Kratom And Akuamma: Similarities and Differences

Kratom And Akuamma have been a part of different traditions in many cultures for centuries. Both the plants seem similar, which is true to some extent, specifically concerning their properties. However, they do possess some key differences.

If you are generally curious or specifically concerned regarding the purpose, properties, and functions of Kratom and Akuamma, then fret not; we have got you covered!

What is Kratom?

The botanical term for Kratom is “Mitragyna Speciosa.” It is an evergreen tropical tree native to South-East Asia. It is part of the Coffee plant family and was widely consumed in the fields by workers in raw leaf form. The plant was consumed to relieve exhaustion and enhance the sense of contentment.

In the current era, it is consumed as a recreational herb that helps achieve calmness and increase efficiency without exhaustion. Kratom is generally consumed as pills or capsules; however, some individuals prefer to chew dried leaves or brew them to make herbal tea.

Kratom is safe when consumed in a moderate or preferably a small amount. They are also sold in the form of herbal extracts.

What is Akuamma?

Akuamma seeds are dried and powdered seeds of the Picralima Nitida tree. This tree is native to tropical Africa and is also known as the Akuamma tree, Strychnos Igadensis, or bitter kola.

Akuamma seeds were traditionally used in African herbal medicines for centuries, thus significant to their culture. Akuamma seeds possess a series of alkaloids: ajmaline, mitragynine, and epicatechin. These alkaloids are supposedly responsible for the herb’s medicinal properties.

Akuamma seeds are consumed in both capsule and powder forms and can be added to food and beverages.

Similarities Between Kratom And Akuamma

Unique Alkaloids

Both Kratom and Akuamma possess unique alkaloids. These alkaloids are the source of their medicinal properties. Kratom contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, whereas, Akuamma contains Akuammine. These alkaloids are the reason post-consumption individuals feel a sense of contentment.

Natural Sources

Both Kratom and Akuamma are plant-based substances and are derived from natural sources. Both herbs require little confinement to achieve the final product. Unlike most substances, Kratom and Akuamma need no refinery or heavy processing, nor do they require harmful chemicals to be infused for the product to be impactful. Kratom and Akuamma leaves are typically dried and ground to be consumed.

Powdered Forms

Kratom and Akuamma are almost always consumed in powder form. Although these herbs’ leaves and barks are commonly chewed and brewed, their powder forms still gained the most popularity. Dried powders of both compounds are widely available in gel capsule forms, promoting convenience amongst consumers. Through this advancement, a particular dosage can be easily maintained.

Legality

Neither Kratom nor Akuamma is a federally regulated substance in the United States. This means that neither of the two has been claimed as illegal. However, different states have different laws regarding particular substance consumption. Several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Indiana, have listed Kratom as illegal. Since laws constantly change throughout, it is worth keeping oneself updated regarding both compounds.

Differences Between Kratom And Akuamma

Unique Strains

Akuamma supplements are generally derived from their seeds, which leaves little room for variations. However, Kratom is usually sourced from the plant, opening opportunities for inducing variations. Kratom powder can be sourced from its leaves at specific levels regarding the standard of maturity the plant has achieved.

Kratom is intentionally grown and harvested at multiple levels, as each strain type produces a different effect.

Origin

In West Africa’s rainforests, Akuamma is derived from a Picralima plant, whereas Kratom originates in the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia.

Duration Of Effects

The overall duration of lasting effects for both herbs can vary depending on individual factors such as dosage amount ingested as well other substances are taken before or at the same time intake; however, each herb typically offers different type durations when it comes time for peak period after ingestion: for Kratom, this can range from 2–5 hours whereas for Akuamma this tends to be much shorter at 30–60 minutes following consumption.

Costs

Kratom is available in powder, capsule, or extract form, with prices ranging from $10-$15 per ounce depending on quality, strain, and origin. Akuamma is typically sold as a whole dried seed powder with prices ranging from $3-$8 per ounce, depending on quantity and availability.

Taste & Aroma

Some people find the taste of Kratom too bitter but some like it. It also has a unique aroma associated with it. On the other hand, Akuamma doesn’t have as much taste or aroma as kratom does.

Different Types of Kratom

The main three types of Kratom include:

1. White Vein Kratom

It is a popular, stimulating kratom that helps to increase energy and reduce discomfort. It gets these effects from the alkaloid mitragynine, which acts as a receptor but without the dependance qualities of traditional substances.

2. Red Vein Kratom

It comes from trees mostly found in Southeast Asia. These trees have red veins along the stems inside each leaf, giving them a distinctive red look. They are bigger than other types of the same tree, resulting in more content per gram by weight. Therefore they are popular for medicinal purposes.

3. Green Vein Kratom

It is a type of Kratom native to Southeast Asia. Local people in Southeast Asia have used it for many years for its specific properties. Different types of Green Vein Kratom affect people differently, so be sure to do research before trying it out. Potential benefits may include increased focus and mood, increased productivity, and improved social functioning.

Different Types and Forms of Akuamma

The most widely available form of Akuamma is seed powder which can be purchased from herbal stores or online retailers. The seeds are typically dried and ground into a fine powder before consumption. Other forms include tinctures, oils, capsules, and teas made from boiled Akuamma seeds or derived extracts.

Akuamma can be taken orally either through consuming the powdered form mixed with food or drinkables such as smoothies or tea blends, depending on individual preferences regarding dose strength required/desired effects sought after, etc. For topical application, users can opt for infused oils extracted from seed kernels.

Final Thoughts – Which One is Better?

Kratom and Akuamma are two tropical plants used for centuries in Southeast Asia for their energising and relaxing properties. Both of them come from the same family of trees. However, they differ in terms of chemical composition and effects. Kratom is known for its stimulating effect, whereas Akuamma has a more soothing effect.

In terms of effects, Kratom is known to promote alertness and focus and can also provide a boost in energy levels. On the other hand, Akuamma has a more calming influence on the body, mind & spirit, with its therapeutic properties providing health benefits. Kratom usually takes longer to take effect than Akuamma does when ingested orally.

When comparing both plants broadly speaking, we can say that Kratom versus Akuamma both have unique benefits depending upon individual usage preferences, such as dosage amount/frequency suitable for each user’s desired purpose or outcome (relaxation/stimulation).

If you can’t get Kratom or need a break from it, Akuamma can be an option. Start with a small amount of either – 3g or less – and increase it until you get the desired results. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference, as both herbs offer different benefits which could prove beneficial to many.