Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has become a widely discussed plant medicine in the wellness and harm reduction communities. Traditionally consumed in Southeast Asia for energy, pain relief, and mood support, kratom owes much of its pharmacological activity to dozens of alkaloids. But among them, one stands out: 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH).
As conversations around kratom's safety, legality, and medical potential grow louder, so too do questions about 7OH—the compound often credited with kratom’s most potent effects. While they are closely connected, kratom and 7OH differ dramatically in how they behave, how they're used, and how they are perceived by regulators.
This article explores those differences in depth—covering origin, chemistry, pharmacology, effects, and legal status—while highlighting why 7OH deserves separate consideration in policy and public understanding.
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, people in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have chewed its leaves or brewed them into tea to combat fatigue, pain, and mood disorders.
Its therapeutic effects come from over 40 active alkaloids, the two most dominant being:
Mitragynine – makes up 60–70% of kratom’s alkaloid content
7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) – present in trace amounts in the raw plant
Depending on the dose, kratom can act as a stimulant (low doses) or a sedative (high doses). It interacts with opioid, adrenergic, and serotonin receptors, giving it a complex profile that can affect pain, mood, focus, and energy.
Kratom products include raw powder, capsules, extracts, and resins—each with varying potency and alkaloid concentration.
Learn more about kratom's alkaloid complexity
7-hydroxymitragynine is a minor alkaloid in kratom but a major metabolite in the body. When mitragynine is ingested, the liver converts part of it into 7OH through enzymatic processes (primarily via CYP3A4).
This transformation is key: although 7OH exists in the raw leaf, most of its impact comes from how the body converts mitragynine after consumption.
Chemically, 7OH is a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist with G-protein biased signaling, a trait that differentiates it from morphine and other opioids that activate the beta-arrestin pathway linked to overdose and respiratory depression.
Explore the pharmacology in detail
Property |
Kratom Leaf |
7OH (Isolated or Metabolite) |
Key Alkaloids |
Mitragynine 7OH >40 others |
Pure 7-hydroxymitragynine |
Primary Effect Pathway |
Multiple (opioid adrenergic etc.) |
Mu-opioid receptor |
Onset of Action |
30–60 min |
10–20 min |
Consistency |
Variable by batch region |
Highly consistent by dose |
Cognitive Effects |
Can be sedating or jittery |
Often clear-headed and calming |
Risk of Nausea |
Higher (due to tannins mitragynine) |
Lower |
Kratom is often used for:
Energy and focus (white strains)
Pain and relaxation (red strains)
Mood support (green strains)
However, due to natural variability and its complex alkaloid profile, kratom can cause mixed effects. Some users feel sedated, others jittery. Doses that help one day might feel overwhelming the next.
7OH, in contrast, offers a more targeted experience:
Pain relief without sedation
Emotional clarity without cognitive fog
Rapid onset and short duration
In lower doses (1–5mg), users report increased motivation, reduced anxiety, and mild euphoria. In higher doses (10–15mg), the effects can become more sedating and analgesic.
Many chronic pain patients or those tapering off opioids have shifted from kratom to 7OH extracts for more predictable relief and fewer side effects.
While kratom faces regulatory scrutiny, it remains legal in most U.S. states. The DEA withdrew a 2016 attempt to schedule kratom after public outcry and scientific backlash. Today, several states have passed Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA) to regulate rather than ban it.
7OH, however, sits in a legal gray area. It is not federally scheduled—but because it interacts with opioid receptors, it has been flagged for review by the DEA. If scheduled, it would:
Shut down scientific research
Criminalize therapeutic users
Remove access to one of the few non-synthetic opioid alternatives
Why the DEA should listen before banning 7OH
7OH is not without risk. It interacts with the same receptors as opioids, which means dependence is possible, especially at high or daily doses. However, it lacks the full beta-arrestin activation that leads to respiratory depression.
Risk Factor |
Kratom |
7OH |
Respiratory Depression |
Low |
Very low |
Liver Stress |
Possible with high doses |
Lower (purified compounds) |
Tolerance Buildup |
Moderate |
Lower (dose dependent) |
Withdrawal Potential |
Mild to Moderate |
Mild |
Most of the serious issues associated with kratom involve high-dose extracts or adulterated products, not pure leaf or 7OH isolates.
NIH on opioid receptor pharmacology
Reddit’s r/7_hydroxymitragynine features over 14,000 members—many of whom have transitioned from kratom to 7OH for chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD.
Common user reports include:
"7OH works faster, and I can control the dose more easily."
"Kratom made me nauseous. 7OH doesn’t."
"7OH helps my PTSD without turning me into a zombie."
Kratom and 7OH are not competitors—they are companions. Kratom offers a broad-spectrum, whole-plant approach with varied effects and cultural legacy. 7OH delivers precision, rapid relief, and targeted therapy for those who need consistency.
Understanding their differences helps users make informed choices, regulators draft smarter laws, and scientists pursue new treatment pathways.
As the opioid epidemic continues and overdose deaths begin to decline, we must ask: are tools like kratom and 7OH part of the solution? The research—and the real stories—say yes.
Yes, but in very small amounts. Most 7OH forms inside the body after mitragynine is consumed.
Not necessarily. 7OH is more potent per milligram, but kratom contains a broader alkaloid profile that can produce complex effects.
Yes. Regular use of either can lead to tolerance. Rotating strains or using breaks is recommended.
7OH is often preferred for precision and potency, while kratom may be better for full-body relaxation.
Yes in most states, but regulated. Some states have bans in place.
It is federally unscheduled but under DEA review. Some fear it may be classified in the future.
Yes. Kratom may cause nausea and constipation. 7OH can cause mild sedation at higher doses.
Some users do, but this increases the risk of overuse. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Both have been used off-label for these conditions with positive reports.
At high doses, kratom can be euphoric. 7OH offers mild elevation but is often described as functional, not intoxicating.
Disclaimer : This content is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using supplements. Our editors are not involved, and we do not take any responsibility for your decisions.