What Is The Science Behind Kratom Alkaloids?

You know that kratom is an amazing energizer, stimulant, and anti-stressor in the herbal world. You also know that it can motivate, relax, and kill the pain, be it chronic. Obviously, these effects vary across different kratom strains, but, folks, have you ever wondered what those magical agents interact with our body and bring about these magical effects of kratom? The answer is – KRATOM ALKALOIDS!

Yes, let’s put the spotlight on these game-changers that have been adding to the lives of millions out there since the beginning. So here we go!

Understanding the Precious Kratom Alkaloids: What are they?

Before we jump on discovering more about kratom alkaloids, first let me tell you about plant alkaloids. You know that our body consists of anti-bodies, and they take out the “defense” whenever a foreign body enters our system and causes fever, flu, sore throat, etc. Similarly, the defence in plants is carried out by the nitrogenous compounds known as alkaloids.

The Mitragyna Speciosa tree grows vibrant green kratom leaves that change their color throughout their growth process. The changing color signifies varying alkaloid profiles – the chemical agents present in kratom responsible for triggering the unique yet matchless effects.

How are Kratom Alkaloids produced in the kratom plant?

In the kratom plant, alkaloid formation starts as soon as it starts growing. From its infancy to adulthood, the alkaloid profile does not remain the same. Kratom alkaloids are connected with certain gene pathways, and they directly influence alkaloid production. Numerous gene pathways tend to connect to initiate the formation of alkaloids.
Temperature changes, quality of soil, rainfall, humidity, and water supply directly affects alkaloid production. If you ever plan to grow your kratom tree, be vigilant about it.

Note: Every plant has different gene pathways; hence, their alkaloid profile varies.

The unique alkaloid profile of Mitragyna Speciosa

The alkaloids that make up the alkaloid profile of kratom are exclusively present in the kratom only. For this reason, kratom is a precious and treasured herb. According to research, there are 40 Kratom alkaloids.

Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxy-Mtragynine make up most of the alkaloid profile, and the other 38 alkaloids are present in a very small ratio. Let’s have a look at the complete alkaloid profile of kratom!

Mitragynine

Mitragynine covers most of the alkaloid content. Almost 66% of Mitragynine is present in kratom and leaves behind 44% for the other kratom alkaloids.  Mitragynine alkaloid directly binds. Remember, each kratom strain has varying levels of Mitragynine alkaloid. The white and green strains are loaded with Mitragynine alkaloid; the red strains contain a lesser amount. As the kratom plant matures, the Mitragynine levels decline, and the 7-Hydroxy-Mitrgynine is found in larger quantity. Do you know Mitragynine directly binds with the mu-opioid brain receptors? For this reason, it produces potent and durable effects.

What effects does Mitragynine produce?

Mitragynine alkaloid is known to produce stimulating effects. It is associated with initiating euphoria, enhanced sexual drive, motivation, positive mood, and laser-like focus.

7-Hydroxy-Mitragynine

The 7-Hydroxy-Mitragynine alkaloid is the second potent alkaloid found in Mitragyna Speciosa.  It covers 2% of the alkaloid ratio and acts on a smaller area in mu-opioid receptors. The alkaloid is notorious for producing analgesic effects by mediating with mu-opioid brain receptors. The Red Kratom strains contain a significant 7-Hydroxy-Mitrgynine, especially Red-Vein Maeng Da and Red-Vein Bali kratom.

Since it is not found in a larger amount in other strains, the manufacturers make its tinctures by specifically focusing on extracting the 7-Hydroxy-Mitrgynine alkaloid.

What effects does 7-Hydroxy-Mitragynine produce?

The 7-Hydroxy-Mitrgynine alkaloid produces prominent pain-killing effects. Moreover, it promotes relaxation, stress-free mental state and works against anxiety and depression as well. It helps with sleep induction, hence many folks who find it hard to sleep at night due to insomnia use it for recreational purposes.

Other alkaloids

Kratom contains 8.6%-9% of Paynantheine alkaloid and 6.6-7% of Speciogynine alkaloid. These alkaloids are less potent as compared to Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxy-Mitragynine, and do not produce potent effects. Research suggests that these alkaloids promote muscle relaxation.

The rest of the percentage is covered by a few other alkaloids that need to be extensively researched.

Note: The effects of kratom vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience potent effects at 2grams, while others would need to take 5grams. Our body weight, metabolism, and lifestyle directly intervene with the kratom’s effects.

5 Hacks to uplift the alkaloid concentration while growing kratom

Do you know certain factors tend to affect alkaloid production when the kratom plant develops from seed to fully grown tree? Yes, that’s true. Farmers work on these factors to get potent and fast-acting alkaloid profiles. Here are a few factors that can help uplift the alkaloids in kratom:

1) According to research, salt stress promotes alkaloid metabolism and increases the alkaloid content. So make sure you provide enough amount of salt to your kratom plant.

2) Make sure you provide your kratom plant with enough amount of carbon dioxide, as it promotes photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce energy-rich organic compounds and alkaloids.

3) Sunlight is an essential source to give a boost to Kratom alkaloids. Ensure that your kratom plant absorbs enough amount of sunlight during the day.

4) Nitrogen is crucial for the well-balanced alkaloid profiles of kratom. Don’t forget to supply enough Nitrogen to your kratom plant.

5) Soil beneficial bacteria help with enhanced alkaloid profiles. Hence, you supply high-quality soil beneficial bacteria to your kratom plant.

Final Verdict

The alkaloids in kratom are responsible for producing health-promoting effects. Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxy-Mitragynine are the most potent alkaloids available in kratom.

The alkaloid concentration highly depends upon the harvesting time, strain type, climatic conditions, and the amount of sunlight you provide to your kratom plant. To enhance the alkaloid ratios, farmers often use salts, beneficial soil bacteria, more sunlight, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.