM levels present challenges. There is a lack of standardization in testing methods, and variability exists between different laboratory analyses. Products labeled as “extracts” or “enhanced” can contain significantly higher concentrations, with some commercial products showing levels up to 2.8% or even 98% 7-OHM due to concentration or semi-synthetic production. These higher concentrations are often achieved through specialized extraction processes rather than naturally occurring in the raw plant.
The Impact of 7-Hydroxymitragynine Levels
The concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine directly influences the perceived potency and overall effects of a kratom product. Even small differences in 7-OHM content can be significant, given that this alkaloid is considered substantially more potent than mitragynine. For instance, 7-OHM has been found to be approximately 13 times more potent than morphine in activating mu-opioid receptors and up to 40 times stronger than mitragynine.
Higher levels of 7-OHM can lead to more pronounced effects, often described as contributing to pain relief, mood enhancement, and sedation. Conversely, products with lower 7-OHM content may produce a more balanced or milder experience. The body’s own metabolism also contributes to the active 7-OHM levels, as it converts some mitragynine into 7-OHM after consumption. This metabolic conversion means that the effects experienced are not solely dependent on the 7-OHM initially present in the product.