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Alkaloids and Kratom

What Are Alkaloids?-

Plants are made up of chemicals called phytochemicals, which literally translates to plant chemicals. Some phytochemicals are chemical compounds classified as alkaloids. Alkaloids are classified as such because they tend to have a noticeable physiological effect when consumed.

Alkaloids are naturally occurring in many plants like coffee, tea, different flowers, and even mushrooms. Caffeine, the main alkaloid present in coffee and tea is known for its mild stimulant like effects. Psilocybin is a neurotropic alkaloid found in certain types of mushrooms. In kratom, the most powerful alkaloids are Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine.

Kratom Alkaloids-

There are 28 different kratom alkaloids that are currently recognized by researchers. Out of the 28 alkaloids, only two are believed to have a significant effect on the individual consuming them. Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine are the two most recognized and most responsible for the effects of consuming the kratom plant. Though alkaloid content can vary from plant to plant, these two alkaloids are what make kratom popular with consumers.

Mitragynine-

Mitragynine makes up the majority of the alkaloid content in the kratom plant. Generally weighing in at more than 65% of the alkaloid content in kratom, mitragynine is by far the most abundant alkaloid. Concentration levels vary to some degree based on a number of factors. Green and white strains tend to have a higher concentration of mitragynine, while the concentration levels are much lower in others.

7-Hydroxymitragynine-

7-Hydroxymitragynine only makes about 2% of the alkaloid content in kratom, making it the fourth largest out of the 28 alkaloids. It’s more rare than Mitragynine and often found in higher concentrations in red strains. The strain known to contain the highest 7-Hydroxymitragynine concentration is red maeng da. The half life for this alkaloid is only about half as long as the half life of Mitragynine. On average, the 7-Hydroxymitragynine half life is around two hours while Mitragynine is around 4.

More Alkaloids and Veins-

Many factors cause alkaloid content to vary. For instance, younger plants tend to have a higher Mitragynine content, and the veins appear to be visibly more white. The veins shift to a more greenish appearance soon after. Older plants tend to have a higher 7-Hydroxymitragynine concentration and their veins appear to look more red. This is where the red vein, white vein, and green vein come from. They are all part of the same plant. The alkaloid concentrations, appearance, and effects are all part of the life cycle of the plant.

In Conclusion-

Knowing the makeup of plants and how those alkaloids correspond with personal needs is important. Though Austin Organic Village is limited in what can be said about the effects of the alkaloids due to rules and regulations, doing personal research is paramount to having a successful and knowledgeable kratom journey.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.**

Austin Organic Village