AT A GLANCE
Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), making up roughly 60–66% of its total alkaloid content. It is the primary compound that defines raw kratom leaf and powder, and it is chemically distinct from 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a separate and far less abundant kratom alkaloid. Mitragynine is unscheduled at the U.S. federal level, though state laws vary.
If you have spent any time researching kratom or 7-OH, you have likely seen the word mitragynine — often alongside the longer term 7-hydroxymitragynine. The two are frequently confused, but they are not the same compound. This guide explains what mitragynine is, where it comes from, how it differs from 7-OH, and where it stands legally — in plain, factual terms for retailers, distributors, and informed buyers.
What is mitragynine?
Mitragynine is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid found in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, the kratom tree native to Southeast Asia. It is the single most abundant of the plant's dozens of identified alkaloids and is the compound most associated with raw, unprocessed kratom leaf and powder. When a product is described as “mitragynine-dominant,” it means mitragynine — not 7-OH — is the principal alkaloid present.
Where does mitragynine come from?
Mitragynine is produced naturally in the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae) that grows in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The alkaloid concentration in a given batch of leaf varies with the plant's strain, growing region, maturity, and harvest timing. Because it occurs in the leaf itself, mitragynine is present in conventional dried kratom powder without any chemical conversion or isolation step.
How much mitragynine is in kratom?
Across published analyses, mitragynine commonly accounts for roughly 60–66% of the total alkaloid content of dried kratom leaf, though figures vary by source and method. The remaining fraction is made up of dozens of minor alkaloids — including paynantheine, speciogynine, speciociliatine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine. By weight of the whole leaf, mitragynine typically represents only about 1–2%, with the rest being plant material. Exact percentages should always be confirmed against a product's third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA).
What is the difference between mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)?
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are two distinct alkaloids of the same kratom plant. Mitragynine is the most abundant compound in the leaf. 7-OH, by contrast, is a separate alkaloid that occurs only in trace amounts in raw leaf — typically a small fraction of a percent. The two terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but they refer to different molecules. For a deeper breakdown of 7-OH specifically, see the cross-reference guide What Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)? The Complete Guide.
Is mitragynine the same as kratom?
No. Kratom is the whole botanical — the leaf of Mitragyna speciosa and the powders and products made from it. Mitragynine is one chemical compound within that leaf. Saying “kratom” refers to the plant and its preparations as a whole; saying “mitragynine” refers specifically to the dominant alkaloid. Every batch of kratom powder contains mitragynine, but kratom is more than any single alkaloid.
Is mitragynine legal in the United States?
At the federal level, mitragynine is currently unscheduled in the United States — it is not listed as a federally controlled substance. However, legality is determined state by state, and some states and municipalities have enacted their own restrictions or age requirements. Regulatory status is actively evolving, including ongoing discussion at the federal level around kratom alkaloids. Always verify the current rules in your jurisdiction before buying or selling. For a current state-by-state overview, see Kratom & 7-OH State Laws 2026.
How is mitragynine content verified?
Mitragynine content is verified through laboratory testing, typically by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), and reported on a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A credible COA from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, third-party lab will list the measured mitragynine concentration along with other identified alkaloids and contaminant screens. For retailers and distributors evaluating product, the COA is the single most important document for confirming what is actually in a batch. Learn how to interpret one in How to Read a Kratom COA.
Why mitragynine matters for retailers and distributors
For wholesale buyers, understanding the mitragynine-vs-7-OH distinction is a sourcing and labeling fundamental. A product's alkaloid profile determines how it is categorized, tested, and described on the shelf — and accurate, lab-verified labeling protects both the retailer and the end customer. 7ohBlack supplies lab-verified product with documentation to back every claim. Retail buyers can shop 7-OH retail at Favor'd Alkz, including 7-OH tablets and 7-OH powder.
Frequently asked questions
What is mitragynine?
Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), making up roughly 60–66% of its alkaloid content. It is the primary compound found in raw kratom leaf and powder.
Is mitragynine the same as 7-OH?
No. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are two different alkaloids of the same kratom plant. Mitragynine is the dominant alkaloid in the leaf, while 7-OH occurs only in trace amounts in raw leaf.
How much mitragynine is in kratom?
Mitragynine commonly makes up about 60–66% of the total alkaloid content of dried kratom leaf, which equates to roughly 1–2% of the leaf by weight. Exact figures vary by batch and should be confirmed on a Certificate of Analysis.
Is mitragynine legal?
Mitragynine is currently unscheduled at the U.S. federal level, but state and local laws vary and are evolving. Always check the rules in your jurisdiction. Sales are intended for adults 21+, where legal.
How is mitragynine content measured?
Mitragynine is measured by laboratory testing — typically HPLC — and reported on a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an accredited lab.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For use by adults 21+ only, where legal. Verify the laws in your jurisdiction before purchase.