Natually occurring alkaloids reside within the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, also known as kratom trees. The nitrogen-based organic compounds in kratom leaves define all the various properties observed in this botanical.
Scientific interest in the botanical focuses on its Southeast Asian rainforest habitat because it contains more than 40 identified alkaloids in a complex chemical composition.
Both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine have proven to be the primary compounds that scientists specifically examine.
The full set of alkaloids varies greatly between different factors that affect the plant growth environment, including conditions during cultivation, harvesting time, and processing procedures.
Natural elements affecting kratom growth result in unique characteristics found among different kratom strains, where white veins function as energizing agents, but red veins produce relaxing effects.
In this blog, we’ll explore kratom alkaloids with their volatility between strains caused by environmental conditions and processing influences on alkaloid potency.
What is an alkaloid?
The kratom alkaloid belongs to the natural organic compounds, which include nitrogen atoms among their chemical elements.
A kratom alkaloid naturally includes hydrogen along with carbon and sulfur, yet it further contains oxygen and chlorine, and phosphorus. The compounds stemming from amino acids show different actions.
Scientific research aims to extract alkaloids from natural sources since laboratory alkaloidal synthesis remains difficult.
The majority of alkaloids exist within plant-based systems, but a few animal species have the ability to develop alkaloids. Several manufactured substances possess structural features that parallel the makeup of alkaloids.
Several food items, together with different liquids and organic materials, contain alkaloids, which demonstrate proven biological actions toward human beings and other animal species.
Studies indicate that alkaloids might include antifungal and anesthetic and analgesic and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial as well and neuropharmacological properties.
What are kratom alkaloids, and how do Kratom Alkaloids work?
The tropical plant Kratom grows naturally in Southeast Asian countries since it belongs to the Rubiaceae family and carries the scientific name Mitragyna speciosa.
The plant occurs naturally in the southeastern regions of Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia. The traditional use of the kratom plant leaves exists throughout local communities for their wellness-related benefits.
The popularity of kratom has increased in Western markets during the past few years, where it comes as powder, capsules, extracts, gummies, along tea variations.
Kratom contains various alkaloids, which act as its main active substances that create its therapeutic effects. The collection of alkaloids found in Mitragyna speciosa draws certain users to grow and utilize the plant because these compounds exist exclusively in this species.
From all of the alkaloids in kratom the most prominent substances are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Research data shows that kratom produces more than fifty chemical constituents, even though two alkaloids are commonly studied.
The structural design of each kratom alkaloid differs from its counterparts despite having common basic components. Strain-specific variations in chemical concentrations, together with the mix of compounds, seem to modify how the plant affects users.
Top Kratom Alkaloids
Let’s explore various alkaloids in kratom and how they work below.
1. Mitragynine
Mitragynine functions as an indole-based compound that remains the most detected natural compound in Mitragyna speciosa. Scientific evidence shows that the leaves and extracts obtained from this plant contain various health-benefiting properties.
Among the well-reported advantages this alkaloid possesses is its capacity to help people relax while promoting comfort. Individual consumption patterns determine whether users experience more energy or feel comfortable based on their usage amounts.
The alkaloid consists of hydrogen and oxygen and nitrogen, and carbon atoms in its molecular structure. The alkaloid composition differs between different kratom strains, whereby mitragynine makes up between 12% and 66% of all alkaloids found in Thai species compared to Malaysian strains.
The selective agonist element binds to brain receptors, which also respond to natural body compounds. Studies propose that it regulates body responses, but further research about its application is needed.
Kratom, which has served multiple traditional and modern uses in Southeast Asia, has been used in this region since the beginning. Numerous global users consume kratom through similar products, including dried leaves as well as tea preparation, capsules, extract, and powdered forms.
The compounds found in Mitragyna exist within multiple species of the plant family, such as M. rotundifolia, M. javanica, and M. hirsuta, but through various species, they exhibit varying concentrations.
2. 7-hydroxymitragynine
The plant compound 7-OH has two official names: 7-hydroxymitragynine, which also goes by 7-OH. It exists naturally in kratom. Scientists classify 7-OH as second only to mitragynine in its prevalence in the plant.
The chemical design of 7-OH is closely related to that of mitragynine. The brain receptors that interact with alkaloids are responsible for causing their combined effects.
The plant naturally creates 7-OH during its metabolic cycles, thus producing identical structures between mitragynine and 7-OH.
When Mitragyna speciosa reaches maturity, the first alkaloid product becomes mitragynine. Some of the initial compound succumbs to oxidation, during which it transform into 7-hydroxymitragynine throughout the natural aging process.
Red vein kratom becomes naturally abundant with 7-OH because it is collected after newer varieties that show lower 7-OH concentrations.
At less than 2% of the whole alkaloid composition, 7-OH remains important for forming the kratom effects experienced by users. The compound produces relaxation effects together with comfort sensations for individuals.
3. Speciociliatine
Speciociliatine represents an alkaloid substance within kratom leaves that makes up to 2.9% of dried leaf composition. Speciociliatine represents a stereoisomer of mitragynine since it contains identical chemical elements but its atomic structure differs from this substance.
Speciociliatine shares the receptor-interacting properties that characterize other alkaloids present in kratom products. The scientific community is actively studying whether speciociliatine behaves as a compound that activates or blocks body receptor responses.
The limited research shows that speciociliatine might affect kratom experiences since it is similar to mitragynine in structure. Users claim that speciociliatine either produces higher energy levels or achieves a better mood equilibrium.
The alkaloid concentration in strains Red Borneo, Maeng Da, and Kali Kratom stands higher than most other Kratom varieties.
4. Speciogynine
The pharmacopeia of Kratom contains the minor alkaloid known as speciogynine, which augments the chemical attributes of the plant. The kratom plant produces speciogynine when mitragynine undergoes natural metabolic changes as part of its growth cycle.
The molecular shape of this compound represents a different configuration compared to the diastereoisomer form of mitragynine. The kratom plant contains 8% of the total alkaloids as speciogynine.
Scientists have examined little research regarding the physiological role that speciogynine plays in human bodies.
Studies indicate that the kratom experience relates to specific qualities of mitragynine because of the compounds’ structural resemblance to each other, but further research is needed for confirmation.
Available anecdotal evidence shows potential effects that include mind relaxation together with feelings of calmness. People ascribe different mental alertness states to kratom based on the plant variety and individual characteristics.
5. Corynanthine
Corynanthine represents one of many alkaloids existing in kratom, yet scientists have paid limited attention to this substance. Among all kratom types, red vein usually contains corynanthine most abundantly.
The alpha-adrenergic receptors control stress responses in the body, and this compound interacts with them directly. Corynanthine serves as an antagonist that blocks adrenaline hormones from creating their usual effects on alertness or nervousness.
When corynanthine controls alpha-adrenergic receptor activation, it helps create relaxed conditions. The substance might additionally deliver comfort for muscle relaxation, according to existing research. Scientists correlate its calming effects to the promotion of bodily equilibrium through this compound.
6. Paynantheine
The alkaloid compound paynantheine occurs naturally within Mitragyna speciosa, while it activates different body receptors. The plant naturally produces this minor compound, which derives from mitragynine, while it goes through its metabolic process.
This substance shows comparable interaction patterns to 7-hydroxymitragynine inside the human body. According to a 2014 research study, paynantheine appears at higher concentrations in kratom extracts above 7-OH during certain analyses.
The wide occurrence of paynantheine has not received enough scientific investigation. Scientists are currently investigating its particular functions and potential benefits because much knowledge about its effects is still unknown.
Research indicates that this alkaloid plays a role in sleep comfort. The effects of relaxation vary based on which method is employed to use it.
A detailed list of additional naturally occurring kratom alkaloids includes:
- Corynoxine
- Isocorynantheidine
- Mitraphylline
- Mitrafoline
- Isopteropodine
- Mitraversine
- 9-hydroxycorynantheidine
- Tetrahydroalstonine
- Akuammigine
- Isomitrafolin
- Ajmalicine
- Ciliaphylline speciosa
- Mitragynine oxindoles A and B
- Stipulatine
Each of these compounds typically makes up less than 1% of kratom’s overall alkaloid content.
Factors Affecting Kratom Alkaloid Content
The alkaloid profile in kratom isn’t fixed—it varies based on:
1. Strain & Vein Color
- Red Vein Kratom: Higher in 7-hydroxymitragynine (relaxation).
- White Vein Kratom: Richer in mitragynine (energy).
- Green Vein Kratom: Balanced alkaloid ratio.
2. Growing Conditions
- Soil quality, climate, and harvest time impact alkaloid development.
- Mature leaves generally have higher alkaloid content.
3. Processing Methods
- Fermentation (used in Bentuangie) increases 7-hydroxymitragynine.
- Drying techniques (sun vs. indoor) alter alkaloid preservation.
Final Thoughts
The fundamental compounds found in kratom create specific effects by producing mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, among many others. Kratom develops its various properties because its natural compounds differ between strains and production environments.
The comprehension of alkaloids in kratom aids in deciphering its complex behavior, which demands additional scientific investigation. Research about these compounds in science produces a better understanding of the distinctive features of this extraordinary plant.
Read More
