What Is Pseudoindoxyl? A Real Look at this Emerging Kratom Compound

Most people encounter kratom through raw leaf, popular products like kratom capsules, or high-potency kratom extracts. However, scientific research and market trends now mention a substance called pseudoindoxyl. 

Many users note that the term can be confusing. And with so many kratom products online for sale, it can be a daunting task to distinguish the best from the bottom of the barrel. 

First, “pseudoindoxyl” refers to a chemical scaffold. Think of a chemical scaffold as a molecule’s backbone. It is the basic frame that other parts attach to and shapes how the molecule works in the body.

Secondly, it refers to a specific kratom-related molecule called mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, or MP.

This guide explains the difference and what that means for your kratom experience. 

• What pseudoindoxyl means. 

• How it relates to traditional kratom. 

• What lab research has found. 

• And why you need to look for cGMP standards, COAs, and info on product safety. 

Let’s find the real truth behind the latest in kratom, online 7-OH products, and the emerging trends that continue to become an essential part of this growing natural botanicals industry. 

Quick Answer: What Is Pseudoindoxyl?

Pseudoindoxyl is a chemical scaffold, a type of structure derived from indole compounds. In kratom discussions, the focus is usually on mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP). This compound is sometimes referred to as pseudoindoxyl kratom.

Lab research shows MP acts on the μ-opioid receptor while blocking the δ-opioid receptor. This is a signaling profile different from both classic opioids and raw kratom leaf. Preclinical studies suggest it can form in human plasma from 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Chemists have also created it through total synthesis.

There are no FDA-approved medical uses for MP. Safety data is limited to lab work. If a product label lists pseudoindoxyl or MP, treat it as an advanced alkaloid product and check for a third-party COA and GMP certification. Be sure to check out our detailed guide to finding the best 7-hydroxymitragynine vendors. 

Learn more about advanced kratom alkaloids and the benefits of choosing lab-tested, full-spectrum 7-OH products instead.

Pseudoindoxyl vs. Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl (MP)

Let's take a deeper look at the two sides of pseudoindoxyl meaning.

Pseudoindoxyl: The Chemical Scaffold

Pseudoindoxyl belongs to the indole and oxindole family of structures. These appear in many natural products, including plant alkaloids and fungal metabolites. They also appear in some synthetic medicines. Indoles are widespread in biology. For example, serotonin, melatonin, and tryptophan are all indole-based. The pseudoindoxyl framework modifies that basic shape, giving it new ways of binding to receptors.

Chemists study pseudoindoxyl scaffolds because their three-dimensional shape can strongly influence biological activity. Subtle changes in shape or attached groups can change how kratom-related molecules like MP interact with the body.

Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl: A Kratom-Linked Compound

In the kratom world, “pseudoindoxyl” usually refers specifically to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP).

This compound is structurally distinct from mitragynine (MIT, the main alkaloid in kratom leaf). It also differs from the more potent alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). It’s unusual receptor activity and potential metabolic role have attracted much scientific attention

Lab studies show MP:

• Acts as a μ-opioid receptor agonist (stimulating activity)

• While also serving as a δ-opioid receptor antagonist (blocking activity)

This dual profile is rare among alkaloids. It has fueled research into whether it could one day inspire safer opioid-like medications. For now, however, these findings remain preclinical.

Where Does Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl Come From? (Biology & Chemistry in Plain English)

Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl does not occur in raw kratom leaf but can form in the body from 7-OH or be made in the lab. Its metabolic formulation is important to understand.

Metabolic Formation

Evidence suggests 7-OH can convert into mitragynine pseudoindoxyl in human plasma. This metabolic link is why some sources describe mitragynine pseudoindoxyl in the context of pseudoindoxyl kratom. In other words, after ingesting kratom, the body may produce small amounts of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl as a metabolite. 

This discovery helps explain differences between how kratom behaves in animal models versus humans. Rodents, for example, may not generate the same metabolites, complicating direct comparisons.

The amount of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl formed in people appears to be small and variable, and no study has mapped out a clear dose–response relationship. Still, the finding that mitragynine pseudoindoxyl forms naturally during metabolism shows it is not just a laboratory curiosity.

Synthetic Routes

Chemists make mitragynine pseudoindoxyl in the lab to study its structure and how it affects receptors. This lab-made mitragynine pseudoindoxyl also lets researchers compare it to other kratom alkaloids and classic opioids.

What Do Lab Studies Say About Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl?

Lab studies look at how mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP) affects opioid receptors. Researchers study its receptor activity, signaling, and structure. Then they can assess more clearly how it differs from traditional opioids and kratom’s other alkaloids.

Receptor Activity

Most opioids activate both μ and δ receptors, so MP’s split role marks it as distinct. Studies on pseudoindoxyl kratom compounds also suggest that it displays G-protein–biased signaling.

These factors make pseudoindoxyl of great interest, especially when compared to traditional opioids. In lab studies, compounds like MP that favor G-protein pathways over β-arrestin pathways may produce fewer side effects. 

G-Protein Biased Signaling

Researchers have also found MP shows signaling bias toward G-protein pathways over β-arrestin recruitment. β-arrestin signaling is associated with opioid side effects such as respiratory depression. Whether this bias translates into practical differences in people is not yet proven, but it remains a central focus of research.

This PubMed article analyzes how kratom alkaloids, including mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, display G-protein biased activity with minimal β-arrestin recruitment. It offers insight into why researchers are investigating them as potentially distinct from classical opioids.

Other Receptor Considerations

Some studies suggest MP interacts weakly with the κ-opioid receptor, though less strongly than with μ or δ. Its selectivity profile helps explain why MP does not behave exactly like morphine, fentanyl, or other opioids.

Structural and Signaling Insights

In 2022, a Nature Chemical Biology paper compared MP to potent opioids like lofentanil. Structural modeling showed MP stabilized receptors in distinct conformations. (From both classic opioids and kratom’s other alkaloids.) This reinforces that MP is not just “strong kratom” but a different entity altogether.

Why You’re Hearing About It Now (Market and Safety Context)

With mitragynine pseudoindoxyl's unique receptor activity now documented in lab studies, attention has shifted to what it means for consumers. The compound is no longer only discussed in obscure chemistry papers. Now, reference to the compound can be seen in kratom market reports and regulatory alerts from the FDA.

The American Kratom Association presses vendors to adopt consumer safety cGMP industry standards. And, to address product safety, labeling, and legality in their product literature. 

How to Read a COA When Labels Mention Advanced Alkaloids

Kratom leaf has more than forty active alkaloids. The easiest way to see which ones are in your product is to see the Certificate of Analysis (COA).

A COA is a lab report. It lists the alkaloids in your product and how much of each is present. It also shows results for safety tests, like heavy metals, microbes, and solvents. A COA proves whether the product matches its label and meets quality standards.

Reading one may seem tough at first. With practice, it gets easier. Since kratom is not federally regulated, checking the COA should be a regular habit.

What to Look For

• Compound identity: Mitragynine, 7-OH, or MP should be named directly.

• Potency levels: Expressed in milligrams per unit or percentage by weight.

• Safety screens: Heavy metals, microbial counts, and residual solvents. (Pass/fail status)

• Batch and lab details: Independent lab, test date, and batch number must match the product.

Don’t know where to find the COA? Look for any Real Botanicals product page, like this one for 7-Hydro Shot, and click to see the lab results.

Why It Matters

A COA confirms what’s actually in your product. Without it, you can’t tell natural kratom from a product spiked with potent alkaloids like MP. For your safety, well-being, and experience, the COA can help you decide what to put into your body—and what you shouldn't. 

That said, let’s compare the two most often compared compounds: 7-OH vs mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. Because one of these things is not like the other ones.

Comparison: Mitragynine vs. 7-OH vs. MP

The main difference between 7-OH and MP is potency and source. 7-OH occurs naturally in small amounts in kratom and can be concentrated in extracts.

MP is a more potent compound that does not occur naturally. It may form from 7-OH in the body or be made in the lab. This makes MP a distinct compound that requires extra attention to detail.

Below we’ve compared the two, along with mitragynine. 

Who Considers Advanced Products?

Advanced alkaloid formats, including MP if it ever appears on the market, are generally not for beginners and should be used by experienced consumers. They appeal to experienced users who want precision and potency, or to researchers interested in receptor pharmacology.

Beginners are better served by raw leaf or simple capsules, which present the full alkaloid spectrum at natural ratios. Advanced isolates remove that balance and demand much greater care. 

Moderate to experienced users may enjoy taking full-spectrum kratom products higher in 7-OH than anything with MP in it. For lab-tested options, we recommend Kava + Kratom Shots 375mg or 7-Hydro Tablets in your strength of choice. 

Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl FAQs

What is pseudoindoxyl in simple terms?

Pseudoindoxyl is a chemical structure found in some plants and natural compounds. In kratom discussions, it usually refers to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. This is a lab-synthesized compound that acts differently from kratom compounds.

Is mitragynine pseudoindoxyl natural or synthetic?

Both, depending on where it comes from. If it’s made in the body via 7-OH biotransformation, then it’s natural. Scientists are also able to produce synthetic compounds in the lab. For more information, see American Chemical Society Publications.

Is pseudoindoxyl the same as kratom?

No. Pseudoindoxyl is a different compound, formed in small amounts in the body after you take kratom. It can also be produced in a lab.

Is pseudoindoxyl stronger than mitragynine?

Yes. Lab studies suggest pseudoindoxyl is more potent at the μ-opioid receptor than mitragynine. Because of this higher potency, consumers should approach it with caution. 

How does pseudoindoxyl kratom differ from 7-OH?

They are different compounds, with the latter actually found in kratom. MP is a more potent, lab-produced compound. In terms of safety profiles, many consider lab-tested, responsibly used 7-OH products a safer route to wellness.  

Is pseudoindoxyl legal?

Its legality varies by location. There are no approved medical uses, and local rules may treat it differently than kratom leaf. Always check your local laws before purchasing or using products containing pseudoindoxyl.

Final Thoughts

“Pseudoindoxyl” can mean two things. A general chemical scaffold (chemical structure). Or, in kratom contexts, the specific compound mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, or MP.

MP has attracted scientific interest not just for its strength, but also for its dual action at the body's receptors. Because of its receptor profile and signaling bias, it's gaining marketing momentum. 

If you encounter products labeled with pseudoindoxyl or MP, treat them as advanced alkaloids. They are distinct from kratom leaf, far more potent, and not well-studied in humans.

Always insist on a COA, GMP certification, and legality check before purchase. To learn about an MP alternative, visit our page on full-spectrum 7-OH kratom for high-strength, lab-tested options.