Paynantheine is one of the many naturally occurring alkaloids in Mitragyna speciosa korth, also known as kratom. Kratom trees, or Mitragyna speciosa, grow natively throughout Southeast Asia. Paynantheine is one of the lesser-known kratom alkaloids among mitragynine and its diastereomers, but that doesn’t mean this tiny molecule isn’t significant in kratom. In fact, we think it’s rather underrated.
Today, Real Botanicals examines how paynantheine contributes to various kratom properties. We’ll also explain how paynantheine can help humans with different aspects of their mental and physical well-being.
Introduction to Paynantheine
Paynantheine is an abundant diastereomer of mitragynine, found in kratom leaves. A diastereomer is a fancy word with a simple meaning. This term is used for alkaloids with chemical compounds similar to mitragynine. There are many of these compounds in kratom, each displaying similarities to mitragynine but with distinct differences in the positioning of their chemical bonds.
Paynantheine is not as abundant in kratom as mitragynine, but it contributes its fair share of benefits for health and wellness.
But, how does paynantheine compare to mitragynine? What properties does paynantheine contribute to kratom as compared to the better-known mitragynine? How do these two alkaloids differ in structure, properties, and effects?
It begins with understanding the chemical structure and properties of the paynantheine molecules.
(Chemical structure of Paynantheine, C23H28N2O4 )
Similar to mitragynine, paynantheine is an indole-based alkaloid. This is a distinction for alkaloids shaped with an indole ring in the structure.
The following are some of the chemical properties of paynantheine:
-
At the core of its structure, paynantheine has a fused indole ring system just like other alkaloids.
-
Similar to mitragynine and other kratom alkaloids, paynantheine is lipophilic, which means that it is fat-soluble.
-
Like other kratom alkaloids, paynantheine leads to antinociception, a process that results in discomfort relief.
These aspects make paynantheine similar to other kratom alkaloids like speciogynine, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine. This demonstrates that paynantheine contributes to various properties of kratom that can be beneficial for the body.
But first, let’s explore a few more chemical details about paynantheine, which are essential to understanding how it works. Paynantheine-related antibodies and classifications shed more light on how paynantheine contributes to the overall effects of kratom.
Paynantheine Related Antibodies
Currently, there are no antibodies directly related to paynantheine metabolism. Antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) are proteins your immune system makes to recognize and fight off foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Various antibodies can be used in experiments to detect and analyze antigens in humans, rats, and other living creatures. While cross-reactive antibodies (ones relating to other kratom alkaloids) are effective for detecting paynantheine, it's important to note that antibodies specifically tailored for paynantheine are not widely documented in current research.
In some kratom studies, paynantheine has been shown to induce antinociception in rats, suggesting potential pharmacological activity.
Paynantheine Related Classifications
In classification, chemical compounds are added in groups based on their shared similarities in properties and structuring.
Based on its chemical structure and extraction, paynantheine is classified as an indole alkaloid extracted from Mitragyna speciosa korth. It is sub-classified as a Mitragynine-Type Alkaloid, specifically sharing some properties with oxindole alkaloids. This is why paynantheine may have a relaxing effect on the muscles as it interacts in the body.
Paynantheine is also considered a weak μ-opioid receptor partial agonist. This pharmacological classification of paynantheine also helps us understand how paynantheine helps to provide both relief and balance.
Natural Occurrence in Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
Like other alkaloids, paynantheine naturally occurs in kratom leaves. However, it’s relatively lesser than the most abundant alkaloid, mitragynine.
Paynantheine makes up about 8-10% of the total alkaloid content extracted from kratom. It is much more than the well-known kratom alkaloid called 7-hydroxymitragynine, which makes up 2% of the kratom alkaloid content.
Since there’s a significant amount of paynantheine found in natural kratom, how does it compare to the other kratom alkaloids?
Biosynthesis and Relationship with Other Kratom Alkaloids
The biosynthesis of paynantheine shows us how it is produced. This process takes place in the kratom leaves, naturally, in the following four steps:
-
Tryptophan → Tryptamine (decarboxylation)
-
Tryptamine → Hydroxy-tryptamine (hydroxylation)
-
Hydroxy-tryptamine → Methylated intermediates (methyltransferases)
-
Mitragynine → Paynantheine (cyclization)
This biosynthesis helps us understand how paynantheine is formed, and we find that tryptophan is a precursor in the process. Tryptophan is also a precursor in the biosynthesis of various other kratom alkaloids, like speciogynine. You may recall that tryptophan is the substance found in turkey meat and other foods that creates a pleasant, relaxed feeling after we eat it.
Paynantheine plays an important role in our body when we ingest kratom capsules or powders with high amounts of mitragynine. This is because as we metabolize mitragynine, some of it is converted into metabolites, including paynantheine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Therefore, we get the benefits of paynantheine in the kratom products we ingest, but also as the body metabolizes the mitragynine. It’s a win-win for our bodies and minds!
Now let’s find how paynantheine relates to other important kratom alkaloids.
-
Paynantheine vs mitragynine: As a diastereomer of mitragynine, paynantheine is very similar to it. Paynantheine and mitragynine are both formed from tryptophan and then tryptamine and share a similar indole chemical structure. One key difference is that mitragynine creates metabolites of the other alkaloids, like speciogynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as it metabolizes in the body. In this way, mitragynine plays a more “central” role in the kratom leaf, with paynantheine acting as a supportive and balancing agent within kratom.
-
Paynantheine vs 7-hydroxymitragynine: Paynantheine is available in much higher amounts than 7-hydroxymitragynine in kratom. However, 7-hydroxymitragynine is considered more potent in beneficial properties. Paynantheine also contributes antinociceptive properties, underscoring its importance as a kratom alkaloid. One key difference is that 7-hydroxymitragynine is far more likely to be seen in kratom alkaloid extract form, due to its strength and affinity at the receptor sites.
-
Paynantheine vs speciogynine: Both speciogynine and paynantheine are known to contribute to the relaxing properties of kratom. However, paynantheine is present in higher quantities at nearly 10% of the total alkaloids. By comparison, speciogynine is more like 1% of the total alkaloid makeup of kratom, depending on where the kratom is harvested.
Paynanthine vs speciociliatine: Paynantheine and speciociliatine share similar chemical structuring and biological properties that impact the central nervous system and deliver supportive kratom effects like relaxation and relief. Speciociliatine is a minor alkaloid in kratom, making up less than 1% of the total alkaloid content.
Paynantheine Effects
Paynantheine produces many effects on human health while interacting with our bodily receptors. Along with other kratom alkaloids, the effects of paynantheine can be felt for around five to six hours after consuming kratom.
Some factors affect how long you feel kratom’s effects:
-
Individual health and metabolism.
-
The dosage of kratom you take.
-
Whether you are well-hydrated while using kratom.
-
Whether you consume potentiators (foods that affect kratom’s strength and duration) like citrus juices or caffeine.
-
How adapted your body is to using kratom.
Interaction with Bodily Receptors
Paynantheine effects on the body vary depending on its interaction with different receptors.
While not as well documented as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, we know that paynantheine interacts with opioid receptors. This may result in mild mood-supporting effects, ease muscle tension, and influence how our bodies perceive discomfort (antinociception).
Another area where research is limited, but of great interest, is paynantheine’s (among other alkaloids) interaction with dopamine receptors. Dopamine receptors play a critical role in regulating several important functions related to movement, motivation, pleasure and reward, mood, and learning.
Also, paynantheine’s potential at the alpha-2 adrenergic and GABA receptors may result in relieving stress, providing relaxation, and producing calming effects.
Antinociceptive and Stimulant Properties
Paynantheine primarily binds with the mu-opioid receptors, helping to block pain signals. These activities by kratom alkaloids are why so many people turn to kratom for relief and general daily comfort. Plant-based options are becoming more available and trusted by those who want to avoid alternatives altogether.
One promising experiment on rats demonstrated how more minor alkaloids like paynantheine and speciogynine play key roles in antinociceptive effects. Preliminary studies suggest that paynantheine seems to outperform other alkaloids, including mitragynine.
Effects on Serotonin Receptors
Serotonin receptors, also known as the 5-HT receptors, work to mediate the effects of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates appetite, mood, sleep, and other psychological functions of human beings.
A recent study reveals that paynantheine is more interactive with the 5-HT1A receptors than other alkaloids like mitragynine and speciogynine. This shows us the great promise of paynantheine's influence. As a 5-HT1A agonist, paynantheine influences serotonin receptors.
If you’re excited about using paynantheine, what’s the best way to work it into your routine? Let’s examine paynantheine’s real-life applications and uses!
Potential Uses and the Best Kratom Products to Try
The best way to get some paynantheine in your day and avail its potential benefits is by consuming kratom. Kratom is available in the form of capsules and powder form. Paynantheine is present in regular kratom.
There are a variety of reasons people turn to kratom use:
-
Slay your goals at the gym.
-
Stay sharp and focused at work.
-
Power through a boring day with a smile on your face.
-
Ease the aching and get back to your old self.
-
Charge up when the daily grind is wearing you down.
-
Get through a social event you've been dreading.
-
Get out for a nature hike and enjoy connecting with peace.
-
Improve your everyday outlook.
If you're interested in taking kratom that has paynantheine 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' lineup 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 contain the full array of kratom alkaloids, including paynantheine and the other minor alkaloids.
If you have a broad spectrum of needs, these may be your best picks:
-
Regular support: Kratom Capsules 75 mg
-
Strong support: Kratom Capsules 150 mg
-
Intense MAXIMUM support: Kratom Capsules 225 mg
These comprehensive blends offer balanced support with antinociceptive properties. This may provide you with the broadest balance of kratom effects:
-
A balanced blend of focus, clarity, and energy.
-
Equally balancing relief and calm, relaxing properties, mind and body.
However, if general discomfort support is your primary need, you'll want to trend toward our 7-Hydroxy products, which are packed with the powerful relieving support of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Check out our 7-hydroxymitragynine tablets and 7-hydroxymitragynine shots here!
Once you start using kratom, you’ll notice that you feel different. Why is this? Let’s look at how the various metabolites work in the body.
Studying Metabolite Production and Excretion
Paynantheine is metabolized mainly in the liver. Liver enzymes, primarily cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4), break down kratom’s alkaloids into various metabolites. Paynantheine and its metabolites undergo oxidation and conjugation to make them soluble for excretion through bile or urine.
Let’s take a look at the other kratom alkaloids like speciogynine, speciociliatine, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Comparative analysis helps us find how paynantheine differs from these alkaloids in its functioning and properties.
Comparative Analysis with Other Kratom Alkaloids
Mitragynine
-
Since mitragynine is the primarily active kratom alkaloid, it has a higher bond affinity than paynantheine for the receptors.
-
Paynantheine seems to be less stimulating than mitragynine.
7-hydroxymitragynine
-
Paynantheine accounts for about 10% of the alkaloid content in kratom, while 7-hydroxymitragynine accounts for only 2%. 7-hydroxymitragynine is more effective and potent despite the lesser amount.
Speciogynine
-
Paynantheine, overall, has relatively mild properties.
-
Paynantheine may offer a bit more support for stress and general relief than speciogynine.
Speciociliatine
-
Speciociliatine is known for its uplifting properties and potential effects. Paynantheine is considered more relaxing.
-
Both alkaloids require more research to determine their full contribution to the effects of kratom
Safety Profile and Potential Side Effects
Just like other kratom alkaloids, paynantheine posits health and wellness applications balanced against potential side effects. When used properly, kratom alkaloids like paynantheine contribute to our alertness, mood, and comfort. Taking at or below the recommended doses helps you to avoid any potential side effects, like:
-
Constipation
-
Dizziness or drowsiness
-
Nausea
-
Changes in appetite
Current Research and Future Directions
Originating from Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, kratom has become popular for use in the US during recent decades.
While the significant kratom alkaloid mitragynine was discovered in the 1920s, lesser-known alkaloids like paynantheine and speciogynine were isolated much later, in the 1970s. Due to its rapid growth in popularity, more research is needed on paynantheine and the other kratom alkaloids.
With further research, we can understand various aspects like the toxicology and pharmacology of kratom to make it more effective. Kratom research can help us develop a better understanding of its benefits and risks or potential adverse effects on human health. You can keep an eye on the research and follow kratom advocacy organizations like the American Kratom Association.
Real Botanicals products offer both full-spectrum kratom experience and concentrated 7-OH ones for those who need that level of support. We use our ChromaPure™ Process in preparing our pure and potent kratom products. This proprietary method we developed represents a groundbreaking advancement in kratom extraction technology. This process not only ensures the highest purity and potency of paynantheine but also maximizes its beneficial effects.