What Is Kratom Extract? Your Complete Kratom Comparison Guide

Kratom extract is a concentrated form of the Mitragyna speciosa plant. Extracts are designed to deliver potent active compounds (alkaloids) more efficiently. Traditional kratom powders are made from dried kratom leaves. But kratom extract is made quite differently. The natural alkaloids are isolated, then concentrated for use. 

The two most notable alkaloids of interest are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Extracts offer a way to experience their effects in more pronounced ways. You don't have to use very much of an extract product to feel its impact. 

Experienced kratom users enjoy the fast onset, high potency, convenience, and precise dosing. These types of kratom products require more diligence for safe use, and to avoid overuse. 

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What kratom extract actually is and how it works

• The process of making kratom extract

• Different types and strengths of extracts

• How extract effects compare to standard kratom powder

• Safe usage guidelines and best practices

If you’re curious about trying kratom extracts, start here. This guide provides a deeper understanding of the intricacies of kratom extract use. No hype, No Fluff, just straightforward, helpful information. So you can make the best, most informed, choices for your wellness.

Understanding Kratom Extract

At its core, kratom extract is simply kratom in a more concentrated form. Instead of consuming the entire dried leaf, extracts isolate and amplify the plant’s active alkaloids. Particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

This produces a concentrated product with smaller serving sizes and notable effects. Compared to traditional kratom powder, extracts offer a simpler routine without sacrificing potency. In fact, the potency can be much higher with extracts.

Once isolated, extract concentrations are used to make potent kratom products. They may be in resin form, enhanced powders, or liquid shots. Each form offers unique benefits for different types of users. 

Experienced kratom users may turn to kratom extracts to:

• Elevate a stagnant routine.

• Get targeted results.

• Avoid the mixing and bitterness of powders.

• Address an increased need for support.

• Quicken the onset of effects.

• Enjoy the portable convenience of smaller dosing.

To learn more: As you may know, kratom’s effects come primarily from its alkaloids. Mitragynine plays the most dominant role. When learning about the alkaloids, a good place to start is PubChem: Mitragynine, which provides a detailed chemical profile.

New to kratom altogether? Start with the basics. Learn about kratom and its botanical counterpart, kava, with our kava and kratom guide. 

How Is Kratom Extract Made?

The process of making kratom extract starts with high-quality kratom leaves. The leaves are brewed, soaked, or steeped in a controlled environment to pull out their active alkaloids. Often, the two main alkaloids are targeted: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or one of the two.

Once the alkaloids are extracted, the liquid is carefully reduced. This concentrates the active compounds. The concentrated solution can then be dried into a powder, turned into a resin, or used in a liquid extract tincture or shot formulation. The goal is always the same: to deliver a more potent version of kratom in a smaller serving.

Each form has a different texture and application. For example, the liquid extract shots are often flavored and come with several doses to one bottle. Many kratom extract fans enjoy this user-friendly method of taking kratom.

Some manufacturers also use advanced extraction techniques to produce highly purified results. (Examples: solvent-assisted extraction or CO₂ extraction).

• Traditional full-spectrum results: Hot water is used to steep the leaves for water-based extraction.

• Specific alkaloid-targeted results: Solvent-assisted extraction uses alcohol or other solvents. This method isolates the alkaloids more efficiently but requires careful purification.

Learn about the Real Botanicals ChromaPure advanced extraction method.

Not all extraction methods are created equal, which is why sourcing from a trusted vendor is critical. 

Types of Kratom Extract

Kratom extracts come in several different forms. Each form offers unique benefits and varying potencies.  Understanding these types will help you choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Liquid Extracts

Bottled in small vials, liquid kratom extracts are easy to use and fast-acting. (The bottles often resemble ‘energy shot’ bottles, but may contain several servings.) 

They can be taken directly or mixed into beverages. Because they absorb quickly, effects are often felt sooner than with powder.

Resin Extracts

Made by simmering kratom tea until it becomes a thick, tar-like resin. This produces a potent and long-lasting concentration. It can be consumed directly or a small amount can be dissolved in warm water before drinking. If you do this at home, keep the water lower than boiling to prevent alkaloid loss due to excessive heat.

Enhanced Powders

These are kratom powders infused with concentrated extract. Enhanced powders look similar to regular kratom powder. But enhanced powders deliver a stronger effect per gram. These are popular with experienced users who prefer the familiarity of powder but want an extra boost.

Each type offers its own balance of potency, convenience, and onset time. Your choice will depend on how you prefer to take kratom and how strong you want your serving to be.

For more on the science behind kratom’s active components and how they’re processed, see the NIH: Kratom Pharmacology Review.

Kratom Extract Potency and Effects

Because kratom extract is concentrated, it delivers more pronounced effects. And it does so with smaller amounts compared to standard powder. This potency can be appealing to experienced users. The effects can mean faster onset, longer duration, or a more targeted experience.

Kratom’s effects come mainly from two alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The minor alkaloids like paynantheine and speciociliatine offer nuanced contributions. Natural kratom leaves contain a variety of these compounds in relatively low amounts. Typically around 1.5% to 2.5% mitragynine and less than 0.05% 7-hydroxymitragynine. 

Extracts concentrate these alkaloids significantly. Mitragynine levels can be increased to over 30%. 7-hydroxymitragynine can be 20 to 100 times more concentrated compared to raw leaves. This higher concentration is what makes extracts more potent.

By reducing the plant material consumed and concentrating the active compounds, this can speed up the onset. Both their potency and speed mean careful dosing is very important. Just as important is finding a high-quality, trusted source to ensure safety.

Comparison chart for common alkaloid concentrations (natural kratom leaf versus kratom extracts):

The effects you feel from kratom extract depend on the strain type, serving size, and your personal tolerance. In general:

• Smaller servings may feel energizing and mood-lifting.

• Moderate servings can promote relaxation, focus, and a balanced sense of well-being.

• Larger servings tend to be deeply calming and can be sedating.

If you're unfamiliar with kratom, these concentrated kratom forms can be tricky. Always start low and go slow with dosing. Since extracts can be several times stronger than powder, precise serving control is essential. Taking too much may result in unwanted effects. 

If you’re unsure where to start, our Kratom Dosage Guide offers detailed recommendations for both powder and extract formats. Following these guidelines will help you find your ideal serving while minimizing the risk of overuse.

Kratom Extract vs Powder

While both forms come from the same plant, kratom extract and kratom powder offer very different experiences.

Kratom Powder

This is the traditional form, made by drying and grinding kratom leaves. It’s less concentrated, so servings are larger and effects come on more gradually. Powder is ideal for beginners or those who prefer a gentler, more controllable experience. 

Learn more about how to take kratom powder properly as part of a regular wellness routine. 

Kratom Extract

The targeted results of kratom extracts can be more convenient for experienced users. They kick in quicker and many users report stronger-feeling effects. Extracts are available in liquids, resins, and enhanced powders.

Key Differences

• Potency: Extracts are much stronger per gram than powder. Research shows that 7-OH, for example, is 10-13 times stronger than MIT. So when you concentrate 7-OH, a little goes a long way! It’s important to understand the strength of any kratom product you use.

• Serving Size: Extracts require far less material to achieve similar effects.

• Onset Time: Extracts often work faster due to their concentrated nature.

• Cost: Extracts are typically more expensive, but you use less per serving.

Choosing between them comes down to experience level, desired effects, and budget. Some users even keep both on hand, using powder for daily use and extract for occasional, more intense sessions. 

Get the complete breakdown here: Understanding Kratom Extract vs Powder: A Usage & Dosage Guide 

How to Use Kratom Extract Safely

Because kratom extract is much stronger than traditional powder, responsible use is key. For a safer and more enjoyable experience, always adhere to the manufacturer's label instructions. This can vary between manufacturers. Also, factor in what you know about your body's response to kratom.

Start Small

Even if you’re an experienced kratom user, begin with the lowest recommended serving for your chosen extract type. You can always take more if needed, but you can’t reverse taking too much. 

Measure Carefully

Potent extracts require precise measurement. Avoid eyeballing your serving, especially with enhanced powders and resins, where small amounts pack a big punch. Note that for kratom extract shots there are often several servings per bottle—be mindful when buying these types of kratom kava shots online. 

Know Your Source

Buy from reputable vendors—like Real Botanicals— who test their products for potency, purity, and contaminants. Quality control is essential for safety and consistency.

Avoid Mixing with Other Substances

Combining extracts with alcohol, sedatives, or other psychoactive substances may be unsafe. Combining the active ingredients from multiple substances can lead to adverse effects. Or, unpredictable results.

To reduce these risks:

• Speak with your doctor if you take medications.

• Eliminate alcohol use while you're taking kratom extracts. 

To learn more about kratom extract safety:

The American Kratom Association helps you stay in the know. Stay up to date on kratom advocacy, legality, industry updates, and safety guidelines.

For the best experience with kratom extracts, use them safely. Used properly, kratom extracts offer a way to tap into the unique qualities of individual alkaloids, or combinations of them. For experienced kratom users, this can be a game-changer! 

Remember:

• Respect the added potency.

• Always using top quality.

• Take your time to find the serving size that works best for you.

Interested in different types of kratom strains? See our complete strain guide to find the best options for you! 

Real Botanicals’ Approach to Kratom Extract

At Real Botanicals, our goal is to make kratom extract products that are safe, consistent, and above all, effective! 

We begin each product with carefully sourced kratom leaves from trusted suppliers. Then, we process them using clean, controlled extraction methods. We avoid unnecessary fillers, questionable additives, and unclear labeling. 

Instead, our focus is on purity, potency, and honest product descriptions. We label our products with all you need to know to use them. We believe customers deserve to know exactly what’s in their products, and why they work. Our approach isn’t just about making potent kratom; it’s about making kratom you can trust.

To learn more about our standards and mission, visit About Real Botanicals.

If you’re ready to explore premium extracts, powders, and ready-to-drink blends, shop all kratom and kava products in our online store.

Final Thoughts: Informed and Responsible Use

Kratom extract offers a potent, convenient way to experience the benefits of the kratom plant. An informed approach is the safest and most rewarding way to enjoy kratom, and extracts are no exception.

Whether you choose a liquid, resin, or enhanced powder, purchase from a trusted source, and use it thoughtfully. For beginners, traditional kratom powder is usually the best starting point. Extracts may be better suited for experienced users seeking stronger or faster effects.

For all kratom extract users: It's best to start small, measure carefully, and stay informed. This way, you can have the best experience with products that offer you a more targeted way to use kratom.

At Real Botanicals, we take pride in creating extracts that combine purity, potency, and consistency.

If you’re ready to explore premium extracts in ready-to-drink blends and high-potency 7-OH tablets: Shop 7-OH kratom extract products today!