7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a naturally occurring alkaloid in the kratom leaf. This article explains the science in plain English.
Chemical structure
7-OH belongs to the mitragynine class of alkaloids. It is structurally similar to mitragynine but with a hydroxyl group at a specific position that makes it more pharmacologically active.
Where it is found
In raw kratom leaf, 7-OH is present at about 0.01–0.05% of dry weight. Commercial extracts concentrate it many times over.
Research history
7-OH was first isolated in 1994. Modern research interest grew rapidly in the 2020s as commercial interest in refined extracts expanded.
Why it matters
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