Behind any plant is a host of chemicals that help it breathe, eat, and protect itself. Many of the plants we use in everyday life, including kratom, are packed full of compounds that sometimes offer powerful properties.
One compound that often goes overlooked is mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, a common metabolite that forms as the body processes kratom’s main alkaloid, mitragynine. It’s a big part of why kratom is able to relieve pain as well as it does, and it also promises to serve as a foundation for natural pain relief solutions in the future.
Join us as we unpack the basics of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and map out its benefits, effects, and similarities to other kratom alkaloids. Let’s get started!
Covering the Basics: What is Mitragynine?
Before we can dive into mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, we first have to understand its predecessor, mitragynine.
Mitragynine is the primary alkaloid in kratom. It’s also the most famous alkaloid due to the powerful effects it causes. Alongside other compounds, mitragynine is responsible for the characteristics we associate with kratom, especially its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
Its ability to interact with mu-opioid receptors – and therefore act a lot like an opioid – has brought mitragynine to the attention of the public and researchers alike. While there’s still a lot we don’t know about this compound, we can say that it’s great at eliminating pain. We also know that it can produce both stimulating and relaxing effects, depending on the dose you consume.
Meet 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
Once mitragynine enters your body, it begins to break down. Part of this process occurs in the liver, where mitragynine is metabolized into a new form known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH.
7-OH plays a significant role in giving kratom its pain-relieving powers. It’s also more potent than regular mitragynine, meaning it takes less 7-OH to achieve the same effects.
This alkaloid is common in kratom plants, but it’s usually not as abundant as mitragynine, clocking in at just about 0.05% of kratom’s dry leaf mass (compared to about 1-2% for mitragynine). Considering that 7-OH is nearly 40 times as powerful as mitragynine, though, this difference in abundance doesn’t have to limit its potential.
Remember, though, that 7-OH is a metabolite of mitragynine, just like our friend mitragynine pseudoindoxyl.
What is Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl?
Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is another compound that’s associated with kratom. However, unlike traditional mitragynine, this compound does not naturally occur in kratom leaves. Instead, it’s a metabolite, just like 7-OH. That means it forms when your body metabolizes (or breaks down) kratom products.
Through a process called oxidative metabolism, your body jumpstarts a chemical reaction that converts mitragynine into its metabolites, including mitragynine pseudoindoxyl.
But wait – isn’t that what creates 7-hydroxymitragynine, too? Are these two compounds two apples from the same tree? Not quite.
7-OH is indeed a metabolite of mitragynine, but it’s not the same thing as mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. 7-OH can actually become mitragynine pseudoindoxyl through a rearrangement process, where its chemical “pieces” are rearranged slightly to create a new compound.
So, along with 7-OH, you can think of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl as a sort of second generation of active ingredients that come from kratom and impact the mind and body.
Just like its predecessor, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl acts on opioid receptors. It can act as both an agonist at mu-opioid receptors and an antagonist at delta-opioid receptors, allowing it to effectively relieve pain without the same risks as current opioid therapies.
Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is also not known to lead to physical dependence in the same way that traditional opioids do. With reliable methods for synthesizing the compound on the rise, it’s likely that we’ll see more and more products enhanced with mitragynine pseudoindoxyl on the market.
Potential Benefits of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl
Because there is currently little research focused specifically on mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, we can’t yet make many solid claims about its effects and benefits. It can be tricky to sort out which noted benefits of kratom are due to individual compounds and which are due to their synergistic effects.
Still, there are some things we can say about the benefits of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, many of which mirror the benefits of kratom in general:
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Pain Relief
- No benefit of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is better documented than its analgesic properties. This compound is so powerful that it could stand as a natural alternative to opioid therapies for pain management. That means that individuals who can’t or don’t want to use traditional opioid medications may be able to turn to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl to manage symptoms.
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Mood Enhancement
- Kratom and its active compounds can influence your mood both directly and indirectly. They may, for example, influence the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine. Likewise, kratom might generally make you feel happier and healthier by reducing the frequency and severity of pain, allowing you to live your life to the fullest.
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Improved Focus & Cognition
- Though kratom can act as a sedative, it’s also well-known for its ability to help users feel energized, motivated, and alert. This is in large part thanks to compounds like mitragynine pseudoindoxyl.
With more time and studies, we may discover even more about mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, specifically its unique properties and use cases.
Potential Downsides of Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl: Side Effects
Once again, it’s difficult to say which side effects associated with kratom are due to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and which are due to another compound. This is especially true because mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is often produced in the body and, therefore, difficult to measure.
We can safely assume that the side effects we attribute to kratom may stem from compounds like mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. That means that users might experience unwanted effects such as:
- Irritability
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Insomnia
- Constipation
In rare and severe cases, kratom alkaloids can cause more serious side effects, including hallucinations, delusions, and seizures. That’s why it’s crucial to consult your doctor before using kratom of any kind. It’s also best to start with small doses of your kratom product and slowly work your way up as needed to ensure you don’t overwhelm your system.
Learn More About & Explore Kratom Alkaloids at Gold Dragon
There you have it – mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is one of many alkaloids associated with kratom that helps it provide its classic effects. Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, in particular, seems to be a powerful analgesic component and may play a key role in allowing the plant to relieve pain the way it does.
While there’s still a lot left to learn about how this compound uniquely affects the mind and body, we can already forecast its potential. As a potent and effective kratom compound, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl could rise to the top of other natural pain relief solutions, especially for those who may otherwise rely on opioids to manage symptoms.
So, next time you enjoy your favorite kratom product, make sure you extend your thanks to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl! You may also find that seeking out enhanced kratom products – that is, products that have extra alkaloids added to them – helps you experience even stronger and longer-lasting results.
Whether you’re new to kratom or are a seasoned pro, you can find the goodies you’re looking for right here at Gold Dragon. We’re your go-to source for all things kratom, including some of the strongest products out there. Shop our collection of potent kratom products to take your routine up a notch!
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