If you have any experience with kratom, you’ve probably heard about 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. Maybe you’ve seen it mentioned on a product label or even on our website. It’s one of the most important alkaloids, or active compounds, found in kratom. But while you may know the name, you may not know what it is or how the 7-hydroxymitragynine effects influence the overall kratom experience.
An Overview
7-hydroxymitragynine is the second most abundant alkaloid in kratom. The Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) plant contains at least 28 known alkaloids, the most common of which is mitragynine. Mitragynine comprises up to 2% (sometimes more) of any given kratom product and up to two-thirds of the total alkaloid profile and plays a key role in kratom’s aromas and effects.
As mitragynine matures, it converts to 7-hydroxymitragynine through oxidation. This alkaloid typically comprises about 0.01% to 0.05% of any kratom product and about 2% of the total alkaloid profile. Though it has a significantly smaller concentration than mitragynine, it’s still considered one of the two major alkaloids (although other alkaloids like corynantheidine, paynantheine, and speciogynine also play an important role). In addition, it can have a major impact on kratom’s effects.
7-Hydroxymitragynine Effects
The effects of specific kratom alkaloids are the subject of study and debate. While there’s still no scientific consensus, some preliminary research and anecdotal evidence suggests that 7-hydroxymitragynine may be instrumental in helping kratom to soothe the body. Whereas mitragynine is noted for its cerebral effects, 7-hydroxymitragynine may be more closely associated with the physical effects of kratom.
Evidence for this is also found in the distinctions between different kratom strains. The most mature kratom strains (e.g. red vein kratom) have higher concentrations because the alkaloids have had more time to oxidize. These mature leaves are also associated with more relaxing, soothing effects, lending credence to the theory that 7-hydroxymitragynine promotes physical benefits.
More research is still needed to uncover the precise 7-hydroxymitragynine effects.
How Long Do 7-Hydroxymitragynine Effects Last?
The effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine or any alkaloid can vary depending on a few factors, including:
- The kratom dosage
- The specific alkaloid concentration
- The body chemistry of the individual (weight, body fat concentration, etc…)
- The tolerance of the individual
In general, though, 7-hydroxymitragynine’s effects should last a few hours as this alkaloid has a biological half-life of about 2-and-a-half hours.
Myths
There exists a lot of confusion about 7-hydroxymitragynine, which has led to certain myths and misunderstandings about what it does and how it functions. Most notably, some have expressed concern that 7-OH functions like an opiate. This is part of the reason why some states have banned or restricted the sale of kratom. However, it’s important to note that this is not an opiate and does not have the types of life-threatening risks associated with opiates.
It does bind to the body’s mu-opioid receptors, but not in the same way that an opiate does. Opiates are full opioid receptor agonists (which means that they completely block pain signals), whereas 7-OH is only a partial agonist. More research is needed, and is being done, to understand the way this alkaloid interacts with the body.
Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine Safe?
As an alkaloid that only makes up a small part of the kratom profile, 7-OH is generally considered safe. Kratom is well-tolerated and has been enjoyed for thousands of years. As long as you buy from reputable brands, like Lifted Organics Lab, and enjoy kratom in moderation, there should be no cause for concern.
With that said, however, there has been some concern about some manufacturers artificially increasing the amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine in their commercial products. One study looked at several kratom products and found that some had up to 4 times the amount of 7-OH that would appear naturally in kratom leaves, indicating that the manufacturers likely modified the alkaloid concentration. Such high concentrations may have potential negative effects which is why kratom advocacy organizations like the American Kratom Association have lobbied for laws that allow a maximum 2% 7-OH concentration in kratom products.
You should always buy from kratom providers that use third-party lab testing and guarantee no adulterants in their products. Look closely at the 7-OH concentration. At Lifted Organics Lab, for instance, we offer only natural pure-leaf kratom that’s independently lab tested in the United States.
When reading a product label or certificate of analysis (CoE), look closely at the 7-OH content. Ideally, it should fall somewhere between 0.01% to 0.05%. If the amount is significantly higher than that, steer clear.
Determining 7-Hydroxymitragynine Content
When you order kratom online, you won’t always find the 7-OH content right on the web page. Sometimes you’ll find it listed in the product description or on a certificate of analysis page, but this isn’t common. The most important thing for you as a buyer is to ensure that the products are lab-tested and free of adulterants. This confirmation will usually appear on the product page. As long as the kratom hasn’t been tampered with, it should contain a natural, safe concentration.
If you want to confirm the 7-OH concentration, contact the manufacturer. They might be able to provide specific information or send you a copy of the CoA. At Lifted Organics Lab, we have a friendly customer service team that is always happy to answer questions and provide helpful information to customers. You can reach us by phone at 1-916-800-7775 or by email at support@lifted-lab.com.
