If you’ve heard the word “7‑hydroxymitragynine” (or “7‑OH”) recently, chances are it came up in a headline or cautionary tale. This compound is often mentioned in conversations about kratom, especially in media stories that focus on extreme or concerning cases. But what is 7‑OH really? How does it relate to the natural kratom leaf? And why does context, especially concentration, matter so much?
Let’s take a balanced, educational look at 7‑hydroxymitragynine, the role it plays in kratom, and why it’s important to separate fact from fear.
What is 7‑Hydroxymitragynine?
7‑hydroxymitragynine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in small amounts in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa). It’s closely related to mitragynine, which is the most abundant alkaloid in kratom. While mitragynine can convert into 7‑OH in the body or during certain extraction processes, 7‑OH itself is usually present in raw kratom leaf in very low concentrations, often well under 1%.
Despite its low natural levels, 7‑OH is often spotlighted because it interacts with certain receptors in the body. However, it’s important to remember that “potency” does not always equal danger, and that naturally occurring levels in traditional kratom are vastly different from the concentrations found in some manufactured extracts.
The Real Issue: Concentration and Context
Much of the public fear around 7‑OH stems from its presence in highly concentrated extracts or synthetic formulations which are not in traditional kratom leaf. Products that contain artificially elevated levels of 7‑OH (far beyond what occurs in nature) are often the subject of controversy and regulation. These are the kinds of products most commonly cited in negative media reports.
By contrast, natural kratom products such as raw leaf or traditionally prepared teas contain 7‑OH in trace amounts. Without this important distinction, the public is often misled into believing that all kratom use carries the same risks as using a chemically enhanced extract.
To learn more about the kratom products we carry and how they are prepared, check out our kratom product selection page.
What the American Kratom Association (AKA) Says
The American Kratom Association has taken a clear stance on 7‑OH and its role in kratom products. According to the AKA:
- They do not support the inclusion of 7‑OH isolates or extracts with artificially elevated levels of 7‑OH in products marketed as kratom.
- They believe any kratom product containing more than 2% 7‑OH by total alkaloid content should not be labeled or sold as “kratom.”
- The AKA has issued multiple consumer alerts about misleading products that contain high levels of 7‑OH but are marketed as natural kratom.
This approach aligns with their advocacy for safe, transparent, and traditional kratom use, and protecting consumers from mislabeled or overly potent products.
The KCPA: Sensible Regulation for Safety
To address these concerns at the state level, the AKA supports legislation known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). This model law has been adopted in several states and aims to:
- Prohibit the sale of adulterated or synthetic kratom products
- Set standards for labeling, manufacturing, and testing
- Prevent the sale of kratom to minors
- Limit the inclusion of high‑7‑OH products being sold as natural kratom
The KCPA reflects a practical approach to kratom regulation, one that supports consumer safety, without banning responsible use of the natural plant.
Why Education Matters
At Ohana Kava Bar, we believe in respectful, informed conversations about the botanicals our community encounters. Whether it’s kava, kratom, or another plant ally, understanding the science, history, and cultural context matters. Our goal is not to promote or discourage, it is to provide clarity in a space that often lacks it.
Have questions? Curious to learn more? We’re always open to talking. Learn about our mission, sourcing, and community values. Want to stay in the loop on our educational events, specials, and new product launches? Visit our Events page for what’s coming up.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not offer medical advice or promote the use of any specific product.