You may be familiar with the benefits of adding kratom to your health and wellness regimen. But have you ever thought about how kratom works? If you’ve read our kratom guide for beginners, you’ll no doubt have run into the kratom alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and read about their effects.
Today, we’re going on a deep dive to learn all about the alkaloids in kratom, what they are, and how they work.
What Are Alkaloids, Anyway?
Alkaloids are a diverse variety of naturally-occurring chemical compounds that originate predominantly in plants. They can also be found in fungi, bacteria, and animals. Made of basic nitrogen atoms, alkaloids are well known for having a wide range of effects on the human body. Some alkaloids can stimulate your brain, while others can help in relieving physical discomfort.
Some alkaloids are bitter-tasting (imagine the sharp taste of a coffee bean) and some are toxic to pets and other animals. Yet they can also have powerful physiological effects on our bodies. Alkaloids are often studied in the scientific community for their versatility and potency. So what makes alkaloids so special, and how do they interact with our bodies?
How Does It Work?
Alkaloids interact with specific receptors in the human body and central nervous system (CNS). Think of these receptors as tiny locks in your body that act like switches and control how your body feels and acts. Alkaloids are like keys that can either fit into these locks and trigger a particular response or block a response. This can lead to a range of effects.
Everyday Sources of Alkaloids
In addition to alkaloids in kratom, most people encounter alkaloids in everyday foods and drinks. They are more commonplace than you think. Some of the most common sources include
Coffee (Caffeine)
One of the most prevalent sources of alkaloids is coffee – because caffeine is an alkaloid! In most big cities, there are Starbucks brewing up gallons of this popular alkaloid. The caffeine alkaloid works as a stimulant by blocking adenosine receptors in your brain.
Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. When caffeine alkaloids block the receptors that make you feel tired, you’re left feeling more alert. That’s why a cup of coffee can turn a drowsy Monday morning into a productive one.
Chocolate (Cacao)
Cacao is the main ingredient in chocolate. It contains the alkaloid theobromine. While this alkaloid works similarly to caffeine and acts as a stimulant, theobromine has a significantly milder effect on the body. (Unless it’s Halloween, and you’re binging on your entire trick-or-treat haul of mini chocolate bars! Ingesting an excess amount of theobromine can affect sleep, like caffeine.)
Unlike caffeine, theobromine doesn’t give you a quick energy spike. This alkaloid provides a gentler, more sustained boost. It also has a mild diuretic effect, so make sure to drink plenty of water. This compound is known for helping to improve mood. Research suggests that it may also enhance heart health.
Tea (Caffeine and L-theanine)
Tea is another excellent source of alkaloids. In addition to caffeine, tea (especially green and black tea) also contains an alkaloid called L-theanine. L-theanine has a stimulating effect like caffeine, yet it works differently.
The L-theanine alkaloid counteracts the jittery effects produced by caffeine, which helps to promote relaxation without a “caffeine crash” or drowsiness. This is why many avid tea drinkers report feeling more focused and relaxed after drinking their “cuppa,” thanks to the unique interaction between tea’s two alkaloids.
Potatoes & Tomatoes (Solanine)
A staple of countless dinners, potatoes, tomatoes, and other members of the nightshade family contain trace amounts of an alkaloid called solanine. While solanine can be toxic in large quantities, the levels that are found in ripe tomatoes and potatoes have little to no effect on humans and are considered safe for consumption.
Other well-known alkaloids are quinine, nicotine, morphine, and cocaine.
The Keys to Kratom: It’s the Alkaloids
So what about kratom? How are the alkaloids in kratom different from these common alkaloids mentioned above?
Kratom is actually a tropical native tree from Southeast Asia that is considered part of the coffee family – so it’s kind of like a cousin twice removed. It contains no caffeine but has plenty of alkaloids.
In fact, kratom actually contains over 40 alkaloids. But the two most important ones are called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These two alkaloids are responsible for kratom’s effects on the body and mind.
Mitragynine
This is the most abundant alkaloid found in kratom. Mitragynine works primarily by interacting with key receptors in your brain, like Mu-receptors. When alkaloids bind with these receptors, they send chemical signals that reduce certain brain neuron activity. Kratom users report that this may result in greater levels of physical comfort and an overall pleasant sensation.
7-hydroxymitragynine
Although it’s present in much smaller quantities compared to mitragynine, this alkaloid is actually more potent. 7-hydroxymitragynine binds more effectively to brain receptors, which means that it can produce stronger effects in the body. According to users, 7-hydroxymitragynine may increase mental clarity, enhanced motivation, and give a more “get-up-and-go” feeling.
How Do Alkaloids in Kratom Work?
Both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine work by interacting with certain receptors in your brain. They are both partial agonists of the brain’s Mu receptors, which are linked to the central nervous system. When activated, these receptors may produce a range of effects and benefits.
The Effects of Kratom’s Alkaloids
The effects of kratom can vary depending on the dosage and strain of the plant, which is why we recommend checking out our guide to kratom strains to learn more.
At lower doses, kratom’s alkaloids have been reported to make the user feel more motivated and focused. However, as the dosage increases, the effects are said to shift more towards a peaceful, grounded sensation.
Experience Kratom’s Alkaloids Yourself
While kratom alkaloids may offer a whole host of potential benefits, it’s important to remember to use kratom responsibly.
If you’re just starting your kratom journey, it’s best to remember this mantra: Start Low, Go Slow. Starting with a low dose allows you to see how your body reacts so that you can gradually increase the dose later if needed. Additionally, if you have any medical conditions or health concerns, always speak to your doctor before trying kratom or other herbal supplements.
Alkaloids are truly one of nature’s chemical wonders and can be found in everything from your first cup of coffee in the morning to the veggies on your dinner plate. They have a profound effect on how we feel and function. Learning about them can help us make more informed choices about what we consume.
When you’re ready to try kratom alkaloids for yourself, shop Kratom Gecko!
