Is 7-OH the Same as Kratom? Know The Difference - 7OH.com

Is 7-OH the Same as Kratom? Know The Difference

You’ve probably heard of 7-OH and kratom and wondered if they refer to the same thing. While they are connected, they are not identical. Understanding the distinction is key to making informed decisions. This guide will clarify the relationship between 7-OH and kratom, explaining their origins, chemical makeup, and how they differ.

What is Kratom?

Kratom originates from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a tropical evergreen native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, people in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have used the leaves of the kratom plant. Traditionally, the leaves were chewed, brewed into tea, or used in cooking.

Today, kratom is available in various forms. You can find kratom products such as powders, capsules, and extracts. The properties of these products can vary depending on factors like the color of the leaf vein, the region where it was grown, and how it was processed. Different kratom strains, often identified by colors like red, green, or white, are associated with different alkaloid profiles.

For a deeper explanation of kratom and its uses, check out the news and education section on our website. For scientific background, see the National Institute on Drug Abuse's kratom info.

The Alkaloids in Kratom

The primary active compounds in the kratom plant are alkaloids. The two most abundant and studied alkaloids are mitragynine and 7 hydroxymitragynine. The concentration of these compounds can change based on the tree’s location, age, and the time of harvest.

Mitragynine is the most plentiful alkaloid in kratom leaves, making up a significant portion of the total alkaloid content. It is a unique molecule that interacts with various receptors in the body. If you are curious about the science, refer to PubChem's mitragynine entry.

The second key alkaloid is 7 hydroxymitragynine. While present in the natural kratom leaf in very small amounts, it is a significant component in the discussion of kratom’s makeup. It is also a metabolite of mitragynine, meaning the body can convert mitragynine into 7 hydroxymitragynine after consumption.

Find more information about this alkaloid in the 7-OH guide.

What Exactly is 7-OH?

The term 7-OH is shorthand for 7 hydroxymitragynine. It is not the kratom plant itself but rather one specific alkaloid found within it. While kratom contains a wide spectrum of more than 40 different alkaloids, 7-OH refers solely to this one compound.

When you see products marketed as 7-OH, they typically contain an isolated or concentrated form of the 7 hydroxymitragynine alkaloid. This is different from traditional kratom products, which contain the full range of alkaloids found in the Mitragyna speciosa leaf. The process of creating a 7-OH product involves extracting and isolating this specific alkaloid from the plant material. This results in a product that is chemically distinct from whole leaf kratom powder or broad spectrum extracts.

Key Differences Between 7-OH and Kratom

To put it simply, comparing kratom to 7-OH is like comparing a whole orange to a Vitamin C tablet. The orange contains Vitamin C, but it also has fiber, sugar, water, and other nutrients. The tablet contains only isolated Vitamin C. In the same way, kratom is the whole plant material containing many alkaloids, while 7-OH is just one of those individual alkaloids.

Here are the main distinctions:

  • Source: Kratom is the raw or processed leaf of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. 7-OH is a single alkaloid molecule isolated from that leaf.

  • Composition: Kratom products contain a full spectrum of alkaloids, including mitragynine, 7 hydroxymitragynine, and dozens of others. 7-OH products are composed primarily of the isolated 7 hydroxymitragynine compound.

  • Form: Kratom is usually sold as a powder, capsule, or tea made from the plant leaves. 7-OH is typically found in precisely measured products like tablets or tinctures that feature the isolated alkaloid.

  • Concentration: In a dried kratom leaf, 7 hydroxymitragynine is a minor component. Products specifically labeled as 7-OH contain a much higher concentration of this single alkaloid than would ever be found naturally in the plant material.

If you want to browse available products, you can visit our main product collection.

Legal Status Considerations

The legal status of kratom and its alkaloids can be complex and varies by location. Some jurisdictions have specific laws regarding the sale and possession of the kratom plant, while others might regulate specific alkaloids like 7 hydroxymitragynine. Because laws can change, it is important to check the current regulations in your city, state, or country. You can find up-to-date information at the Drug Enforcement Administration. The legal landscape is constantly evolving, making personal research a necessity.

Making an Informed Choice

Understanding that 7-OH and kratom are not the same is the first step. One is a complex plant, and the other is a single, isolated molecule from that plant. This fundamental difference affects their composition and how they are presented in the market. If you want to see further details on specific product types, check our tablets by potency page.

When considering these products, knowing their origins and chemical makeup is important. Kratom offers a broad spectrum of the plant's natural alkaloids, while 7-OH provides a concentrated amount of just one.

Ultimately, while 7-OH comes from kratom, it is a distinct product. Knowing this difference allows you to navigate the market with greater understanding. For those interested in high-quality, lab-tested products, shop top 7-OH brands now at 7OH.com.

 

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