Introduction
Many people have heard of Kratom, but fewer understand 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and Pseudoindoxyl. This confusion leads to misunderstandings about their effects, legal status, and uses. Knowing the differences between these substances is important for making informed choices.
This article explains what Kratom, 7-OH, and Pseudoindoxyl are. It also clarifies why 7-OH and Pseudoindoxyl are not the same as Kratom itself.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa. For centuries, laborers and farmers have chewed Kratom leaves to boost energy, ease pain, and relax after work.
The leaves contain over 40 active alkaloids. However, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are the most studied. Mitragynine makes up about 60% of Kratom's total alkaloid content. It interacts with opioid receptors in the body but in a unique way compared to traditional opioids.
Kratom’s effects vary depending on the dose. Small doses tend to be stimulating, while larger doses may be more sedating. This dual nature adds complexity to Kratom's profile.
What is 7-OH (7-Hydroxymitragynine)?
7-OH is a natural compound found in Kratom but in extremely tiny amounts, often less than 0.01% of the leaf’s composition. Despite being rare, it has powerful effects due to its strong affinity for opioid receptors.
Interestingly, your body creates more 7-OH when you consume Kratom. This happens as the liver metabolizes mitragynine. The conversion significantly enhances Kratom's effects even though the plant itself contains so little 7-OH naturally.
Because of its potency, some manufacturers attempt to isolate 7-OH or produce it synthetically to create stronger products. However, this practice separates the compound from Kratom’s natural balance.
What is Pseudoindoxyl?
Pseudoindoxyl is a semi-synthetic compound created through the chemical modification of mitragynine. Scientists can transform mitragynine into Pseudoindoxyl using specialized lab techniques.
Unlike 7-OH, Pseudoindoxyl does not naturally occur in Kratom or the human body. It requires deliberate human intervention to exist. It has a different molecular structure that leads to different pharmacological effects.
Pseudoindoxyl is of great interest to researchers because it may show promise in pain management without some of the risks associated with traditional opioids. However, its effects and safety profile are still under study.
How Kratom, 7-OH, and Pseudoindoxyl Are Related.
The relationship between these compounds starts with mitragynine. Kratom leaves are rich in mitragynine, which can transform into 7-OH inside the body. 7-OH is crucial for much of Kratom’s perceived strength.
Pseudoindoxyl also begins with mitragynine, but scientists must chemically alter it outside the body. It is not a natural byproduct of digestion or metabolism.In short:
- Kratom contains mitragynine.
- Your body converts mitragynine to 7-OH naturally.
- Scientists convert mitragynine to Pseudoindoxyl in labs.
These transformations change not just the chemical structure but also the effects on the body.
Why 7-OH and Pseudoindoxyl Are Not the Same as Kratom.
Kratom offers a "full-spectrum" experience because it contains many alkaloids working together. This natural balance may moderate the intensity of individual compounds and create unique effects.7-OH and Pseudoindoxyl are isolated or modified compounds. They do not include Kratom’s entire alkaloid profile. As a result, they provide a more focused, and often more intense, experience.
Furthermore, removing or altering specific alkaloids can change how the body reacts. Some users may find isolated 7-OH or Pseudoindoxyl too strong or too different compared to the natural plant. Others may appreciate the differences but should be aware they are not experiencing "true Kratom."
Potential Risks and Considerations
- Potency Differences: 7-OH and Pseudoindoxyl are much more potent than plain Kratom. Users must be cautious with dosing.
- Lack of Natural Balance: The absence of Kratom’s full alkaloid spectrum may lead to unexpected or harsher effects.
- Legal Issues: 7-OH and especially Pseudoindoxyl may fall into legal gray areas not yet fully addressed by lawmakers.
- Research Gaps: Long-term studies on 7-OH and Pseudoindoxyl are limited compared to Kratom.
A Detailed Table: Kratom vs 7-OH vs Pseudoindoxyl
| Feature | Kratom | 7-OH | Pseudoindoxyl |
| Source | Natural plant | Natural but rare in Kratom | Synthetic |
| Found in Kratom? | Yes | Yes (trace amounts) | No |
| Created by human process? | No | No | Yes |
| Main Alkaloid | Mitragynine | 7-Hydroxymitragynine | Pseudoindoxyl |
| Effects | Mild to strong | Very strong | Very strong, different |
| Conversion Method | Natural | Liver metabolism | Laboratory chemical |
| Legal Status (varies) | Widely debated | Less clear | Very unclear |
| Typical Usage | Whole leaf, powder | Rare extracts | Research chemicals |
Conclusion.
While Kratom, 7-OH, and Pseudoindoxyl are chemically related, they offer very different experiences. Kratom provides a full-plant profile with a balanced range of effects.
7-OH enhances Kratom’s strength but remains naturally tied to the plant’s ecosystem. Pseudoindoxyl, by contrast, is a lab-created compound with unique properties. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers, researchers, and policymakers make more informed decisions.
FAQs.
- Is 7-OH naturally found in Kratom? Yes, but only in very small amounts.
- Can you buy pure 7-OH naturally? No, extracting enough 7-OH from Kratom is not practical without chemical processes.
- Is Pseudoindoxyl found in nature? No, it is made synthetically in labs.
- Does Kratom turn into 7-OH inside your body? Yes, your liver converts some mitragynine into 7-OH.
- Are the effects of Kratom and 7-OH the same? Not exactly. 7-OH is more potent by weight.
- Is Pseudoindoxyl stronger than Kratom? It can be, but it acts differently and should not be compared directly.
- Is it legal to buy Pseudoindoxyl? Laws vary, and Pseudoindoxyl's legal status is often less clear than Kratom's.
- Does 7-OH make Kratom stronger? Yes, it plays a role in Kratom’s strength after digestion.
- Can you find Pseudoindoxyl in regular Kratom powders? No, Pseudoindoxyl is not present in natural Kratom powders.
- Should you treat 7-OH and Pseudoindoxyl like Kratom? No, they are different substances with unique profiles.