How does speciogynine differ from mitragynine?

Speciogynine and mitragynine share the same molecular formula and atomic connectivity but differ in three-dimensional stereochemistry.

What pharmacological activity has been reported for speciogynine?

Published in vitro receptor work generally reports weaker activity at the mu-opioid receptor than mitragynine. The published pharmacology of speciogynine is more limited than that of the principal kratom alkaloids.

How abundant is speciogynine in kratom leaf?

Published HPLC quantification places speciogynine at approximately 6-7% of total alkaloid content, varying with strain and harvest.

Alkaloids & Chemistry

Speciogynine

At-a-glance comparison

Spec	Value
Compound class	Indole alkaloid (corynantheine subclass)
Source	Secondary alkaloid in Mitragyna speciosa leaf
Relationship to mitragynine	Stereoisomer (same molecular formula and connectivity, different three-dimensional configuration)
Typical leaf abundance	Approximately 6-7% of total alkaloid content (varies by strain and harvest)
Reported pharmacological activity	Limited published characterization; in vitro receptor activity weaker than mitragynine

What is speciogynine?

Speciogynine is a secondary indole alkaloid in Mitragyna speciosa leaves. It belongs to the corynantheine subclass and shares the same molecular formula and atomic connectivity as mitragynine, that is, the same skeletal framework but differs in three-dimensional stereochemistry. The two compounds are therefore stereoisomers.

Among the alkaloids identified in kratom leaf, speciogynine is typically present at approximately 6-7% of total alkaloid content, making it one of the more abundant secondary alkaloids after paynantheine. The published pharmacology of speciogynine is more limited than that of mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, or paynantheine; in vitro receptor work generally reports weaker activity than mitragynine.

Speciogynine in kratom characterization

Speciogynine is one of the secondary alkaloids included in many comprehensive HPLC and LC-MS/MS analyses of kratom leaf and finished products. Its presence and abundance contribute to the overall alkaloid profile that distinguishes one kratom strain or finished product from another. A Certificate of Analysis for a kratom product may report speciogynine as part of a multi-alkaloid assay panel.

Common questions about speciogynine

What is speciogynine?: A secondary indole alkaloid in Mitragyna speciosa leaves, structurally a stereoisomer of mitragynine.
How does speciogynine differ from mitragynine?: Speciogynine and mitragynine share the same molecular formula and atomic connectivity but differ in three-dimensional stereochemistry.
What pharmacological activity has been reported for speciogynine?: Published in vitro receptor work generally reports weaker activity at the mu-opioid receptor than mitragynine. The published pharmacology of speciogynine is more limited than that of the principal kratom alkaloids.
How abundant is speciogynine in kratom leaf?: Published HPLC quantification places speciogynine at approximately 6-7% of total alkaloid content, varying with strain and harvest.

References

Brown PN, Lund JA, Murch SJ. (2017). A botanical, phytochemical and ethnomedicinal review of the genus Mitragyna korth. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Sharma A, Kamble SH, León F, et al. (2019). Simultaneous quantification of ten key Kratom alkaloids in Mitragyna speciosa leaf extracts. Drug Testing and Analysis.
Hassan Z, Muzaimi M, Navaratnam V, et al. (2013). From kratom to mitragynine and its derivatives. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. PMID 23206666.

Important safety information:

Products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are sold for adult use only (21+). These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has raised safety concerns regarding concentrated 7-OH products; consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not operate vehicles or machinery after use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Laws vary by state, buyers are responsible for knowing applicable law.