Speciogynine is one of the many naturally occurring alkaloids produced by the kratom plant, a South Asian tropical evergreen tree known as Mitragyna speciosa. Speciogynine is a lesser known kratom alkaloid among mitragynine, but don't underestimate this important little molecule in kratom's alkaloid profile.
Today Real Botanicals is exploring the tiny but mighty kratom alkaloid, speciogynine. We'll get what makes speciogynine an alkaloid to remember, especially for our mental and physical wellness.
Introduction to Speciogynine Alkaloid
Speciogynine is one of many "diastereomers" of mitragynine, an indole alkaloid found in abundance in kratom leaves. Compared to mitragynine, speciogynine is relatively minor. However, just because speciogynine is lesser known and present in much smaller quantities, it still warrants attention as a contributor to the health and mental wellness aspects of the "family" of kratom alkaloids.
A diastereomer means that compared to mitragynine, the chemical makeup of the other alkaloids are very similar, differing only by the positioning of chemical bonds. Let's delve into how speciogynine differs from mitragynine, the latter of which we know far more about.
Let's take a closer look, keeping in mind the potential for speciogynine to impact our physical and mental health. We'll start with the chemical structure and properties of speciogynine.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Biosynthesis and Relationship with Other Alkaloids
Biosynthesis of the speciogynine alkaloid usually involves four steps:
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Tryptophan → Tryptamine (decarboxylation)
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Tryptamine and Secologanin → Strictosidine (condensation)
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Strictosidine → Corynanthe-type intermediates (oxidations, cyclizations)
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Mitragynine → Speciogynine (via stereochemical conversion)
As you can see, when you ingest kratom with lots of mitragynine, through several chemical exchanges in your body, speciogynine is formed. Plus, there are speciogynine compounds naturally occurring in full-spectrum kratom powders you take. Even if you consume kratom extracts of mitragynine, some still get converted to speciogynine as it metabolizes.
Isn't chemistry fun?
With that, how does speciogynine compare to kratom's other alkaloids in terms of effects? A good understanding of speciogynine's influence takes some of the mystery out of kratom use. Let’s explore how speciogynine is similar to and related to other alkaloids associated with kratom.
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Speciogynine vs mitragynine: Speciogynine is a diastereomer of mitragynine, making both alkaloids very similar to each other in their formation from tryptamine. Their indole structure are also similar.
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Speciogynine vs 7-hydroxymitragynine: Although speciogynine is present in double or even triple amounts as 7-hydroxymitragynine, it is thought that 7-OH is a far stronger relaxant, with a higher ability to provide relief. Even still, speciogynine is known to enhance the calming effects of kratom on the body.
- Speciogynine vs paynanthenine: Both speciogynine and paynantheine are known to contribute to the relaxing effects of kratom, but paynantheine varies from 1-9% of the total alkaloids, depending on where the kratom is harvested.
Speciogynine Effects & Kratom Uses
There are over forty different kratom alkaloids, and while they have similar effects to varying degrees, it's important to remember their combined effects. It is widely thought that kratom's alkaloids work in partnership to deliver kratom's effects. This means a well-rounded, generalized experience. While separating out strong alkaloids like those found in 7-hydroxymitragynine products, we can create products that target relief and are far more relaxing, thanks to the unique properties of 7-OH.
At this time, speciogynine is treated more as a supportive, relaxing alkaloid and isn't usually extracted individually.
Speciogynine effects are very similar to the effects caused by other kratom alkaloids. This includes a balance of relaxing and stimulating properties that enhance motivation and mood. Higher doses can be more sedating. Speciogynine is typically described in terms of relaxation, releasing muscle tension, and calming. These unique properties mean this alkaloid helps support kratom's potential for:
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Relieving tension
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Relieving soreness or discomfort
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Relaxing the user
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Or, aiding in stress management
Speciogynine effects, like other alkaloids, last in the body for up to six hours, depending on various factors like the dose and individual metabolism. Kratom may last in the body for several days even after its effects are gone.
Potential of Kratom
The potential of kratom lies in its ability to interact with different bodily systems to offer a range of benefits. It has been found to provide relief from pain, enhance mood, and act as a natural stimulant. However, responsible consumption is key to avoiding potential side effects.
What are the effects of this alkaloid on the physical and mental state of the human body? Let’s delve into the details.
Interaction with Bodily Systems
Speciogynine interacts with the human body through its various receptors in the central nervous system, providing calm, potential muscle relaxing properties, and some relief for stress. One point to make here is that its affinity to the opioid receptors (which influences its ability to provide relief) is lesser than with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
High doses of speciogynine and other kratom alkaloids may cause side effects you should be aware of. Currently, it isn't known whether the potential for side effects is due to one alkaloid in particular or to the entire spectrum of kratom.
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Kratom can cause some issues like constipation, nausea, and vomiting during interaction with the digestive system.
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Kratom may increase blood pressure levels and heart rate during interaction with the cardiovascular system.
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Kratom can elevate liver enzymes or affect liver toxicity while interacting with the liver.
This is why it's always advisable to stay within the normal dosing range of kratom products. This information is on the label of each kratom product. If your product labeling is unclear or difficult to decipher, then contact the manufacturer to get more product information.
Regarding dosage & product safety: In an unregulated industry like the kratom industry, it is possible to purchase products from a "shady" vendor. If you do not feel confident in the information provided to you by the manufacturer, discard the kratom and purchase from a reputable vendor like Real Botanicals. We make sure your safety and your pleasurable kratom experience are number one over profits.
Influence on Serotonin Receptors
Unlike other kratom alkaloid properties—such as the 7-hydroxymitragynine benefits— speciogynine is not found to have a major influence on serotonin receptors. Serotonin receptors work as neurotransmitters for various bodily functions such as appetite, cognition, and mood. However, there is some interaction with these receptors (lesser than with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine). This is likely why speciogynine is more associated with pain relief, relaxation, or mood than with the cognitive functions of the mind.
Potential Uses and Best Kratom Products to Try
As we’ve discussed earlier, kratom use can be beneficial for body health if consumed responsibly with balanced dose levels. There are a variety of reasons you might turn to kratom:
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Slay your goals at the gym.
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Stay sharp and focused at work.
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Power through a boring day with a smile on your face.
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Ease the aching and get back to your old self.
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Keep up your energy when the daily grind is wearing you down.
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Get through a social event you've been dreading.
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Get out for a nature hike and enjoy connecting with peace and quiet.
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Improve your everyday outlook.
If you're interested in taking kratom that has speciogynine in it to get that extra layer of support for comfort and care, how do you know which kratom products to buy? We can't speak for other vendors, but we can direct you regarding Real Botanicals' line up of kratom and 7-hydroxy products. Here's a basic guideline that will help you shop for the right kratom products for your needs.
Kratom Full-Spectrum Capsules
These kratom capsules contain the full array of kratom alkaloids, including speciogynine and the other minor alkaloids. They come in three strengths:
These comprehensive blends offer balanced support with antinociceptive properties, meaning they are a balance between alertness and focus, energy, and calm, relaxing properties and easing discomfort.
These may be your best pick if you have a broad spectrum of needs.
However, if pain support is your primary need, you'll want to trend toward our favorite products—like these 7-Hydroxy tablets—packed with the powerful relieving support of 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Studying Metabolite Production and Excretion
The metabolism of mitragynine and its diastereomers vary, with speciogynine occurring largely in the liver. The liver enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4), work to oxidize the compounds. Speciogynine and its metabolites undergo phase I metabolism (oxidation) and phase II metabolism (conjugation) to increase their solubility for excretion via the urine. Some may also be excreted through bile and eliminated via feces.
The metabolism and excretion depend on various factors such as the health and functioning of the kidney and liver and genetics. Essentially, while you are taking kratom and its alkaloids, ask for liver function monitoring through your check-ups with your doctor to be sure your liver function is properly balanced. (This is advisable when taking any botanical supplement or medication.)
Comparative Analysis with Other Kratom Alkaloids
Let's recap some takeaways about speciogynine as compared to the other kratom alkaloids.
Mitragynine
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Both mitragynine and speciogynine are mu-opioid receptor antagonists, giving each some analgesic promise. However, speciogynine has weaker potential for opioid-like effects than mitragynine.
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Both contribute to the well-roundedness of full-spectrum kratom (pain relief vs stress relief vs energy & cognition, etc.) and carry the risk of dependence if overused or misused. Higher intake may increase the risk of dependency among some users.
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Speciogynine has a weaker stimulant effect than mitragynine, likely due to its weaker affinity at serotonin receptor sites. Therefore, mitragynine also has greater potential for mood support.
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The partnership of both mitragynine and speciogynine, among other alkaloids found in kratom, means a shared influence on your kratom experience. It is thought that unless you need the specific attention of a certain alkaloid (like 7-Hydro for added pain support) then the combined efforts of all the alkaloids provide a more balanced experience.
7-hydroxymitragynine
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7-hydroxymitragynine is the strongest of all the alkaloids, though it is present in small quantities (usually less than 2% of natural kratom leaf). 7-OH has a high affinity at the opioid receptors and largely outperforms speciogynine in terms of pain support.
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Because of its higher affinity to the mu-opioid receptors, 7-OH carries a greater risk of dependency.
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Speciogynine isn't known to carry this heightened risk of dependency and addiction.
Paynantheine
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Paynantheine, overall, has relatively mild pharmacological effects, offering support for pain and stress, though less than speciogynine.
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Speciogynine and paynantheine have a relatively comfortable safety profile, with less risks for addiction or dependence.
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Paynantheine has less potential for opioid effects than speciogynine.
Current Research and Future Directions
How do the leaves of a tree grown in Southeast Asia get to be so popular in the West? Well, at first, it was due to word-of-mouth, regionally and spreading as people passed through the region and back to their home countries. Now, we know about each alkaloid found in kratom, thanks to laboratory research on the substance.
Mitragynine was first isolated in the 1920s, but the lesser-known alkaloids like speciogynine and speciociliatine took longer to discover. Since its eventual discovery and first isolation from kratom in the 1970s, speciogynine has been subject to numerous experiments. However, this research is limited and still considered "in its infancy." This could be said of all kratom research, but as a kratom user, you can keep an eye on new research findings by following organizations like the American Kratom Association, who push for research, transparency, and ethical practices within the kratom industry.
One such research study has discovered the antinociceptive action of mitragynine in mice. Adverse health effects on physical health have not been fully defined. Essays to demonstrate current kratom use in the US or to review self-reporting data will be helpful to increase the awareness and need for more comprehensive kratom studies to be done (and funded.)
More research is needed to analyze the pharmacological and therapeutic abilities of kratom and its alkaloids.
Final Look at Speciogynine
Real Botanicals offers both full-spectrum kratom experience and the concentrated 7-OH ones for those who need that level of support. We use ChromaPure™ extraction process in preparing our pure and potent kratom products. This proprietary method that we developed represents ga roundbreaking advancement in kratom extraction technology. This process not only ensures the highest purity and potency of speciogynine but also maximizes its beneficial effects.
If you want the influence of speciogynine in your kratom products, plus the power of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, then shop Real Botanicals, which extracts fact from fiction and keeps you well-informed on your kratom journey.