The Properties and Pharmacology of Kratom

Jemi Fischbach

• August 10, 2020

Kratom’s rise in popularity means that many people are looking to learn more about the various properties that make kratom special. They want to know whether it is something that they might want to start taking for themselves.

However, there has not been nearly enough research done with this plant, and even the legislators are uncertain of who to classify the plant. Because there is not much research, it means that there is not much in the way of regulation for kratom currently. The studies that have been done have delved into the pharmacology of the substance to get a better understanding of the benefits that it might offer, as well as any risks it could pose. Still, the research is slim.

Fortunately, we are not entirely mystified by kratom. Today, we do know more about the plant and its makeup.

The Makeup of Kratom

The limited research that has been done with kratom has found that many phytochemicals occur naturally in the plant. The leaves are where most of the focus has been because they contain more than 40 alkaloids that are thought to be responsible for the effects of the kratom. The two “main” alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. While mitragynine is abundant and is thought to be potent, new research has found that 7-hydroxymitragynine could be even more potent despite being found in much lower concentrations.

How Does Kratom Work on the Brain?

Another one of the questions that people want to know is just how using kratom will affect their brain. The answer is interesting, as the effects can vary based on several factors. Many of those who live in Southeast Asia, where the plants grow natively, have used the leaves for centuries to help them improve their levels of energy, their focus, and productivity. Interestingly, some research has shown that there could be opposite effects in kratom due to the alkaloid concentration.

Preliminary results in research have been enough to make most wonder why there are so many varied and often opposing effects found in one plant. While there still needs to be research to provide a significant amount of scientific evidence, it is believed that the time of the harvest and the methods used can affect the alkaloid concentrations. When harvested during different times, the leaves will have different amounts of alkaloids in abundance.

When you start to look at the various types of kratom on the market, you will notice that they are typically available in three main colors – white, green, and red. This does not mean that they are taken from different variations of kratom. It is the same plant. It is the time when those leaves are harvested that makes the difference.

White kratom is made using from young leaves that are not fully mature. They have white veins. This kratom tends to provide people with energy boosts and increased focus. The green-veined kratom leaves are more mature, and it has more of a balance of alkaloids, which means it can provide effects from either white or red. The red-veined kratom leaves are fully mature, and those who take the red kratom find that the sedative and analgesic effects are more pronounced.

It is also interesting to note that some people have claimed that they do not notice a difference between the strains they take. Others see a very pronounced difference. The reasons for this could be based on the physiology of the person or any other number of reasons. Only with more research will there be definitive answers, but this will take some time.

What Should You Try?

Because kratom has become so popular in recent years, many people are looking to try it. Now that you have a better understanding of the pharmacology of kratom based on what is currently known about the plant, you can start to narrow your choices. Perhaps you are looking for an energy boost that is not caffeine. You might want to try some white kratom. Maybe you are looking to relax. Red kratom might suit your needs.

Of course, the only way to know for sure is to try some different strains. You can get several different strains and then see how each of them makes you feel. Of course, make sure that you are not taking them at the same time. Take one for several days or a week and note how it makes you feel. Then, you can switch to a different strain for the same amount of time and see how that one works.

While this might take some time, you can do your research to find out the strain that works best for your specific needs. You can’t wait forever for the research to be done by scientists.

You can opt for capsules that have the kratom already measured, or you could buy powdered kratom. If you buy the powdered kratom, make sure that you take careful measurements whether you are burning it for the aroma or putting it into capsules of your own.

Buy High-Quality Kratom

Because the FDA does not regulate the production of kratom, you need to be sure that you are buying your products from a reputable seller. Find those who have clean facilities and that lab tests the kratom to ensure it is safe and pure. While there are many responsible manufacturers, this is not true of all of the online operations. If you aren’t careful with where you buy, you could be getting contaminated kratom. There have been incidents of recalls from companies that were selling kratom contaminated with salmonella.

Err on the side of caution and buy from a reputable company like ours. We take great care in the production of kratom and provide you with safe, quality products that are delivered directly to your home.