Kratom Alkaloids: Chemical Diversity Of Kratom Leaves

Let we discuss Kratom Alkaloids. You must have thought at some point in your Kratom journey about how a single species of Mitragyna plant produces a vast variety of effects. Some of you may not be interested in this discussion. Yet, knowing this could help you with choosing what strain you wanna take and what outcomes you can get out of it -as this information will surely be useful at some point in your life.

Most of you must already know what Mitragyna is! However, for those who are new to this world, Korth is a plant that has been used for thousands of years in Southeast Asia as a natural remedy. It has helped thousands of people with their physical and mental health.

 It is one of the top 10 most popular natural substances worldwide. M.speciosa has been claimed to help with several medical issues and extensive anecdotal evidence suggests that it works wonders.

The effects and benefits you get out of Ketum are because of certain chemical compounds known as Kratom alkaloids. The leaves of the Korth tree contain these alkaloids.

In this article, we will deeply discuss the chemical composition of Mitragyna speciosa including, Kratom alkaloids present, their percentage, etc for you to understand how Ketum works and how we get the said benefits out of it.

So, Buckle up and be with us till the very end!

What Are Alkaloids?

A group of naturally occurring chemical molecules known as alkaloids primarily contains basic nitrogen atoms. Numerous different creatures, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and mammals, create alkaloids.

What Are Kratom Alkaloids?

Kratom alkaloids are a group of natural chemicals that are found in this plant. These alkaloids have a variety of effects on the human body, which is why Ketum is used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Currently, over 40 different alkaloids have been extracted from Mitragyna, all of which are present at different levels. But the two most abundant ones are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.

Different effects that Ketum shows on the body depend on the ratio of these alkaloids. Kratom strains with a higher ratio of mitragynine tend to be more stimulatory, while those with a higher ratio of 7-hydroxy mitragynine tend to be more sedating.

It is important to be aware of the potential interactions between M.speciosa and other substances before taking it. If you are taking any medications, herbs, or supplements, you should talk to your doctor before consuming Korth. You should also be aware of the potential interactions between different alkaloids in Korth.

Extraction Methods Used For Kratom Alkaloids

Researchers have devised a lot of different extraction methods to separate alkaloids present in Korth. However, the concentration of these alkaloids changes with the change of method. This happens because different alkaloids are soluble in different compounds. Below are some of the extraction methods listed for your guideline

Maceration, Infusion, Percolation, and Decoction.

Of all the ways to extract Ketum, this one is the easiest. The process involves the use of water, a solvent, and some filtering to create a useable extract that contains more oil-soluble chemicals

Microwave-Assisted Extraction, or MAE.

In this method, microwaves are used to assist in the extraction of active alkaloids of Korth. However advanced instruments producing microwaves are needed for this purpose.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction, or SFE.

It is the most common method used for the extraction of alkaloids known as Supercritical fluid extraction, The main component used for this extraction is carbon dioxide, which is a very low-cost, less toxic, and readily available chemical compound. That is why this method is considered to be the most gentle and effective way to extract alkaloids.

Solid Phase Microextraction, or SPME.

A more recent extraction technique, SPME integrates the phases of extraction, concentration, and introduction into a single combined process, resulting in an extraction technique that is incredibly effective and environmentally friendly.

Exploring Different Types Of Alkaloids Present In Ketum Leaves

Major Kratom Alkaloids

l Mitragynine

The most well-known alkaloid in Mitragyna leaves is mitragynine, which is responsible for the majority of its effects on humans. It is a primary alkaloid and makes up 66% of the total chemical composition of Ketum.

Mitragynine is known to be responsible for Korth’s stimulant effects.

l 7- HydroxyMitragynine

7-Hydroxymitragynine is a more potent alkaloid that produces analgesic (pain relieving) and sedative effects. It makes up 2% of the total chemical composition. It is the fourth most abundant Kratom alkaloid in the composition, however, it has been talked about and researched more based on its analgesic effects.

Other Notable Kratom Alkaloids That Are Present In Minor Amounts

Paynanthine

Paynanthineis the second highest alkaloid present in Korth. It makes up around 8 to 9% of the composition. It is an alkaloid that has been shown to have analgesic properties similar to 7- hydroxy mitragynine. The limited research done on this alkaloid shows that it might have a part in the enhancement of 7- hydroxymitragynine’s properties.

Paynanthine is an antagonist of the mu-opioid receptor, which means that it blocks the signals from pain receptors and numbs the body in response to pain.

Speciogenine

Speciogenine makes 6-7% of the total alkaloid composition making it the third most abundant compound. It is said to have a similar structure to some known opioid compounds. Mitragyna’s minor alkaloids are not researched in depth so the exact effects are not known yet.

Speciociliatine

According to a study, Speciociliatine makes up 0.4 to 12.8% of the total composition. This is an antagonist of the Kappa-opioid receptor, which has been shown to have great potential for study purposes.

Mitraphylline

Mitraphylline is an active alkaloid that is present in very minute quantities in the chemical composition of Ketum. It is an oxindole by-product. According to some studies, this alkaloid has a high potential as an intoxicating derivative. That is why it is thought to be able to interact with the human body differently.

Ajmalicine

Ajmalicine is one of the first alkaloids found in the Mitragyna plant when researchers started to study this plant in the 1970s.

Alkaloids Accounting For A Miniscule Amount Of Total Composition

Some alkaloids that makeup 0.01 to 0.9% of the composition include

• Corynantheidine
• Corynoxeine
• Corynoxine
• Corynoxine A and B
• Isocorynantheidine
• Isomitraphylline
• Speciophylline
• Rhynchophylline
• Isorhynchophylline
• Akuammigine
• Ciliaphylline
• Epicatechin
• 9-Hydroxycorynantheidine
• Isomitrafoline
• Isopteropodine
• Isospeciofoline
• Mitraciliatine
• Mitragynine oxindoles A and B
• Mitrafoline
• Mitraversine
• Speciociliatine
• Speciofoline
• Stipulatine
• Tetrahydroalstonine

Interaction of Kratom Alkaloids

The alkaloid groups in Ketum interact with one another in a variety of ways. Some of these interactions are beneficial, while others can be harmful. Kratom alkaloids can also interact with other medications, herbs, and supplements. It is important to be aware of these potential interactions so that you can make informed decisions about taking Korth.

The most well-known interaction between Mitragyna and another substance is the interaction between Korth and opioid receptors. These alkaloids can bind to the same receptors in the brain that opioids do.

M.speciosa can also interact with other medications that affect the brain, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. These interactions can cause side effects such as agitation, insomnia, and headaches. If you are taking any medications that affect the brain, you should talk to your doctor before taking Ketum.

In addition to interacting with other substances, Kratom alkaloids can also interact with each other. Some of these interactions are beneficial, while others can be harmful. For example, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine have been shown to have synergistic effects when taken together. This means that they work together to produce a greater effect than either one would produce on its own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kratom alkaloids are a powerful and beneficial compound found in the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. They have been the core reason behind Korth’s diverse effects. Understanding what alkaloids are and how these compounds work can help you make informed decisions about using Ketum safely and effectively.

With proper research and understanding of their effects on your body, Kratom alkaloids can be an effective tool in managing many health issues without having to rely on traditional medications or treatments.