A better understanding of Kratom

What are Alkaloids?

Plants, like all living things, are made up of natural chemical compounds. In the case of plants, we refer to these as “phytochemicals” (literally, “plant chemicals”). Alkaloids are a special class of chemical compounds. They are present in a wide variety of plants, including mitragyna speciosa (the evergreen tree from which kratom is derived).

Of the many phytochemicals, alkaloids are somewhat special. Alkaloids tend to have strong physiological effects when ingested, even in minimal doses. Depending on the alkaloid concentration in a given plant, these effects can vary widely — from anti-inflammatory to pain-killing to mood-elevating effects and more.

The Most Common Kratom Alkaloids

Mitragynine and 7-hyrody-mitraynine are the two most abundant kratom alkaloids and are largely responsible for the effects you may experience. In fact, these two alkaloids are considered selective, acting on the µ-subtype opioid receptors (MORs) in our systems.

Mitragynine is the most abundant kratam alkaloid, making up roughly 66% of total kratom alkaloid concentration. However, this concentration varies based on several factors, including growing conditions, harvesting time, and kratom strain.

7-hydroxymitragynine is a much rarer alkaloid, making up roughly 2% of total alkaloid content. It tends to be the fourth most abundant alkaloid in kratom, though its concentration varies significantly based on a number of factors. Some strains tend to have higher than average 7-hydroxymitragynine content.

As the growing plant matures, the balance of its alkaloids naturally shifts over time. For instance, mitragynine levels are highest when the plant is young.  7-hydroxymitragynine levels gradually increase as the plant matures. At its earliest stages (when mitragynine is most abundant), the veins are white. They then shift to green. When the plant is fully mature (and has the highest relative 7-hydroxymitragynine levels), the veins take on a red.

In this sense, the balance of alkaloids is directly responsible for the different effects of various strains. In fact, all kratom strains are essentially the same, distinguished only by the total alkaloid content that determines both their appearance and effects.

Hope that helps everyone understanding this plant more.