Plant and chemistry
Botany and science
Mitragyna speciosa as a plant, its alkaloid profile, fermentation and a scientific view of kratom chemistry.
What is kratom - botanical definition and origin
Kratom is the tropical tree Mitragyna speciosa of the madder family (Rubiaceae), native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain over 40 alkaloids.
Mitragyna speciosa: botanical description of the plant
Mitragyna speciosa Korthals (1839) is an evergreen tree of the Rubiaceae family. Botanical description: taxonomy, morphology, growing conditions and cultivation.
Mitragynine: the main alkaloid of kratom
Mitragynine is an indole alkaloid with the molecular formula C23H30N2O4, making up 60-66 % of kratom's alkaloid content. A scientific account of its structure and biosynthesis.
7-hydroxymitragynine: a trace alkaloid of kratom
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-MG) is an oxidation derivative of mitragynine, forming under 2 % of the leaf's alkaloid profile. A scientific view of its structure, formation and detection.
The alkaloid profile of kratom: over 40 compounds
Kratom contains more than 40 identified alkaloids. The dominant mitragynine and 7-OH-MG, plus speciogynine, paynantheine, mitraphylline and others.
Kratom as a plant: life cycle and morphology
Mitragyna speciosa is a tropical tree with continuous vegetation, flowering with yellow heads and reaching maturity after 5-7 years. Life cycle and morphology.
The natural range of Mitragyna speciosa
The natural range of Mitragyna speciosa covers Indonesia (Borneo, Sumatra, Java), Malaysia, southern Thailand, Myanmar and part of Papua New Guinea.
Kratom vein colours: the botanical and chemical basis
The green, white and red colour of the central leaf vein of Mitragyna speciosa reflects the growth phase and processing method. The botanical and chemical background.
Fermentation of the kratom leaf: process and chemistry
Fermentation of the kratom leaf is a controlled oxidation that changes the ratio of alkaloids. The stages of the process, its effect on chemistry and variability between producers.
Granulometry of kratom powder: mesh and micrometres
Mesh indicates the sieve density as the number of openings per inch. The mesh → μm conversion, the effect of particle size on solubility and standards for plant powders.
Other areas of the guide
Use and safety
What we may say about effects under the law, dosing according to the instructions for use, risks and combinations, kratom forms and what you will not find with us.
Czech legislation
Current regulation of kratom in the Czech Republic after the amendment to Act 167/1998 Coll., the role of state authorities and comparison with the EU.
Quality and safety
How to read a Certificate of Analysis, limits for heavy metals and mycotoxins, HPLC and ICP-MS methods, storage.
History and culture
Traditional use of kratom in Southeast Asia, historical context and regional differences.
