Factors that Affect Kratom Alkaloid Content

To understand the kratom plant and why it’s so popular, you first need to understand its chemical makeup. An alkaloid is a chemical made by plants that have potentially potent, pharmacological effects. There are several different types of kratom alkaloids present in the plant’s leaves, but one is more popular than the others. We’ll discuss the factors that can affect kratom alkaloid content, and why mitragynine is the most well-known.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is grown from the mitragyna speciosa tree native to the southeastern Asian region. There are many different forms it can be found in, including powders or capsules.

Waiting For Research

While there has not been enough substantial scientific research conducted on this plant to form a conclusive answer to several questions about its uses, many users have touted it for its potential healing properties. 

There are also many strains of kratom present on the market today, with differences depending on where the plant was originally grown. Generally, kratom falls into three distinct categories, which are red, green, and white strains. Each vein color can lead to several more specific strains with different characteristics.

How the Plant Is Grown

If you’re interested in exploring this plant, then the varying alkaloid contents within each kratom strain are something you should research thoroughly.

There are some basic facts you can become aware of. For example, kratom alkaloid content can differ based on growing circumstances. Which areas the plants are harvested in, and seasonal or human factors, can all play a role in the concentration of alkaloid content present in each plant. If the plants are grown during a particularly dry or wet season, the alkaloid content can be drastically different. Additionally, it’s thought that younger leaves have a denser alkaloid profile compared to older ones. If kratom leaves are harvested when young, chances are they will produce kratom products with stronger aromas.

How Are Kratom Alkaloids Formed?

How alkaloids are formed, in general, has not been precisely identified. Their effects may vary widely, depending on which plant they are found in. When it comes to kratom trees, it is understood that they are connected to their gene pathways. That means they are developed when the plant is in its elemental growing phases. Environmental factors, as mentioned earlier, can affect the plant's tissues. When a plant’s tissues are affected during a younger growing phase, the strength of the kratom alkaloids may also be affected.

Humidity, weather, and sunlight can all have significant effects on the amounts of alkaloids present in kratom leaves. In general, it is believed that while these plants grow best and strongest during wet seasons, their alkaloid content tends to be higher during dry ones. So does this mean that alkaloids prefer the sun? Some evidence points that way, but there is no conclusive answer.

Soil composition 

Soil composition may also affect how well a kratom plant begins its life, which in turn can affect how well it produces alkaloids. As long as there is a healthy and natural web of soil life beneath the plant, it will successfully grow stronger and full of nutrients. 

In total, there are said to be around 40 alkaloids present in all the various kratom strains. The kratom alkaloid that is thought to be the most potent is mitragynine. It’s the one that is most commonly found in any kratom strain that you may find on the market.

Mitragynine

Mitragynine is present in most, if not all, strains of kratom. It has been celebrated for its potentially psychoactive properties, according to this study. In general, the mitragynine alkaloid compound found in kratom is one of the strongest and most widely known. 

Unknown Effects

Kratom alkaloids are not well studied at the moment, which means understanding how they affect the human body will take more time. Their effects can vary widely, depending on the area they are grown in, the seasonal weather, or human interventions. Doing research before taking any supplement is wise, as well as consulting with your doctor. 

For more guidance on the plant or kratom products, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.