What Is 7-Hydroxy Raw? Understanding the Raw Kratom Trend

If you've been following the latest trends in kratom, then the word "raw" is popping up on your radar. It's hard to sort fact from fiction and marketing terms from legit scientific kratom terminology. The word "raw" may be immediately equated with "better" or "more natural", hence its marketing appeal.

Your safe experience should trump any marketing trend. That's why our kratom alkaloid experts are here to help sort out raw 7 hydroxy vs purified 7-hydroxymitragynine.

In this Real Botanicals article:

• 7-hydroxy raw, 7-hydroxy kratom raw powder, etc., explained.

• Should you buy 7-hydroxy raw, or other kratom extract products?

• What features to look for in a well-sourced, well-produced 7-hydroxy product, based on the science.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any botanical product.

What Does “7-Hydroxy Raw” Mean in Kratom Products?

Raw kratom plant material only contains 2% or less of 7-OH, yet its influence far surpasses the main active compound mitragynine. Even in small numbers, 7-hydroxy, or 7-OH, may be a key mediator of its analgesic effects. That's a mighty strength.

You can get pure 7-hydroxymitragynine by taking kratom products that contain it or only contain mitragynine. This is because 7-hydroxymitragynine is an active metabolite of mitragynine, converting mitragynine via liver CYP enzymes into the same 7-OH compounds, C₂³H₃₀N₂O₅.

7-OH has a higher affinity at the opioid receptors compared to mitragynine, and is thought to produce more of the relaxation and relief effects of kratom.  

Isolating 7-Hydroxymitragynine

Marketing terms may not always accurately describe the multi-faceted methods used to produce them. Some are more about selling, like the term "raw". Different vendors use different methods of alkaloid isolation. So, when you see "7 hydroxy raw" or some other marketing term, it's smart to dig a little deeper.

Raw Kratom Terminology

Let's take a look at some common terms pertaining to kratom extracts and raw 7 hydroxy. We've described them here in the most applicable ways, but some vendors' uses of the terms may vary.  

• 7-hydroxymitragynine (the alkaloid): Scientific name of an alkaloid found in kratom leaves; 7-OH alkaloid is a potent derivative of mitragynine and a key mediator of kratom’s unique effects. Known by many names: 7-hydroxymitragynine, 7 hydroxy or hydroxymitragynine, 7-OH, 7-hydroxy, 7-hydroxy mitragynine, 7-OHM or 7-OHM (also brand names). Note: 7-OHMZ is a brand name, not the alkaloid.  

• Raw 7-Hydroxy: This is a brand name of a particular kratom extract product, often confused with a more "natural" form of 7-OH.

• 7 hydroxy raw or 7-hydroxy raw: Crude material with 7-hydroxymitragynine is present in a non-purified, non-synthesized, or minimally processed state. Term not indicative of concentration or strength.

• Raw leaf kratom: Whole, unpowdered kratom leaves, dried or fresh.

• Liquid 7-OH extracts: Liquid kratom products with concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine extracts; either isolated and purified (preferred), synthesized, or converted from mitragynine. 

• 7-hydroxymitragynine isolate: Pure extract of 7-hydroxymitragynine, isolated and extracted in a laboratory environment. Usually meets a ≥95% purity standard.

• Kratom extract powder: Dried powder or dry tablet form of kratom extract.

• 7-hydroxy kratom raw powder: Marketing term referring to a kratom powder minimally processed with the addition of minimally processed extracts, and implying (sometimes falsely) a more "natural" form of 7 hydroxy alkloids.

• Kratom raw extracts: Minimally processed extracts. Concentration and purity vary wildly between vendors and extraction methods.

• Raw 7-hydroxymitragynine: Minimally processed, unpurified 7-OH extract. Varies in concentration and purity depending on the vendor.

• Unprocessed raw 7-hydroxy: Unrefined, unpurified 7-OH extract.

Before you buy 7-hydroxy raw products, remember that "raw" may imply it's all natural, when a product may contain semi-synthetic alkaloids, or concentrations dangerously high concentrations far beyond what's found in natural kratom leaf or powders. Further, unclear, undefined extraction methods or poor labeling may indicate other safety issues with the product.

7-Hydroxy Raw vs. Other Kratom Extracts: What’s the Difference?

There's a slippery slope when we begin marketing products for being "untreated" or "raw" if that means dropping the ball on safety. Authentic extraction methods and lab-tested kratom extracts will always be superior due to the extra measures taken to ensure purity.  

As you can see, unprocessed kratom alkaloids like 7-OH, or "raw" versions, are less predictable. This technique in the wrong hands could also result in product impurities, lab-altered or synthetic alkaloids, or astronomically high (and unsafe) potencies.

Untested kratom could have safety issues:  

• Microbial contamination (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)

• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury)

• Residual solvents from extraction

• Alkaloid mislabeling or over-concentration

• Adulterants or synthetic additives not found in natural leaf

Why Purity Matters with High-Potency Extracts Like This

Lab-tested kratom extract made from pure Mitragyna speciosa leaf is best. This begins with sourcing and ends with the final stamp of approval from the lab. If any step is not done with safety in mind, warnings can be issued by the FDA and NIH.

Fortunately, the American Kratom Society (AKA) works hard to raise awareness, keep kratom legal, and determine best industry practices to keep you safe. And, pioneering brands like Real Botanicals also work hard to raise the standards of clean extraction. Purer extraction ensures:

• 7-OH purity.

• Precise concentrations.

• Stable extracts that can be precisely titrated into liquid kratom shots.

• Precise concentrations that can be dried and formulated into tablets. 

Consider what happens when pure kratom isn't the goal:

In 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) field operators seized over 1200 lbs of kratom at the Fort Street Cargo Facility in Detroit, Michigan. Despite loose Michigan kratom regulation standards, the shipment arrived from China with a manifest that claimed "botanical soils" from Canada. Clearly, it wasn't soil. This was the first red flag.

The second was the discovery of Salmonella bacteria in the product, which, according to the FDA, can cause a serious gastrointestinal illness called salmonellosis. Ask yourself, what if companies were to receive this product? What if those companies don't refine or test their extracts before making their extracts?

The potency risks of poorly labeled "raw" kratom products are also off the charts. 7-OH is already far more potent than mitragynine, but third-party distributors or pop-up vendors may be clueless. They want fast turnaround and quick sales. When there's a lack of regulation, it's a "buyer beware" market.

What to Look for When Buying 7-Hydroxy Raw Products

If you want to buy raw 7-hydroxy, vet the product and the vendor. Here's how: 

• Read the entire product label: Look for ingredients, clear concentrations, and dosing directions. Avoid contradictory, unclear, or "fishy"-labeled products and the vendors that produce them. 

• Visit the company website: Review the brand's production policies, lab testing protocols, product transparency, accessible COAs,  and reviews. COAs should be clear, thorough, and up-to-date.

• Google search:  Look for warnings by the FDA or AKA on that particular product. (Some 7-hydroxy synthetics have been called out in recent years.)

• Look for sourcing and lab locations: For example, Real Botanicals sources pure Indonesian kratom and tests all products in USA labs for cleaner, higher testing standards. 

• Know what to avoid: Avoid synthetics, additives, and outlandish medical claims. These are all red flags!

Real Botanicals and the Case for Verified Kratom Extracts

Real Botanicals believes some kratom users need the extra support found in pure 7-hydroxymitragynine:

• More therapeutic potential.

• Higher relaxation and calm.

• *Potential analgesic effects may vary.

• Less kratom product needed for results (can be economical)

(*Analgesic effects in rodent models have been demonstrated several times.) 

This is where Real Botanicals hopes to make a difference in the world of kratom. By ethical production standards, and uniting safer extract products with the kratom users who really need them. 

Producing Pure, Lab-Tested Kratom Extract

Real Botanicals revolutionized 7-hydroxymitragynine extraction with its state-of-the-art ChromaPure extraction technology. This method is a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) process designed to isolate and concentrate the alkaloids of kratom, without compromising their integrity or altering their structure. 

Benefits:

• More balanced alkaloid makeup like that in raw kratom leaf.

• Safer, more consistent experience.

• Free from the influence (and risk) of synthetic 7-OH enhancements.

Using these superior methods of extraction, we produce two types of 7-OH extract products: 

1. Kratom powder extract formula: 7-Hydro Tablets

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It's legit. This product is as advertised. Works well, shipped on time, and actually tastes pretty good. I ended up setting up a subscription.

—Scott W.

2. Liquid kratom extract formula: 7-Hydro Shot

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Small but Mighty. The size is deceiving—this tiny shot is packed with power! Perfect for those long, exhausting days.

—Charlotte

Why Verified, Purified 7-OH Extraction Matters

With all the raw, unpurified, and synthetic kratom alkaloids flooding the market, it pays to be a careful consumer. An educated one. As with any other botanicals, you shouldn't compromise your health for products that compromise on safety. One good way to check this out is to read product COAs on a vendor's website (like this one: 7-Hydroxy Shot COA). There, you can see what's in the product, but also learn a lot about the authenticity of a brand. 

FAQs About 7-Hydroxy Raw Kratom

Is 7-hydroxy raw stronger than standard kratom?

The term "7 hydroxy raw" or "raw 7 hydroxy" means unprocessed, but doesn't indicate higher strength. Always read the label!

Is it legal to buy 7-hydroxy raw?

Federally, kratom products are legal, but some areas and states have banned kratom or its derivatives. Check your state laws to be sure you can buy and use kratom products. Stay up-to-date with our guide to kratom legality by state.  

Can I take raw 7-hydroxy every day? 

Check the label to determine the daily limit for consumption. For all kratom, it's advised to take regular breaks to keep from developing dependence or tolerance.

What is the safest way to try raw 7-hydroxymitragynine?

If you've determined a raw 7-hydroxymitragynine product is legit and clean, sample a very small amount to begin. With kratom extracts, it is important to "start low and go slow" with your dosing. More info on kratom extract dosage. 

Final Thoughts: Is 7-Hydroxy Raw Worth Buying?

If you're looking for additional kratom alkaloid support, raw 7-hydroxy may sound appealing. However, before you make a purchase, consider the risks as well. "Raw" could indicate the product is unrefined, unpurified, or synthetic, which could be unsafe. Instead, steer clear of the hidden dangers and buy Real Botanicals 7-Hydro—always lab-tested in the USA. 

Learn more about how Real Botanicals does kratom extracts better.