7-Hydroxymitragynine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the leaves of the kratom plant , which is native to Southeast Asia. Kratom has been used traditionally for centuries due to its stimulant and opioid-like effects. Among the many active compounds in kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine is considered one of the most potent, and it plays a significant role in the plant’s smurphs kratom psychoactive and analgesic properties.
7-Hydroxymitragynine (often abbreviated as 7-HMG or 7-OH) is a minor alkaloid in kratom in terms of natural concentration, typically making up less than 0.05% of the leaf’s content. Despite its small presence, it is one of the most pharmacologically active components. Structurally, it is closely related to mitragynine, the most abundant alkaloid in kratom, but it is far more potent in terms of its effects on the human body.
7-HMG is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, which are the same receptors activated by drugs like morphine, codeine, and heroin. However, unlike classical opioids, 7-HMG also interacts with other neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin and dopamine, which can result in a complex mix of effects.
Potency Compared to Other Substances
In laboratory studies, 7-hydroxymitragynine has been shown to be approximately 10 to 20 times more potent than morphine by weight. This high potency is one reason why kratom, despite being a plant-based product, can have very strong pain-relieving and sedative effects, especially at higher doses.
Interestingly, 7-HMG is not present in large quantities in fresh kratom leaves. It is believed that much of the 7-HMG found in processed kratom products forms through oxidation or chemical conversion from mitragynine during drying or extraction. Some kratom extracts and enhanced products may contain artificially elevated levels of 7-HMG, which can make them significantly more powerful—and potentially more dangerous—than raw leaf kratom.
Effects on the Body
The effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine are mainly mediated through the central nervous system. At low doses, users often report increased energy, alertness, and a mood lift. However, at higher doses, the compound exerts strong opioid-like effects, including: