What’s the difference between Kratom and 7-OH?

The world of botanicals may sometimes feel like a foreign language, especially when terms like Kratom and 7-OH pop up. But if you are choosing between these two options for your wellness routine, you don’t want to mistake one for the other.

At MYLARMEN, we’d like to uncover clear information about these compounds so you understand the difference and can decide what’s better for you. So, have a seat and get ready to find out the peculiarities of the two terms.

Getting to know Kratom

Kratom is both a plant and a preparation made of the plant’s leaves. In botanical terms, it always refers to the Mitragyna speciosa tree. It naturally grows in the wetland forests of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries.

When you come across Kratom for sale, it’s usually the dried leaves of this tree, available in several common forms:

• Powder
• Crushed leaves (often for tea)
• Capsules filled with the powder
• Extracts (more concentrated product versions)

Kratom leaves are jam-packed with natural compounds, including alkaloids. The two of them you’ll hear of most frequently are mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (sold and marketed as 7-OH).

Think of Kratom leaves as a whole team of alkaloids. The exact mix may include more or fewer compounds at higher or lower concentrations based on where the tree grows, its age, and how the leaves are harvested and dried.

What is 7-OH Kratom vs Kratom?

Now, let’s have a closer look at Kratom vs 7-OH in the context of this specific alkaloid. You can find 7-OH in microscopic amounts within the leaf in combination with other alkaloids. When you see products displaying “7-OH,” it usually means that this substance has been isolated and concentrated, or, sometimes, even made in a lab and added to Kratom powder or sold on its own. This is quite different from using the whole Mitragyna speciosa leaf, which has a broader mix of natural compounds.

The core difference between Kratom and 7-OH comes down to what you get:

• By opting for Kratom, you get the whole leaf of the Mitragyna speciosa tree or products made directly from it (like powders). It gives you the full spectrum of alkaloids as they exist in nature, with mitragynine being the most plentiful, and 7-OH present in naturally low amounts. It’s the plant in its more complete, traditional form.
• By going for 7-OH, you get your hands on 7-Hydroxymitragynine that’s been pulled out and concentrated, or possibly made synthetically, to make up a much larger part of the substance than you’d ever find in a raw leaf.

While 7-OH may be derived from Kratom, it’s a whole different animal when compared to Kratom’s effects.

Potency and what to expect

Studies show that 7-Hydroxymitragynine is way stronger than mitragynine (Kratom’s main alkaloid). This means you need a lot less 7-OH to notice its effects compared to mitragynine or the whole Kratom leaf.

You should only choose products brimming with 7-OH if you want more pronounced effects. The properties of traditional Kratom are more varied and balanced, possibly because of the way multiple alkaloids and other compounds work together in the whole leaf. 7-OH products can make you experience more direct and intense effects as the most potent alkaloid takes center stage.

What’s better: Kratom or 7-OH?

If you have never had any experience with Kratom or 7-OH, it’s best to start with a natural, more balanced product. Powders, capsules, and teas appeal to most beginners.

Are you experienced and curious about 7-OH’s specific effects? If you’re considering products enriched with 7-OH, do so with a clear understanding that their impact may be far-reaching and your session may become longer-lasting. Deep research is a must here. How you respond to traditional Kratom or 7-OH-enriched products can be individual.

Your options on the shelf

When deciding between Kratom or 7-OH-only options, it helps to know what you may find at stores:

• Plain-leaf Kratom. This is your ground Mitragyna speciosa leaf, often named by its strain (Maeng Da, Bali, etc.).
• Kratom extracts. These are more concentrated. Alkaloids are extracted from a larger batch of leaf material. Extracts can vary in strength and may not specify their 7-OH content. Some provide a full-spectrum concentration, and others may be more selective.
• 7-OH extracts or isolates. These are specifically made to contain a higher percentage of 7-Hydroxymitragynine. They are undeniably the most potent options and require careful consumption decisions.

The difference between these products isn’t only related to potency. The way they are regulated is also different.

Legal status and regulations

In the United States, the federal government hasn’t officially classified Kratom or any of its major compounds, such as 7-OH, as a controlled substance. However, according to the FDA, it isn’t okay to use them for any medical reason, either. They currently see Kratom as a new ingredient that is worth conducting more detailed research on before approving it for things like dietary supplements or food.

That said, some states have completely banned the sale or possession of Kratom. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) has been established to impose rules on how Mitragyna speciosa products must be labeled and how pure they should be. Some territories might even limit how much 7-OH can be in a product by capping it, for example, at 2% of all active compounds.

If you were to look at the regulations implemented by other countries, you’d find even more varied and confusing laws.

Key takeaway

Choosing between Kratom vs 7-OH is an individual process. The former can give you a wide range of effects that are easier to tolerate and predict. The latter is a more potent alternative that may not be for everyone. Figuring out what’s right for you means understanding what each compound can induce and keeping up with the changing rules about them. Also, synthetic 7-OH is probably not the best way to go for first-timers.

As you adjust your wellness routine with either product, doing your research and paying attention to how your body responds is a surefire way to stick to your own path.