White Thai? Green Malay? One of the Maeng Da types of kratom? Which strains really are the best kratom for energy? Today, Real Botanicals is explaining why it's not just a question of which kratom strain to try, but also about the alkaloids, the dosage, and using the right kratom products.
Let's discover the best kratom for your next clean energy boost and focus!
How Does Kratom Work for Energy?
Kratom works by interacting with receptors in the brain, particularly adrenergic and mu-opioid receptors. At low doses, kratom acts as a mild stimulant, kind of like coffee without the jittery anxiety feeling. Fun fact—botanically speaking, kratom and coffee are actually in the same plant family.
The alkaloid profile for each strain of Kratom can vary. We know that certain strains are more apt to stimulate the central nervous system, promoting alertness and vitality. Since the alkaloids (active ingredients in kratom) are responsible for kratom's effects, we have to look at what alkaloids are present in each strain. And the ratios of those alkaloids.
Alkaloids like mitragynine are believed to enhance dopamine and serotonin activity, contributing to improved mood and motivation. Mitragynine often gets the credit for kratom's uplifting properties, but other alkaloids play a role.
Most Stimulating Kratom Alkaloids
Though clinical studies on kratom are still considered young and ongoing. This means we don't yet know everything there is to know about the alkaloids. But based on what we know, we can get an idea of the "energetic" properties of the alkaloids. In the table below, we've arranged them with the most energetic ones first.
These are the important alkaloids to keep on your radar. For selecting kratom strains for energy based on alkaloid makeup of the strains:
Kratom Alkaloid |
Effects |
Strains |
Mitragynine |
Kratom's primary stimulant & most abundant alkaloid; boosts energy, alertness, mild euphoria. |
White vein strains, like:
|
7-Hydroxymitragynine |
Though largely a relaxant, due to its strength, 7-OH can contribute significantly to stimulation at low doses. |
|
Speciogynine |
Largely associated with muscle relaxing, which, paired with mild stimulant qualities, may aid in physical stamina. |
|
Paynantheine |
Mild stimulant; supports energy and focus through adrenergic modulation. |
|
Corynantheidine (Rauhimbine) |
Alpha-adrenergic antagonist; may enhance mental alertness, mood synergy. |
|
Rhynchophylline |
NMDA antagonist; supports neuroprotection, may improve mental clarity. |
|
Ajmalicine (Raubasine) |
Vasodilator; may enhance cerebral blood flow and wakefulness. |
|
It may not always be obvious on your package of kratom powders or capsules which of these alkaloids are present. You can message the company and ask them for the information, view a product's Certificate of Analysis, or check to see if the product is full spectrum.
Full-spectrum kratom offers the benefits of the full "spectrum" of the kratom plant's alkaloids in the original ratio offered by the plant, with mitragynine carrying dominance.
And mitragynine dominance = more energetic. Get the complete breakdown of different types of kratom here.
Is 7-Hydroxy Energizing?
Regarding 7-hydroxymitragynine—Yes, we decided this heavy-hitter belongs on our list of stimulating kratom alkaloids. This is due to:
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✅ 7-hydroxymitragynine is largely relaxing, but is so chemically strong in the body that it influences your overall kratom experience.
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✅ When 7-hydroxymitragynine is in low doses, and paired with high doses of mitragynine (MIT) the result is a strong stimulus to the mind and body.
One last point. Mitragynine doesn't just go into the body and metabolize all the way through as itself. It changes into other compounds as it metabolizes, producing metabolites. Some MIT changes into 7-hydroxymitragynine, or other metabolites like mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, which is significantly stronger than 7-OH.
One more reason to recognize mitragynine as the king of alkaloid energies!
Full Spectrum Kratom vs Kratom Alkaloid Extracts
Unless otherwise modified, full-spectrum Mitragyna speciosa products will contain the original ratio of alkaloids common to that strain. This provides the therapeutic support of a variety of minor alkaloids, in addition to the dominant MIT and 7-OH found in kratom.
Beginners: Single or double strain full-spectrum, based on strain color venation: white vein strains, green vein kratom for balanced energy.
Moderate users: Maeng Da kratom blends in white, green, or low-dose red.
Advanced users: Extract products are much stronger, with quicker onsets, providing an energetic "kick" that some advanced kratom users prefer.
Understanding the Alkaloid "Less Is More" for Energy
With kratom, less is more when it comes to energy. Smaller doses of any kratom type, especially the white vein kratom strains, may be more stimulating than higher doses of that same product.
Kratom extract products and kratom shots also work this way, only the MIT and 7-OH levels may be much higher than with kratom powders. Just a small dose can boost your energy quicker than waiting for powders to kick in.
With any kratom product you try, consider the onset time, the type of energy you feel (fast energy, smooth energy, sustained energy), and how long you feel the effects. This can help you decide which works best for your best lift; full-spectrum kratom vs kratom extract products for a clean energy boost without crashes.
Helpful tip: If you are feeling a big "let down" shift as your kratom dose wears off, then your dose of kratom may be too high for you. Try sampling different types of kratom strains, or try a kratom and kava pairing for a more balanced and euphoric experience.
What About Kratom for Focus & Motivation?
Now that we've done a bit of a dive into kratom alkaloids and how they affect energy, what about focus levels? Are some alkaloids better for higher focus, improved mental clarity, wakefulness, or concentration? Which are the most mentally stimulating?
Mitragynine and 7-OH aside, here are some of the more minor alkaloids that may help with focus and cognition:
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Corynantheidine (Rauhimbine)
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Rhynchophylline
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Ajmalicine (Raubasine)
Corynantheidine, mitragynine, and rhynchophylline may indirectly support focus and motivation. Paired with mitragynine's action on dopamine and adrenergic receptors, these combined alkaloids could contribute to improved concentration and drive. These effects are more common in younger, less fermented leaves (white vein kratom and some green strains).
Selecting the Best Kratom Strains by Effects
Different kratom strains provide distinct effects because of their unique combinations of alkaloids. White veins are considered the best kratom for energy and focus. Green veins can also boost your energy levels, but the stimulation is more balanced and calm. Some reds may be stimulating if they are particularly high in MIT, and consumed at lower doses.
Choose a strain based on the benefits you need most, like productivity, mood support, or relaxation.
Kratom Effects & the Alkaloids
You can choose an energetic kratom strain or kratom product solely based on the knowledge of the MIT and 7-OH content. Some products are made using extracts of these two alkaloids in place of full-spectrum plant material. Since MIT and 7-OH are the primary alkaloids responsible for kratom's effects, using extract products zeroes in on their power to lift your mood and provide pep.
Extracts of MIT or 7-OH benefits:
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Reduces the amount of plant material consumed. This benefits users who have sensitive digestive systems.
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Faster onset.
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More impactful effects.
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Long-lasting boosts to energy, clarity, and focus.
Because MIT is naturally energetic, you may wonder what the hype is all about with 7-hydroxymitragynine. By utilizing 7-OH in small doses, you may experience a more pleasurable and comfortable lift. The 7-OH contributes to your physical comfort levels.
How to Use Kratom for a Boosting Effect
To get the most boost from your kratom dose, try these tips for using kratom for energy, focus, and motivation.
Kratom Doses for Energy
For an energy lift, use low to moderate doses (1–3 grams) of regular kratom powders or capsules. Take kratom on an empty stomach for quicker onset. Avoid mixing with sedating strains or substances. Time your doses about half an hour before you need a boost.
Select one of these products and begin with a half of a dose to see how you feel. This allows you to take full advantage of the "less is more" for energy rule about Kratom use:
Super Kratom Mood Boost kratom capsules:
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75mg (take one capsule instead of two), or
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150 mg (one capsule if you are already a frequent kratom user).
Kratom Product Format
Kratom is available as powder, capsules, extracts, or shots, among other formats. Which should you choose for the most uplifting energy, body, and mind?
While powders and different strains are flexible and easy to find, why choke down kratom powders in thick, bitter teas? When you can take the most important alkaloids in a capsule or liquid form? In fact, the liquid form has a lot of advantages when it comes to energy.
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Fastest-acting.
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Less product is needed.
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Higher bioavailability.
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Versatility for measuring & taking.
What Kratom Is Best for Energy?
For energy, select white or green kratom strains, and avoid the more relaxing red ones. Or, skip the strains by grabbing a packet of splittable kratom hydroxy tablets made with pure, unadulterated 7-Hydroxy! Take ¼-½ of a tablet to assess your energy levels with this powerful kratom option.
Best Kratom for Energy
For energy, with a kick of feel-goodness, we recommend the Kratom and Kava Shot (half a dose) to see how it affects your energy, your mindset, and creativity. Combined with the power of Kava, GABA, and L-Theanine, it's the perfect thing before a long day at work!
For pure tackle-your-day energy, go with low doses of any of our 7-Hydroxy products, which harness the power of nature with loads of pure 7-OH. Remember, pay close attention to your dosing. A full dose will make you relaxed and comfy, but a lower dose taps into 7-OH's energetic effects.
Best Kratom for Energy + Pain Relief
A half-dose of the 7-Hydroxy Shot would provide 7.5 mg of 7-OH and .15mg of MIT for more relaxed energy without achy, physical discomforts sapping your energy or distracting you from work or play.
Best Kratom for Focus & Clarity
For Focus and clarity, you can't go wrong with a low-dose, full-spectrum, Mood Boost kratom capsule in 75mg.
Best Kratom for Motivation
The mind also deserves an energy boost. Choose products where the MIT levels are high and the 7-OH is more like 2% or less – reflecting the natural ratio of alkaloids found in kratom. This means our line of full-spectrum Mood Boost capsules would be best. If taking a regular kratom dosage of these caps has you feeling too relaxed, you can always drop down to the next strength.
Buying Lab-Tested, Pure Kratom for Energy
In the world of kratom, it's super important to buy high-quality kratom from a reputable brand like Real Botanicals, where third-party lab testing is standard. We not only third-party test all our products, but all products are manufactured in our owned and operated GMP-certified labs. This ensures the product is free from contaminants and has consistent alkaloid levels. Purity matters—clean, unadulterated kratom delivers more reliable and effective results.
Here at Real Botanicals, we never cut corners on product quality. Try white or green kratom strains for a natural way to boost your energy, or take less product by tapping into high-powered 7-Hydro. With our full-spectrum kratom products, capsules, and 7-Hydro on hand, you have all you need to get energized, power through your day, and take care of all the things while feeling your best!