Although 7-hydroxymitragynine, or as it is known, 7-Hydroxy (7-OH), is one of two main alkaloids in the Kratom leaf - there are some differences between Kratom and 7-Hydroxy. We’ll break down how the Kratom experience differs from 7-Hydroxy and some similarities between the two.
What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its leaves contain naturally occurring compounds, including alkaloids like mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine.
Traditionally, kratom has been used in its native regions for various purposes, including as a stimulant because of its energetic and stimulant properties. In Southeast Asia, people commonly chewed or brewed the leaves into teas to help with various issues.
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Growing Popularity of Kratom
Kratom has gained popularity in the U.S., where it is used for different reasons, including holistically or recreationally. However, its legal status varies across regions due to concerns about its safety.
While many users report benefits, the FDA and other agencies have raised concerns about Kratom’s effects and lack of regulation for safe use. This is why getting your Kratom from a reputable store like Bertha’s Depot is essential.
What is 7-Hydroxy?
7-Hydroxymitragynine is one of the two primary alkaloids found in the kratom leaf. When isolated, it binds to the body's mu-opioid receptors (MOR) with a potency nine times greater than mitragynine.
This makes it highly potent, yet its effects are milder compared to traditional opioids like morphine. While it interacts with opioid receptors, it does so more gently, not fully binding to them as firmly as typical opioids would. This partial binding results in its potent but more controlled effects.
Is 7-Hydroxy Kratom?
7-Hydroxy is a Kratom extract, but it’s not Kratom in the traditional sense. In other words, 7-Hydroxy is a Kratom isolate; the manufacturer extracts the 7-Hydroxy from the Kratom leaf and creates a stand-alone product.
This produces a highly potent product that keeps the most potent alkaloid and leaves out the rest. Although Kratom products tend to be more balanced because they incorporate the entire leaf, 7-Hydroxy is a far more powerful product than Kratom.
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Breakdown of Kratom and 7-Hydroxy
When referring to Kratom, we’re talking about all the alkaloids, including 7-Hydroxy. However, when referring to 7-Hydroxy, we only talk about the single isolate. There are some advantages to using the whole plant instead of just a single isolate.
Benefits of Kratom
When you use Kratom, whether it be in a powder, capsule, etc., you’re getting the entire benefit of the leaf. This means you’re getting a more well-balanced experience that can be much better managed.
Although both Kratom and 7-Hydroxy offer a similar experience, think of Kratom as a regular cup of coffee and 7-Hydroxy as a cup of coffee with a couple of shots of espresso. Yeah, you’re getting the caffeine rush from the cup of coffee, but the added espresso shots offer a higher jolt. Similar to Kratom and 7-Hydroxy, you’re getting what you need from 7-Hydroxy, but a lot more intense.
Benefits of 7-Hydroxy
The most significant benefit of 7-Hydroxy over Kratom is its potency. You’re able to take less 7-Hydroxy products and produce the same experience as a high dose of Kratom.
One of the standard rules for Kratom is to take less to get energy and more to feel relaxed. However, with 7-Hydroxy, you will likely feel relaxed or sedated because of its high potency.
Conclusion
Both kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine offer similar effects, but 7-hydroxy is significantly more potent due to its concentrated alkaloid content. While kratom provides a balanced experience by incorporating the full range of alkaloids from the leaf, 7-Hydroxy delivers a more intense, targeted effect with smaller doses. Choosing between the two depends on whether you seek a milder, more manageable experience or a stronger, more potent response for pain relief or sedation.
