Kratom has evolved from a traditional ceremonial and ritualistic herb into a go-to natural wellness remedy for people around the world. As its popularity grows, so does the interest in the science behind its potential properties and active compounds.
Nowadays, whenever kratom benefits are mentioned, it boils down to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the two widely discussed alkaloids of the kratom plant. 7-hydroxy (also known as 7-hydroxymitragynine) is a potent alkaloid found in kratom that has recently been used to create more powerful, potent kratom products.
This Real Botanicals piece will focus on 7-hydroxymitragynine. We will answer essential questions, including:
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What is 7-hydroxy?
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How does 7-hydroxy work in your body?
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Is 7-hydroxy safe?
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What are the best 7-hydroxy products?
But first, let's start with a few kratom basics.
What Are Kratom Alkaloids?
Kratom alkaloids are active compounds found in the leaves of kratom, a promising medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. In addition to the primary kratom alkaloid mitragynine, there are roughly 40+ more alkaloids present in the powdered and liquid products commonly known as kratom.
These alkaloids interact with specific receptors throughout the body to deliver therapeutic properties. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the most abundant, accounting for approximately 60% of the total alkaloid content.
Different types of kratom strains—white, green, and red—contain varying levels of these alkaloids. For instance, red vein kratom made with mature kratom leaves tends to pack higher amounts of 7-hydroxy. Kratom strain’s origin, growing conditions, and post-harvest practices, such as drying and fermentation, also affect the alkaloid profile.
What Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)?
7-hydroxymitragynine, sometimes abbreviated as 7-hydroxy, 7-hydro, 7-OH, or 7-OHM, is a minor alkaloid present in kratom leaves. Despite its low concentration, it is the most potent alkaloid and is widely sought after for its powerful relaxation and mood boost.
7-hydroxy is an active metabolite of the indole alkaloid mitragynine, the primary ingredient in kratom. This means that when ingesting mitragynine, the liver converts a portion of it into 7-hydroxymitragynine through an enzymatic process. This further enhances the concentration and strength of kratom effects.
Most people appreciate 7-OH for its high potency and fast-acting effects. 7-hydroxymitragynine has a higher affinity at the opioid receptors in your body, delivering powerful antinociceptive and weak rewarding effects. Even at small doses, you can feel the strong kick of this amazing alkaloid.
How 7-Hydroxymitragynine Affects the Body
7-OH interacts with mu-opioid receptors in your brain and nervous system, delivering discomfort relief, mood enhancement, emotional balance, and deep relaxation. It helps by reducing your brain's perception of discomfort, a process called antinociception, leading to quick and strong relief. Some users also report experiencing feelings of euphoria, mental calmness, a boosted mood, and emotional balance.
7-Hydroxy: Evaluation of the Rewarding Effects
7-hydroxy kratom alkaloid makes 7-OH products ideal for fast relief from discomfort, enhancing your mood for social interaction, or relaxing after a long day. This is due to both the strength, and unique effects.
7-Hydroxy Effects & Benefits
Even though it's a minor kratom constituent, 7-Hydroxy has some real therapeutic flair. Check out these reasons for considering adding alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine to your kratom routine:
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Fast-acting relief: effects can be felt quicker than with regular kratom
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Powerful mood enhancement: promotes a calm, balanced mental state
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Lower dose = higher impact: 7-OH’s strength means less is more
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Discreet use: available in a 7-hydroxy tablet or shots for flexible dosing
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Ideal for evening use: pairs well with winding down at night
7-Hydroxy vs. Mitragynine: What’s the Difference?
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy are the two primary alkaloids responsible for diverse kratom properties. But they differ in concentration, potency, kind of effects produced, and more.
Raw kratom leaves, especially from young trees, contain high amounts of mitragynine. This alkaloid can provide a morning energy boost, mood enhancement, and mental clarity when used in low to moderate serving sizes. In contrast, 7-hydroxy exists in trace amounts in the kratom leaves. Additionally, leaves from older, more mature kratom trees contain slightly higher levels of the 7-OH alkaloid compared to those from younger trees. 7-OHM can be perfect when you crave relaxing effects, such as discomfort relief or unwinding in the evening to welcome a better night's rest.
7-hydroxy is more than 10 times stronger than mitragynine. The reason behind 7-OH's high potency is its strong binding affinity to brain and body receptors compared to mitragynine. Due to its strength and faster onset, extracts of 7-OH alkaloids are often used to increase the effects of kratom products.
Is 7-Hydroxy a Natural or Synthetic Kratom Product?
7-hydroxymitragynine does occur naturally in kratom leaves, but in tiny amounts. This natural percentage of the alkaloid is insufficient to produce potent 7-OH products that deliver powerful results. Plus, it takes a lot of kratom to extract plenty of 7-OH. So, some manufacturers cut corners.
7-hydroxy molecules are chemically synthesized from mitragynine using specialized lab equipment and techniques. This is where we hear the term “adulterated” kratom alkaloids, or they are referred to as “synthetic”.
Real Botanicals produces the best 7-hydroxy molecules using state-of-the-art extraction technology called ChromaPure, resulting in the purest, highest-quality, and most potent 7-OH kratom products. Our AKA-certified facility handles every step of production under strict quality control standards.
Why is 7-Hydroxy Compared to Morphine?
You may hear kratom users (or advertisers) say that 7-hydroxy has a higher potency than morphine. (It does.) Or compare the physiological effects of kratom compounds to those of opioids. Comparisons to opium-derived compounds are unfair and misleading.
7-Hydroxy is often compared to known pharmaceuticals such as opioids, morphine, and others, simply as a point of reference for its strength. This should not indicate that mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine are the same as opioids.
To be fully clear, 7-hydroxymitragynine is not an opioid, nor is it related at all to morphine. However, 7-hydroxy can produce powerful effects, such as stimulatory and analgesic effects. This explains why kratom has traditionally been used in Southeast Asia for relief for centuries. Modern use of kratom often combines the rewarding effects of mitragynine with additional 7-OH, thereby raising the potency over regular kratom powder options.
What Are the Best 7-Hydroxy Kratom Products?
Our 7-Hydro kratom products harness the power of 7-hydroxymitragynine without altering the natural plant molecules. We extract them in their most natural form right from pure kratom and use them to enhance our pure 7-Hydroxy Kratom products.
There are two popular options for these 7-hydroxymitragynine products:
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7-Hydro Shot: Easy to use and with high bioavailability, liquid kratom with added 7-OH is the way to go for fast relief.
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7-Hydro Tablets: Splittable, chewable tablets make getting your preferred dose of 7-hydroxy easy and accurate. Just split into halves or fourths, and your doses are ready for fast, portable, discreet relief.
Is 7-Hydroxy Safe in Kratom Use?
What is 7-hydroxy? Are 7-OH products really safe? When used as directed, 7-OH can be the perfect addition to a healthy routine. This includes sourcing your products from legitimate brands that perform third-party testing and ensure proper dosage.
You should work with trusted vendors like Real Botanicals, which employ ethical sourcing and quality control in all production processes. We subject every 7-hydroxy batch to standardized lab testing to confirm alkaloid content and ensure its purity and potency.
Administration of 7-Hydroxymitragynine
Informed dosage is another aspect to consider for a safe and optimized 7-OH experience. 7-OHM products are highly potent, so it is vital to follow accurate dosing and use them responsibly. Here is a step-by-step Kratom dosage guide.
How Real Botanicals Does 7 Hydroxy Kratom
Real Botanicals is among the few selected brands with in-house kratom production. Our team of experts extracts and controls the amount of 7-OH to yield products with well-balanced alkaloids and effects for a more controlled and enjoyable experience.
The right balance of 7-OH can give you a smooth, predictable mood boost, discomfort relief, and a sense of calm without feeling overpowered. Offering top-grade kratom products has been a Real Botanicals dream since our first day of operation. We take kratom testing seriously and maintain complete transparency in our production process. Our third-party lab results are easily accessible, demonstrating our commitment to your safety and well-being.
FAQs About 7-Hydroxy
Is 7-hydroxy in all kratom strains or products?
7-OH is present in all kratom strains but in varying concentrations and tiny amounts. Sophisticated extraction and manufacturing techniques can isolate 7-hydroxy from other alkaloids to either boost its concentration in a particular kratom product or remove it entirely. Always check the alkaloid content of a kratom product before making a purchase.
Can 7-OH products cause side effects?
Yes, 7-OHM products can cause adverse effects, especially when large serving sizes are taken or used irresponsibly. Some users report encountering side effects such as dry mouth, impaired coordination, drowsiness, and more. You should practice mindful dosage and usage in order to have a beneficial experience.
Why is 7-hydroxymitragynine stronger than mitragynine?
7-OH has a stronger binding affinity to opioid receptors in the body than mitragynine. That is why its effects kick in faster and harder. One major study claims that 7-OH is over 10 times more potent than mitragynine, based on the type of kratom strain. Most users depend on 7-hydroxy products for quick discomfort relief, relaxation, and other benefits.
Is 7-OH banned or regulated?
Since Kratom is federally legal in the United States, natural 7-hydroxymitragynine is also legal by extension, as it is a naturally occurring kratom derivative. However, some states may ban mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in commercial kratom products (and argue that kratom has potential adverse effects and abuse). To avoid legal issues, check kratom laws in your locality before using 7-OH products. Learn more about kratom legality in all 50 states.
Final Thoughts: Knowledge = Empowered Use
What is 7-hydroxy? It is considered the most potent alkaloid in kratom. Because of its strength, it is essential to practice precise dosing and take your kratom routine slowly to fully maximize the benefits. Always start with a small dose and gradually increase it until you find your personal sweet spot.
All of our products are manufactured with care, precision, and integrity at our own facility. This gives us complete control over purity, quality, and consistency. Real Botanicals is your one-stop shop for premium kratom products and kava and kratom shot blends!