The leaves of the kratom plant (mitragyna speciosa) contain a bevy of seemingly magical powers. Depending on the type and dosage of kratom you consume, you might experience pain relief, a boost of energy, or euphoria.
Some people are perfectly satisfied not understanding the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of kratom. You, however, crave more information about kratom and the other things you put in your body. It’s what makes you a smart and savvy consumer.
To understand how kratom works in the body, you need to get acquainted with 7-hydroxymitragynine. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it does get metabolized by the stomach, liver, and other internal organs after you ingest kratom. But what is 7-hydroxymitragynine, exactly? Keep reading to find out!
What is 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)?
7-hydroxymitragynine, along with mitragynine, is a chemical compound found in kratom that produces psychoactive effects. Kratom is the name for an evergreen plant found in multiple Southeast Asia locations. Other names for 7-hydroxymitragynine are 7–OH mitragynine, 7–OH MGN, or just 7–OH.
7–OH is an alkaloid, a type of organic compound with physiological effects on humans. After kratom ingestion, the body—specifically the liver—metabolizes mitragynine into 7-hydroxymitragynine.
A simple way of describing 7–OH is a purer, more powerful form of mitragynine. While mitragynine makes up nearly two-thirds of kratom’s alkaloid content, 7-hydroxymitragynine clocks in at just 2%. It doesn’t need to be present in large quantities to pack a punch, however, as it’s about 40 times as powerful as mitragynine.
How Does 7-Hydroxymitragynine Affect the Body?
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are partial agonists to mu-opioid receptors in the human body. Translation: they act as keys to particular opioid receptors and partially unlock pain-relieving and sedative effects. Conversely, they act as antagonists to other opioid receptors; this mechanism blocks the body from receiving certain messages.
After you consume kratom, some of the plant’s mitragynine goes to your liver and transforms into 7-hydroxymitragynine. Mitragynine is, in many ways, a less powerful form of 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is one of the reasons mitragynine is more closely associated with energizing and stimulating effects.
Opioid receptors are much more sensitive to 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is why it produces effects similar to morphine and other opioids. If mitragynine gives side hugs to mu-opioid receptors, 7-hydroxymitragynine gives them bear hugs.
7-hydroxymitragynine can also affect levels of serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good chemicals. Although little is understood about those mechanisms, they align with 7-hydroxymitragynine’s reported ability to influence users’ moods.
How strong is 7-hydroxymitragynine?
Pretty strong. In fact, 7-hydroxymitragynine is about 40 times stronger than regular mitragynine. Big deal, right? Well, what if we told you that 7-hydroxymitragynine is at least 10 times stronger than morphine? Yeah, that morphine.
Interestingly, though, 7-hydroxymitragynine use appears less likely to lead to dependence and addiction relative to opioids. That doesn’t mean you cannot get addicted to kratom, however.
How Much 7-Hydroxymitragynine is in Kratom?
Compared to mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine makes up a tiny portion of the kratom plant and kratom products. Of the total alkaloid content in any pure kratom product, mitragynine makes up 66%—almost two-thirds.
7-hydroxymitragynine makes up only two percent of pure kratom products. That means 0.01–0.04% of unadulterated kratom leaves consist of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Again, the 7-OH concentration in kratom is small but packs quite a punch.
Does 7-OH show up on a drug test?
Kratom, and by extension, 7-hydroxymitragynine, can show up on a drug test, but most test administrators do not use tests sensitive enough to pick up 7-hydroxymitragynine. Some specialized tests can, however, detect 7–OH.
If you must take a drug test before starting a job, you’ll probably be asked to take a five-panel test. These tests typically check for THC (the main psychoactive compound in marijuana), PCP, amphetamines, cocaine, and opiates. Even a 10-panel test does not usually check for 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Exploring the Potential Benefits of 7-OH
The potential benefits of 7-hydroxymitragynine are wide-ranging and depend heavily on how much kratom you consume and the vein color of your product. It should be noted, however, that because 7–OH binds to mu-opioid receptors more tightly than mitragynine, it’s not closely associated with stimulating effects.
Instead, 7–OH (metabolized mitragynine) is likely to result in analgesic (pain-relieving) and sedative effects. Compared to mitragynine, 7–OH is a better substitute for opioids. Evidence shows that these two alkaloids have milder withdrawal symptoms than opioids, which contributes to their utility as tools for getting off opioids.
How to Choose Your 7-Hydroxymitragynine Dose
It’s important to differentiate between kratom doses and 7-hydroxymitragynine doses. A typical kratom dose for most users lies somewhere between one and eight grams. Taking into account the normal 7-hydroxymitragynine concentration in kratom, that means a typical dose of 7–OH is somewhere between five and 20 milligrams.
The best practice is to start with small dosages and gradually increase them until you reach a comfortable level. If you don’t know exactly how much 7-hydroxymitragynine is in a kratom product, you might want to switch to products that only consist of 7–OH. Speaking of which…
Featured Example: 7-OH Kratom Extract Tablets
Looking for pure 7-hydroxymitragynine pills you can take any time you need? Look no further. This 7Tabz (get it?) product provides four 15-mg 7–OH tablets with pre-bifurcations so you can easily split them for lower (and precise) dosages.
The 7–OH extract tablets from 7Tabz provide a balanced experience. You probably won’t get too sleepy or relaxed, and you might even feel energized. Its effects usually start within 15 minutes. We can’t recommend them enough.
Featured Example: 7-OH Liquid Kratom Shots
If you want a more flavorful experience with 7–OH, we recommend liquid shots from OPiA. Choose your flavor of blueberry lemonade, mango strawberry, raspberry peach, strawberry watermelon, and classic. You can shoot it like you did in college or mix it in other beverages like a classy, dignified individual. Just kidding—we won’t judge you either way.
Each canister contains 30 milligrams of 7–OH. It’s best to measure what you’d like to consume instead of guessing. Users often feel effects within 10 minutes.
Shop More 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products at Gold Dragon
Kratom’s popularity is growing in the Western world for its pain-relieving and relaxing qualities. It might even help you manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
If you want the purest form of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine products may be what you’re looking for. You can view all of Gold Dragon’s 7–OH products here.
Our team is also available to answer any questions you may have about kratom, 7–OH, or any products we sell. Reach out at any time for guidance or to receive a free consultation!
