What is 7-Oh & 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products and Their Implications for Kratom?
Is 7oh the same as Kratom?
Understanding both sides of the 7 oh debate is essential for responsible use. 7-oh is increasingly featured in discussions about kratom’s evolving landscape. As demand for kratom grows, so does the need to understand the implications of 7-oh.
7 oh has raised considerable interest among individuals exploring alternative health solutions. Informed consumers are better equipped to evaluate the safety of 7 oh tablets. The growing presence of 7-oh in kratom products calls for increased consumer awareness.
Natural Kratom Leaf vs. Synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine: A Critical Scientific Distinction
The Entourage Effect of Natural Kratom
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is not a single compound—it is a symphony of more than 40 identified alkaloids. The two most studied are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), but natural kratom leaf contains dozens of others: speciogynine, paynantheine, mitraphylline, and more. Together, these alkaloids interact in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, a concept that pharmacologists have identified.
This synergy matters. By distributing receptor activity across opioid, adrenergic, and serotonergic systems, natural kratom moderates its own potency. The result is a broader therapeutic window, reduced risk of overdose, and a pattern of use that, over centuries of traditional human experiences, shows relative safety.
Ethnobotanical history in Southeast Asia provides a meaningful observational dataset: millions of daily users, spanning generations, with few reports of kratom-only toxicity. Where adverse events do appear, they overwhelmingly involve adulteration, poly-substance use, or pre-existing health conditions.
7-Hydroxymitragynine vs Kratom
This metabolite (7-OH) is found in kratom leaves, but only in tiny natural amounts (typically less than 0.05% of leaf content).
It is a potent μ-opioid receptor agonist — far stronger at that receptor than kratom’s main alkaloid, mitragynine.
Most of the 7-OH in the body doesn’t come directly from the plant. Instead, it’s created inside the liver when mitragynine is metabolized.
Because it’s so strong, extracted or concentrated 7-OH carries a much higher risk of side effects and dependence compared to natural kratom leaf.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
The whole leaf contains dozens of alkaloids (over 40 identified), with mitragynine as the main one.
This broad pharmacology is why kratom’s effects are described as more balanced: mild stimulation at lower servings, calming or discomfort-reducing at higher ones.
Unlike pure 7-OH, whole kratom doesn’t “slam” a single receptor pathway; it distributes its activity across multiple systems, which likely contributes to its lower abuse potential compared to classical opioids.
In short: 7-OH is the sharp spear, kratom is the orchestra. The leaf’s complexity moderates its effects, while isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine is narrowly powerful and far riskier if sold or used outside its natural trace amounts.
Why Synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine is Different?
Synthetic or semi-synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine is not the same as the trace metabolite your liver produces after consuming mitragynine. In the human body, only a tiny fraction of mitragynine naturally converts into 7-OH, acting as a built-in governor that prevents overwhelming opioid receptor activation.
When 7-OH is manufactured in the lab and sold directly, that natural throttle is removed. Instead of dozens of alkaloids balancing each other, you’re left with a single, highly potent µ-opioid receptor agonist. Pharmacologically, synthetic 7-OH behaves much closer to classical opioids than to kratom leaf: rapid onset, high receptor affinity, narrow safety margins, and greater addiction potential.
Unlike natural kratom, synthetic 7-OH has:
- No ethnobotanical history of safe use
- No published toxicological studies
- No responsible dosage framework
- No legal recognition as a dietary supplement ingredient
FDA has identified 7-OH as an adulterant, and DEA has it under review precisely because its risk profile mirrors opioids—not kratom.
The Myth of Mitragynine Cardiotoxicity
A common scare claim is that unmetabolized mitragynine “blocks potassium ion channels in the heart and causes arrhythmias.” This is scientifically baseless.
Electrophysiological studies show mitragynine does not behave like Class III antiarrhythmics, which prolong the QT interval and carry arrhythmia risk. If mitragynine truly caused dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, we would see consistent, reproducible patterns of arrhythmias across the tens of millions of kratom consumers worldwide. Such a pattern does not exist.
Instead, most so-called “kratom toxicity” cases involve poly-drug use (often opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines) or mislabeling of adulterated products. Pure, natural kratom leaf simply does not show this cardiac danger in real-world data.
Natural Kratom vs. Synthetic 7-OH: The Safety Divide
The distinction is not subtle—it is the difference between a traditional ethnobotanical and an experimental, unapproved drug:
- Natural Kratom Leaf:
• Broad alkaloid spectrum with synergistic effects
• Naturally limited 7-OH production via metabolism
• Centuries of human observational data
• Wide therapeutic window - Synthetic 7-OH:
• Isolated, lab-created, highly potent opioid agonist
• No metabolic safeguards, no balancing alkaloids
• Zero clinical trials, toxicology, or regulatory pathways
• Narrow safety margin with addiction and overdose potential
Conclusion: Science Demands Clarity
Equating natural kratom with synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine is either ignorance or deliberate misdirection. The former is a dietary supplement with deep cultural roots, a broad pharmacological safety net, and growing scientific study. The latter is an unapproved, high-potency opioid analogue with no legitimate path to consumer safety.
Defending kratom leaf means telling the truth: it is not 7-hydroxymitragynine, and conflating the two only undermines real science. Regulators, researchers, and responsible manufacturers recognize the difference. Consumers and policymakers should too.
What is 7-OH?
7-oh, short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, is a potent indole alkaloid that occurs naturally in tiny amounts in the kratom leaf. It’s a metabolite of mitragynine and is often amplified in extracts or synthetically isolated to increase strength. While it contributes to some of kratom’s effects, especially when mitragynine is processed in the liver, 7 oh is not representative of the whole leaf.
In fact, traditional kratom users rarely experience 7 oh’s full impact because the natural ratios are balanced and self-limiting—too much kratom typically causes nausea before reaching extreme potency. The problem arises when 7 oh is extracted and sold as a standalone or enhanced product, often misleadingly labeled as “improved kratom.” This shifts the plant away from its natural form and can create risks that don’t exist in plain leaf use, potentially damaging kratom’s reputation and confusing regulators and consumers alike.
Products derived from the botanical Mitragyna speciosa have evolved beyond simple leaf powders into a wide range of offerings, collectively referred to as “kratom.” Traditional whole-leaf products typically maintain consistent concentrations of kratom’s primary alkaloid, mitragynine, and its metabolite, 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Even among extracts, alkaloid levels often adhere to industry norms, with 7-hydroxymitragynine comprising lower than 1–2% of the total content or remaining below the lower limit of quantification. Recently, some manufacturers have introduced novel semi-synthetic products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine in varying forms, such as sublingual tablets, 7 oh vape, ice cream cones and nasal sprays. These products often deliver 14–25 mg of 7-hydroxymitragynine per labeled dose, with some formulations comprising up to 98% 7-hydroxymitragynine along with other kratom alkaloids.
7-OH, also known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine, is a metabolite and terpenoid indole alkaloid found in the kratom plant. It is often marketed under the term 7ohmz, which refers to its chemical structure and potency. While 7-OH has gained attention for its intense effects, it’s essential to distinguish it from traditional kratom products, which primarily contain mitragynine
Unlike the natural alkaloids in whole-leaf kratom, 7ohmz is typically found in extracts or synthetic forms, which can be significantly more potent. This difference is key to understanding the growing concerns surrounding the use of 7-OH and its potential risks, particularly when compared to the natural, plant-based compounds found in regular kratom. Be sure to research thoroughly before choosing any kratom product containing 7ohmz to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Fresh kratom leaves contain little to no detectable levels of 7-OH while still attached to the tree. However, once the leaf is harvested and begins to degrade, small traces of 7-OH start to form.
For example, consuming 12 grams of kratom leaf typically provides:
- 120 mg to 150 mg of Mitragynine
- 1.2 mg or less of 7-hydroxymitragynine
Alarmingly, certain formulations bypass first-pass metabolism, enhancing bioavailability. Decomposition of mitragynine and formation of 7-OH in liver microsomes was quantified by LC-MS/MS.
Misrepresentation of 7-Hydroxymitragynine as Kratom Products
The marketing of products containing seven hydroxy often creates confusion by equating these semi-synthetic formulations with natural kratom. This branding strategy can mislead kratom-naïve consumers, who may believe these products are as natural, safe, and relatively mild as traditional kratom leaf or plain-leaf powder. You should stick to plain leaf kratom powder if you are a first time consumer, so you can understand how the plant works.
These 7-OH products are significantly more potent than traditional kratom powder and might have their uses in certain contexts. However, they are not purely 100% kratom leaf and should undergo thorough scientific study alongside kratom powder and extracts, so consumers have proper information.
The effects of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine on respiration in rats. Interesting and paradoxical findings, it is clear that 7-hydroxymitragynine has strong respiratory depressive effects in rats that is completely reversible by naloxone, indicating an opioid mechanism. Interestingly, mitragynine actually stimulated respiration and may be doing so through non-opioid mechanisms.
The reality is starkly different between plain leaf kratom powder and 7-hydroxymitragynine products. High-dose, MOR-binding (mu-opioid receptor) formulations of 7-hydroxymitragynine are fundamentally different from natural kratom products. These substances are often produced without adequate human or animal testing, leaving consumers vulnerable to uncharted risks. Acute toxicity is a significant concern, given the potent pharmacological activity of these products.
Furthermore, chronic daily use of such formulations can lead to physical dependence or addiction. The severity of dependence associated with these products is potentially much higher than that observed with traditional kratom leaf-based or even standard extract products. Traditional kratom is typically associated with a light mild physical dependence, manageable with gradual tapering or short breaks in use and similar to coffee. In contrast, these synthetic or semi-synthetic products may involve a more intense and challenging withdrawal process, posing a higher risk for users.
By branding these products as “real kratom,” manufacturers exploit the positive reputation of natural powder while possibly exposing consumers to significantly greater risks. This highlights the need for clear labeling, education, and regulation to protect consumers and ensure they can make informed choices about the products they are using.
What impact does 7-hydroxymitragynine have on data related to Kratom-associated deaths and adverse events?
The reliance on mitragynine as a forensic marker for kratom use further complicates matters. If fatalities are related to 7-hydroxymitragynine, it may mistakenly implicate kratom, as mitragynine present in these products often results from incomplete conversion during synthesis. Additionally, current 7-hydroxymitragynine products contain trace amounts of mitragynine and unknown chemicals that have not been tested for safety. The risks associated with these unidentified substances and high-dose 7-hydroxymitragynine are significant until they are properly studied and deemed safe.
Two of the compound peaks were previously unknown. These compounds have now been identified as 7-Hydroxymitragynine N-oxide and rearranged N-acylpyrazinylindoles. These chemicals have not been documented in scientific literature, are absent from kratom leaves, and have never been consumed by humans. Their formation requires chemical oxidation and rearrangement reactions that are not part of the natural biosynthetic pathways of kratom.
The policy ramifications of these semi-synthetic products remain uncertain. Adverse events or fatalities linked to 7-hydroxymitragynine could jeopardize the regulatory future of kratom, which is used by an estimated 10–15 million U.S. adults.
Policymakers must differentiate between traditional kratom products and high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine products synthesized in unregulated or makeshift laboratories. Equating the two is akin to conflating synthetic cannabinoids with natural cannabis or hemp.
While organic kratom products have not demonstrated widespread harm to public health and remain federally unscheduled, these novel semi-synthetic products present significant risks. Clinicians must screen patients for their use, and policymakers must establish clear distinctions to safeguard public health and support informed regulatory decisions.
What Are the Issues with 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products?
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG) products are often a point of concern for several reasons, particularly in the context of kratom use and its safety profile. Here’s a breakdown of the main issues:
1. High Potency and Risk of Dependency
7-hydroxymitragynine is a naturally occurring metabolite in mitragyna speciosa, but it is present in very small, minute amounts in the plant. Some manufacturers isolate or enhance the 7-HMG content in their products to create highly potent extracts or enhanced kratom. This can lead to:
- Increased risk of dependency: Its potency makes it more likely to cause tolerance and physical dependence compared to plain leaf kratom.
- Stronger withdrawal symptoms: If dependence develops, withdrawal from 7-HMG products may be more intense.
2. Synthetic Manipulation
Some products claiming high levels of 7-HMG may be synthetically enhanced or adulterated. These synthetic modifications:
- Can lead to unpredictable effects.
- Might be more dangerous than naturally occurring alkaloids.
- Have raised concerns about quality control and consumer safety.
3. Regulatory Scrutiny
The presence of high 7 hydroxymitragynine levels in products can attract negative regulatory attention, as it raises concerns about safety and potential abuse. Regulatory bodies like the FDA often cite 7-HMG as a key reason for their scrutiny of kratom products. The argument is that its opioid receptor activity could mimic that of traditional opioids.
4. Lack of Long-Term Studies
While plain leaf has a long history of traditional use with a relatively well-documented safety profile, concentrated 7-HMG products do not. The lack of long-term safety studies means users and regulators cannot fully assess the risks associated with these products.
5. Deviating from Traditional Use
Traditional kratom use in Southeast Asia involves plain leaf kratom consumption, which has a balanced alkaloid profile. Products with artificially elevated 7-HMG content deviate from this traditional use, potentially altering the risk-benefit profile of kratom and overshadowing its intended purpose as a natural botanical.
| Feature | Natural Kratom (Whole Leaf) | Synthetic 7‑OH |
|---|---|---|
| Alkaloid Content | ~1.5% Mitragynine; <0.05% 7‑OH | 90–98% 7-hydroxymitragynine, often with residual impurities |
| Effects | Balanced, full-spectrum plant synergy | Intense, opioid-centric, one-dimensional |
| Addiction Risk | Low; not self-administered like opioids in studies | Extremely high; rats substitute it for morphine |
| Regulation & Oversight | Legal in many states with GMP and CoAs | Banned in some states; often made in overseas labs |
A Consumer Alert About 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products from the AKA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C., January 21, 2025- The American Kratom Association (AKA), the leading advocacy group for kratom consumer protection and scientific research, issues this Consumer Alert on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products that are deceptively labeled and marketed as being a “kratom” product. This false labeling deliberately misleads and confuses consumers who seek traditional kratom product formulations.
The AKA relies on current scientific research that clearly differentiates between mitragynine-dominant products, traditionally recognized as kratom, and those with synthetically concentrated levels of 7-OH. Kratom, a botanical substance known for its mitragynine content, should not have 7-OH exceed 2% of the overall alkaloid content in any product marketed and labeled to be kratom.
“The AKA is committed to protect consumers from deliberately deceptive marketing by 7-OH product manufacturers who are materially misleading and confusing consumers seeking traditional kratom products” stated Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy. “Any product containing a level of 7-OH that exceeds the 2% of the overall alkaloid content are not kratom products, and consumers looking to purchase traditional kratom products should avoid these mislabeled products.”
In addition, the AKA will (1) report any violative 7-OH products marketed and mislabeled as being a traditional kratom product to the Federal Trade Commission; and (2) any kratom or 7-OH products that make health claims not permitted under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) to the Food and Drug Administration.
The AKA will publish and maintain an updated list of 7-OH products for consumer review that the AKA believes are improperly being marketed as kratom products and that will be referred to the Federal Trade Commission for their review and appropriate enforcement action for deceptive marketing. See the American Kratom Releases page for ongoing list.
Let’s Set the Record Straight: The Truth About 7-OH in Kratom
There’s a lot of confusion out there about whether 7-hydroxymitragynine is “natural” or “synthetic.” The short answer? It’s naturally occurring—but the devil is in the details. And if you care about sticking to what nature intended, this matters.
What Is 7-OH, Really?
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) does occur naturally in kratom leaves—but in ultra-trace amounts. We’re talking hundredths of a milligram per gram of dried leaf—sometimes as low as 0.01%. In contrast, mitragynine—the main alkaloid in kratom—can make up up to 60% of the alkaloid profile.
Here’s the critical part: your body naturally converts a portion of mitragynine into 7-OH through liver metabolism. That’s how it’s supposed to work. The plant was designed with a built-in ceiling. That’s nature’s checks and balances. Your liver does the converting, not a factory.
Why Concentrated 7-OH Products Cross the Line?
The real problem isn’t that 7-OH exists in kratom—it’s how it’s being isolated and concentrated in labs. Products on the market today can contain milligrams—even full grams—of 7-OH per dose. That’s thousands of times more than what you’d ever find in a cup of kratom tea.
That level of concentration is not how the plant was intended to be used. These products override the natural ceiling. You’re no longer working with kratom—you’re working with a chemically manipulated, ultra-potent derivative that hijacks the plant’s natural pharmacology.
Is 7-OH “Synthetic”?
Technically, 7-OH itself is not synthetic if it’s derived via oxidation of mitragynine—a reaction that mimics what happens in your liver. But let’s not play word games. When you’re taking trace components from a plant and concentrating them to thousands of times their natural potency, you’re no longer dealing with a “natural” product in practice, even if the molecule originally came from nature.
This isn’t like squeezing oranges to make juice. It’s more like taking orange oil, distilling it, modifying it, and calling it fruit. That’s the difference between kratom tea and high-dose 7-OH products.
The Danger of Misleading Comparisons
Saying 7-OH concentrate is “just like vitamin C from citrus” or “caffeine from coffee beans” misses the mark completely. Those compounds occur in significant quantities in the source material. 7-hydroxymitragynine does not. It’s a minor metabolite, not a major plant constituent. Extracting and concentrating it into potent products is a form of pharmaceutical manipulation, whether or not it meets the technical bar for “synthetic.”
And unlike natural kratom leaf, concentrated 7-OH can bypass your body’s regulatory process. That opens the door to rapid tolerance, dependence, and side effects—just like with synthetic opioids. This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s pharmacology.
The Conversion Rate (How Much Turns Into 7-OH?)
-
Mitragynine itself is a “pro-drug” in a sense. It’s relatively weak at the opioid receptors in its original form but becomes far more potent when it’s metabolized to 7-OH in the liver.
-
According to Dr. Christopher McCurdy’s team at the University of Florida (2019, ACS Central Science), only a small fraction of mitragynine is converted to 7-OH. In their human and animal studies, less than 1–2% of the mitragynine dose appears as 7-OH in plasma.
-
That means if you take, say, 100 mg of mitragynine (which would be an unusually large single dose from plain leaf), only about 1–2 mg might show up as 7-OH in your bloodstream.
-
The bulk of mitragynine is either excreted unchanged or broken into other minor metabolites.
So, the “big effects” people experience from plain leaf kratom are mostly from mitragynine plus a tiny amount of 7-OH, not from 7-OH alone (which is why natural kratom is dramatically less potent than synthetic 7-OH products).
The Time Course (How Fast It Happens?)
-
Mitragynine reaches peak plasma concentrations (Tmax) in humans at about 30–60 minutes after ingestion on an empty stomach, a bit longer with food.
-
7-OH shows up in the blood slightly later but peaks quickly, usually around the same time or within 1 hour post-dose.
-
The half-life of mitragynine in humans is around 3–9 hours (studies vary), while 7-OH is shorter — its half-life is about 2–3 hours.
This means the conversion from mitragynine to 7-OH is fairly rapid (within an hour) but limited in amount. The body does not “keep making 7-OH” in large quantities over time; it’s a quick metabolic step and then both substances are cleared gradually.
Why This Matters?
-
Natural kratom has a built-in “safety buffer” because your liver’s enzymes only convert a small fraction of mitragynine to 7-OH.
-
Synthetic 7-OH products skip that natural metabolic bottleneck — which is why they’re far more potent and risky.
-
This is also why, in research, mitragynine alone doesn’t look very opioid-like until the liver does its small conversion trick.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Kirsten E. Smith, K.E.S. has been a paid scientific advisor to the International Plant and Herbal Alliance and The Global Kratom Coalition. K.E.S., O.G., E.W.B. and C.R.M. have served as expert witnesses in legal cases related to kratom.
Is 7 OH Natural?
While 7-HMG is a natural component of the kratom drying process and contributes minimally to its effects, enhancing or isolating it in products significantly increases the risks of dependency, health issues, and regulatory scrutiny. Plain leaf kratom remains the safer option according to a recent FDA study, aligning with traditional practices and supporting a more balanced and sustainable approach to its use.
While plain leaf has a history of safe, balanced use, semi-synthetic derivatives pose challenges that threaten not only individual health but also the public perception and regulatory standing of kratom as a whole. Policymakers, researchers, and consumers must recognize the critical distinctions between traditional mitragyna speciosa products and these potent formulations. It is imperative to implement clear labeling, responsible marketing practices, and rigorous scientific research to ensure consumer safety and protect the reputation of natural kratom.
In conclusion, the emergence of 7-hydroxymitragynine products represents a significant departure from the traditional use of plain-leaf mitragyna speciosa, introducing heightened risks for consumers and the broader kratom community. These products, often marketed under the guise of natural kratom, carry uncharted safety concerns due to their alkaloid manipulation and lack of long-term studies.
The Bottom Line
-
Yes, 7-OH is naturally present in kratom.
-
No, it is not present in meaningful amounts in the raw leaf.
-
Yes, high-potency 7-OH products are a departure from how nature intended the plant to work.
-
No, these products are not the same as drinking kratom tea.
Nature gave us kratom in balance. Concentrated 7-OH destroys that balance.
The kratom leaf is perfect the way it is—designed by nature to be effective and self-limiting. Once we start extracting and concentrating individual components like 7-OH, we move from plant medicine to lab experiment. And history tells us how that usually ends.
Stick to the leaf. That’s what works. That’s what lasts.
