Exploring Advanced Kratom Alkaloids: 7-Hydroxymitragynine and its Effects

Kratom has become popular among users due to its therapeutic potential and pharmacological effects. The tree is found in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Myanmar); its leaves are dark green and glossy and used in herbal medicine for healing and soothing pain.

Kratom contains more than 40 alkaloids, the most popular of which is 7-hydroxy mitragynine (7-OH). It binds to the opioid receptors found naturally in our bodies and produces strong effects in the body.

The current guide will involve describing the complex kratom alkaloids as foiled 7-hydroxy mitragynine, mechanism action, applications, toxicity, and current studies surrounding the same.

Alkaloids Kratom: What Are They?

Kratom is packed with powerful alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine being the most studied and significant. We will discuss the alkaloids in detail below.

Mitragynine

Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid found naturally in kratom leaves. It is potent; which means it is capable of producing strong stimulatory and depressant effects with little doses. When you chew, smoke or brew kratom leaves as tea, the alkaloid enters your blood stream and binds strongly with opioid receptors. Opioid receptors are present all over your body, particularly in the brain and spinal cord.

Mitragynine binds with the receptors and induces the effect you get with opioids – relaxation and pain reduction – only slightly weaker.

7-Hydroxy Mitragynine

7-hydroxy mitragynine is a metabolite of mitragynine present in much lower quantities in the plant. However, it is considered much more powerful than mitragynine.. 7-OH mitragynine plays a crucial role in the pain-relieving and sedative effects of kratom and is often mentioned when speaking about the medical impact of kratom.

Let us now explore the role and effect and chemical profile of 7-OH mitragynine in detail to know more about the alkaloid.

The Role of 7-Hydroxymitragynine

Specifically, the topic of hydroxymitragynine has gained interest due to its potency and binding ability associated with opioid receptors within the mind. Although much less abundant in the leaves of plants than mitragynine, 7-OH is said to be more potent.

7-OH mitragynine is considered one of the most critical alkaloids found in kratom, especially regarding its analgesic (pain-reliever) properties. 7-Hydroxymitragynine functions by interacting with the mu-opioid receptors, aiding in the control of pain and euphoria. It is this interaction that grants kratom its analgesic effects, making it an attractive alternative to opioid-based pain management.

Pharmacological Design of 7-Hydroxymitragynine

Knowledge of the pharmacological actions of 7-hydroxy mitragynine and other advanced kratom alkaloids is imperative to understanding its effects on the body and therapeutic capabilities.

1. Binding to Opioid Receptors

Besides affecting the brain in a certain way, 7-hydroxy mitragynine has a high affinity to mu-opioid receptors that conventional opioids (such as morphine and heroin) bind to. These receptors regulate pain, mood, and reward; that is why 7-OH may produce analgesic and euphoric effects. In addition, 7-OH is less likely to cause respiratory depression, one of the most serious side effects of taking opioids, compared with classic opioids.

2. Binding Affinity

Research has demonstrated that 7-hydroxy mitragynine has a higher affinity to opioid receptors than mitragynine. This implies that 7-OH is more influential to the body. However, the mechanism of action that makes it so powerful is still being studied, and the concept that its activity on the opioid receptors catalyzes all the effects of 7-OH is still unclear.

3. Metabolic Pathway

Medical Prospects of 7-Hydroxymitragynine

The therapeutic potential of 7-hydroxy mitragynine has been of particular interest since it has been valued in the management of pain and mood disorders. This alkaloid is a potentially effective alternative to classical opioid drugs, as research and anecdotal evidence indicate.

1. Pain Relief

The best-known property of 7-hydroxymitragynine is its analgesic (pain-relief) effect. The alkaloid activates opioid receptors in the brain, minimizing pain and alleviating stress in chronic pain disorders such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and other persistent pain syndromes.

7-OH is sometimes considered superior to opioids because it does not suppress your breathing like morphine does. Morphine is a popular opioid drug that is used for analgesia, however it carries a high risk of respiratory depression. Morphine enters the brain where it shuts down the respiratory center to the point that you struggle for breathing. Morphine can be lethal, if taken without supervision and caution. Thankfully, 7-OH mitragynine does not affect the respiratory system in your body.

People therefore prefer 7-OH mitragynine for pain management treatment without risking their lives.

2. Mood Enhancement

7-hydroxy mitragynine not only alleviates pain but also enhances mood. It has been discovered to help elevate mood and lower anxiety, therefore valuable for patients with conditions such as depression, anxiety problems, and PTSD. Kratom, which has a decent 7-OH content, as many users report, provides:

• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Calmness
• General impression of well-being

3. Muscle Relaxation

Kratom users claim the drug helps to relax muscles and provides relief in muscle spasms or muscle stiffness. This renders 7-OH an attractive alternative to individuals with diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), spasticity, and other disorders involving muscles.

4. Opioid Withdrawal Relief

The treatment of opioid withdrawal may be one of the most promising potential applications of 7-hydroxy mitragynine. Since 7-OH binds with opioid receptors, it potentially relieves the symptoms of opioid withdrawal without the addictive qualities of opioids. Initial research indicates that 7-OH may be used to make opioid withdrawal more comfortable, and it may provide a less dangerous and non-addictive alternative to other interventions.

Mitragynine enters your body, is absorbed into the blood and reaches the liver where it undergoes metabolism called hepatic oxidation. The metabolic produces the active metabolite called 7-OH mitragynine which enters the bloodstream again and binds with opioid receptors to produce the pharmacological effects.

Dangers & Warnings regarding 7- Hydroxymitragynine

7-hydroxy mitragynine has a wonderful chemical profile and provides numerous therapeutic benefits but it also comes with hazards. It has certain limitations in terms of dependence, addiction, and side effect concerns as well. Let’s discuss each in detail to understand the alkaloid more.

1. Dependence and Addiction

Seven-hydroxymitragynine, as with other opioids, is associated with dependence liability. Although the use of kratom is usually promoted as a safer alternative to opioids, with protracted exposure, there is a risk of development of tolerance to the effects of kratom products with high concentrations of 7-OH, i.e., users may need to take increased doses to get the same effect. This may lead to addiction.

Also, although kratom is typically considered a less addictive drug compared to classic opioids, some people claim that quitting kratom may lead to withdrawal effects, such as:

• Exhaustion
• Irritation
• Mood fluctuations
• Cravings

2. Regulatory Deficiency

There is little regulation of the kratom industry, and as such, there is a lack of consistency in product purity and dose. Some kratom products may have a higher 7-OH content than others, making overdose or adverse side effects more likely. The lack of precise regulatory control or monitoring makes it challenging for consumers to learn about the safety or potency of kratom products.

3. Side Effects

Though mostly well-tolerated, kratom products, particularly those with higher amounts of 7- OH may also produce mild side effects, reported in a limited number of users. Below are some adverse effects:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

However, these side effects are usually temporary and mild, though they may be unpleasant to users, especially when the doses are large.

4. Likelihood of Overdose

Despite the reduced safety of traditional opioids over kratom, one can still overdose, particularly with large doses. Severe drowsiness, slow heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, and unconsciousness may indicate a kratom overdose. Like any other substance, users are advised to be careful and begin at low doses.

Research Update on 7-Hydroxymitragynine

Future research on 7-hydroxymitragynine and other advanced kratom alkaloids is vital to comprehensively understanding its pharmacological profile and medicinal potential.
The early clinical data on the effectiveness of 7-OH is encouraging, especially when it comes to:

• Pain relief
• Opioid detoxification
• Mood fluctuation

So far, little is known about how it affects the process of long-term use and its safety. This is addressed by the preliminary study on 7-OH regarding its efficacy as an analgesic, its liability to addiction, and its safety. It can find application as an alternative to traditional opioid analgesics as it is pharmacologically active and interacts with the opioid receptor. Still, the side effects of regular 7-OH usage need to be examined in further clinical studies, particularly the risks of misuse and addiction.

Exploitation & Mitigation of 7-Hydroxymitragynine & Kratom

In the U.S., the use of advanced kratom alkaloids and 7-Hydroxymitragynine is prohibited. Similarly, the drug is not approved or regulated by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is a state authority that regulates drug release after investigating the clinical research and safety in the long run. When a drug is not FDA regulated, it’s illegal. Manufacturers cannot claim its safety and efficacy. The FDA also seizes and bans unregulated and illegal drugs.

Kratom, therefore, has an unstable status currently. Authorities have raised concerns regarding the safety and abuse of kratom, and some have proposed its reclassification as a controlled substance. Should this occur, it would restrict the supply of kratom as medication.

As advocacy groups propose, kratom is providing an alternative to opioids with a potential emphasis on pain management when used responsibly. What they mean is that, compared to traditional opioids, kratom is less prone to addiction and overdose. However, its safety and efficacy are hard to guarantee as there is no standardization of the product quality and dosing guidelines.

Future of 7-Hydroxymitragynine and Kratom

As we learn more about kratom and its advanced kratom alkaloids, there is a possibility that 7-hydroxy mitragynine could become an indispensable aspect of new, effective, non-addictive pain management regimens.

The use of 7-OH for chronic pain, managing opioids withdrawal symptoms, and treating mood disorders may have additional therapeutic applications that will be discovered in further studies. However, there are still problems e.g., lack of standardization of kratom products.

Further research is needed to better understand its long-term outcomes, its addictiveness, and what regimens are safe and effective. In addition, the kratom business must promote the regulation to ensure the safety and consistency of the products.

Conclusion

7-hydroxymitragynine is one of the effective and clinically significant advanced alkaloids found in kratom. It has analgesic, antidepressant, and anti-spastic effects, making this compound valuable in the field of pain management, opioid withdrawal, and mood disorders. Nevertheless, it can cause addiction, side effects, and overdose, like all opioids.

The unregulated industry of kratom is a challenge to the safety of its product, and more research is required to establish the long-term effects of the product. Kratom is sold in the market and must be used with caution and prescribed by a doctor given the increased interest in the use of the product. It is recommended that the consumers buy kratom through a trusted source only, and they would be required to contact a healthcare professional in case they treat an illness with kratom.