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7-Hydroxymitragynine
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| Clinical data | |
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| Other names | 7-OH; 7α-Hydroxy-7H-mitragynine;[1] 9-Methoxycorynantheidine hydroxyindolenine[1] |
| Dependence liability | High |
| Addiction liability | High[2] |
| Routes of administration | Oral |
| Drug class | Opioid |
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| Legal status | |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Metabolites | Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl |
| Identifiers | |
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| ChEMBL | |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C23H30N2O5 |
| Molar mass | 414.502 g·mol−1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | |
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7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-MIT, often simply referred to as 7-OH) is a terpenoid indole alkaloid present in the plant Mitragyna speciosa (the leaves of which are commonly known as kratom).[3] It was first described in 1994.[4] In humans, it is produced as an active metabolite of mitragynine via hepatic oxidation.[5] 7-OH exhibits greater binding affinity to μ-opioid receptors (MOR) than mitragynine.[6]
Pharmacology
[edit]7-OH-MIT, like mitragynine, appears to be a mixed opioid receptor agonist/antagonist, with recent research indicating that it acts as a partial agonist at μ-opioid receptors and as a competitive antagonist at δ- and κ-opioid receptors.[7][8] Both 7-OH-MIT and mitragynine do not appear to activate the β-arrestin pathway, distinguishing it from traditional opiate and opioid chemicals.[7] A study has found the binding affinity of 7-OH-MIT to be μ-opioid receptor (MOR) 37 (± 4) nM and δ-opioid receptor (DOR) 91 (± 8) nM and κ-opioid receptor (KOR) 132 (± 7) nM.[9] Another study found the binding affinity of 7-OH-MIT to be MOR 16 (± 1) nM and DOR 137 (± 21) nM and KOR 133 (± 37) nM.[10] Another study found the binding affinity of 7-OH-MIT to be MOR 13.5 nM, DOR 155 nM, and KOR 123 nM.[10] Cross-tolerance to morphine was evident in mice rendered tolerant to 7-hydroxymitragynine and vice versa. Naloxone-induced withdrawal signs were elicited equally in mice chronically treated with 7-hydroxymitragynine or morphine.[11]
Synthesis
[edit]In natural kratom leaves, 7-hydroxymitragynine is only present in small amounts, comprising less than 2% of overall alkaloid content.[12] Therefore, extracting 7-OH-MIT in high concentrations directly from natural kratom leaves is not practical. Instead, 7-hydroxymitragynine can be produced semisynthetically via the oxidation of mitragynine.[5]
Society and culture
[edit]7-OH has been rising in popularity as a recreational drug, particularly in the United States. Its ability to bind to opioid receptors can cause addictive effects. In an electrical stimulation test using guinea-pig ileum, 7-OH performed 13 times greater pain relief than that of morphine.[13] The drug's novelty has meant that it has increasingly been sold unregulated over the counter in gas stations and smoke shops, often in highly concentrated "candy-like" or pill form alongside kratom powder and other supplements with little to no information provided to consumers about its effects.[12]
According to the United States Poison Control Center, the number of cases relating to kratom-based products such as 7-OH have increased from under 200 in 2014 to 1600 in 2024, with approximately 40% of 7-OH reports coming from individuals who were abusing the drug.[14]
Legal status
[edit]United States
[edit]In July 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally recommended that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classify 7-hydroxymitragynine as a controlled substance.[15][16] This action was publicized to not be targeting Mitragyna speciosa itself.[17] Despite claims by marketers for products that contain 7-OH that they can be used to treat anxiety and pain, the drug is not approved by the FDA for any medical use or as a food supplement.[18]
Research
[edit]A study on 7-hydroxymitragynine's safety was unable to identify an LD50 orally due to a lack of deaths occurring. In a later part of the same study they found both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine to be able to cause respiratory depression when given intravenously. This same study also showed seizures in many of the surviving mice from the mitragynine group.[19] 7-Hydroxymitragynine has been described as a "prototypical" compound to develop a new generation of opioids with an improved safety profile.[20]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Chemical Abstracts Service: Columbus, OH, 2004; RN 174418-82-7 (accessed via SciFinder Scholar, version 2007.3; November 30, 2011)
- ^ Reissig CJ, Chiapperino D, Seitz A, Lee R, Radin R, McAninch J. 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): An Assessment of the Scientific Data and Toxicological Concerns Around an Emerging Opioid Threat (Report).
- ^ Matsumoto K, Horie S, Ishikawa H, Takayama H, Aimi N, Ponglux D, et al. (March 2004). "Antinociceptive effect of 7-hydroxymitragynine in mice: Discovery of an orally active atypical opioid analgesic from the Thai medicinal herb Mitragyna speciosa". Life Sciences. 74 (17): 2143–2155. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2003.09.054. PMID 14969718.
- ^ Ponglux D, Wongseripipatana S, Takayama H, Kikuchi M, Kurihara M, Kitajima M, et al. (December 1994). "A New Indole Alkaloid, 7 alpha-Hydroxy-7H-mitragynine, from Mitragyna speciosa in Thailand". Planta Medica. 60 (6): 580–581. Bibcode:1994PlMed..60..580P. doi:10.1055/s-2006-959578. PMID 17236085. S2CID 260252538.
- ^ a b Karunakaran T, Marimuthu Y, Rusmadi NN, Firouz NS, Jenis J, Kumar US, et al. (2024-10-10). "Chemistry and toxicity of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OHMG): an updated review on the oxidized derivative of mitragynine". Phytochemistry Reviews. 24 (5): 4051–4064. Bibcode:2025PChRv..24.4051G. doi:10.1007/s11101-024-10029-x. ISSN 1572-980X.
- ^ Ganasan J, Karunakaran T, Marimuthu Y, Rusmadi NN, Firouz NS, Jenis J, et al. (2025). "Chemistry and toxicity of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OHMG): an updated review on the oxidized derivative of mitragynine". Phytochemistry Reviews. 24 (5): 4051–4064. doi:10.1007/s11101-024-10029-x. ISSN 1568-7767.
The addition of a hydroxyl group at the C-7 position in 7-OHMG enhances its ability to form hydrogen bonds with opioid receptors, thereby increasing its binding affinity, analgesic potency as well as the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- ^ a b Eastlack SC, Cornett EM, Kaye AD (June 2020). "Kratom-Pharmacology, Clinical Implications, and Outlook: A Comprehensive Review". Pain and Therapy. 9 (1): 55–69. doi:10.1007/s40122-020-00151-x. PMC 7203303. PMID 31994019.
- ^ Chang-Chien GC, Odonkor CA, Amorapanth P (2017). "Is Kratom the New 'Legal High' on the Block?: The Case of an Emerging Opioid Receptor Agonist with Substance Abuse Potential". Pain Physician. 20 (1): E195–E198. doi:10.36076/ppj.2017.1.E195. PMID 28072812.
- ^ Váradi A, Marrone GF, Palmer TC, Narayan A, Szabó MR, Le Rouzic V, et al. (2016). "Mitragynine/Corynantheidine Pseudoindoxyls as Opioid Analgesics with Mu Agonism and Delta Antagonism, Which do Not Recruit β-Arrestin-2". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 59 (18): 8381–8397. doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00748. PMC 5344672. PMID 27556704.
- ^ a b Takayama H, Ishikawa H, Kurihara M, Kitajima M, Aimi N, Ponglux D, et al. (2002). "Studies on the Synthesis and Opioid Agonistic Activities of Mitragynine-Related Indole Alkaloids: Discovery of Opioid Agonists Structurally Different from Other Opioid Ligands". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 45 (9): 1949–1956. doi:10.1021/jm010576e. PMID 11960505.
- ^ Matsumoto K, Horie S, Takayama H, Ishikawa H, Aimi N, Ponglux D, et al. (2005). "Antinociception, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms induced by 7-hydroxymitragynine, an alkaloid from the Thai medicinal herb Mitragyna speciosa". Life Sciences. 78 (1): 2–7. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2004.10.086. PMID 16169018.
- ^ a b Reissig CJ, Chiapperino D, Seitz A, Lee R, Radin R, McAninch J (2025). "7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): An Assessment of the Scientific Data and Toxicological Concerns Around an Emerging Opioid Threat". Food and Drug Administration: 4.
7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), but only a minor constituent that comprises less than 2% of the total alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.
- ^ Reissig CJ, Chiapperino D, Seitz A, Lee R, Radin R, McAninch J. 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): An Assessment of the Scientific Data and Toxicological Concerns Around an Emerging Opioid Threat (Report). U.S. Drug and Food Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). p. 14.
7-OH displayed approximately 13-fold greater potency than morphine
- ^ Office of the Commissioner (2025-07-30). "Hiding in Plain Sight: 7-OH Products". FDA. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ^ Viguers BC (29 July 2025). "FDA asks DEA to classify 7-OH as a controlled substance". Healio. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
- ^ "US health officials crack down on kratom-related products after complaints from supplement industry". WHEC. Associated Press. 2025-07-29. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
- ^ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (July 29, 2025). "FDA Takes Steps to Restrict 7-OH Opioid Products Threatening American Consumers". FDA. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
- ^ "Products Containing 7-OH Can Cause Serious Harm". Drugs.com. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
- ^ Smith LC, Lin L, Hwang CS, Zhou B, Kubitz DM, Wang H, et al. (2019). "Lateral Flow Assessment and Unanticipated Toxicity of Kratom". Chemical Research in Toxicology. 32 (1): 113–121. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00218. PMC 6662923. PMID 30380840.
- ^ Matsumoto K, Narita M, Muramatsu N, Nakayama T, Misawa K, Kitajima M, et al. (2014). "Orally active opioid μ/δ dual agonist MGM-16, a derivative of the indole alkaloid mitragynine, exhibits potent antiallodynic effect on neuropathic pain in mice". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 348 (3): 383–392. doi:10.1124/jpet.113.208108. PMC 6067406. PMID 24345467.
7-Hydroxymitragynine
View on Grokipedia7-Hydroxymitragynine is an indole alkaloid with the molecular formula C23H30N2O5 that occurs naturally in trace quantities—typically less than 0.05% of dried leaf mass—in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia commonly referred to as kratom.[1][2] It functions primarily as the active metabolite of mitragynine, the dominant alkaloid in kratom, formed through hepatic metabolism in vivo, and is responsible for mediating a substantial portion of kratom's opioid-like pharmacological effects.[1][3] Pharmacologically, 7-hydroxymitragynine acts as a potent partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), exhibiting approximately 10-fold greater potency than mitragynine in vitro, with a binding affinity (Ki) of around 47 nM and an EC50 of 34.5 nM for human MOR activation, achieving about 47% maximal efficacy relative to full agonists.[1][4] This selective MOR engagement underlies its analgesic properties observed in rodent models, where it contributes to mitragynine's antinociceptive effects without fully recapitulating the respiratory depression associated with traditional opioids.[1][3] Unlike mitragynine, which displays relatively low MOR affinity and partial antagonistic activity at higher concentrations, 7-hydroxymitragynine demonstrates consistent agonism, highlighting its role as the key pharmacoactive species in kratom's bioactivity.[5][4] Despite its low endogenous levels, 7-hydroxymitragynine's high potency has drawn attention for potential therapeutic applications in pain management and opioid withdrawal mitigation, though its contribution to kratom's abuse liability remains a point of empirical scrutiny, with studies indicating rewarding effects in preclinical assays comparable to those of mitragynine itself.[6][7] Synthetic analogs and isolated forms have emerged in unregulated markets, amplifying concerns over variability in potency and toxicity, yet peer-reviewed data emphasize its G-protein-biased signaling at MOR, which may confer a differential safety profile relative to conventional opioids.[8][9]
Chemistry
Chemical Structure and Properties
7-Hydroxymitragynine is a terpenoid indole alkaloid characterized by a polycyclic structure incorporating an indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidine core framework, featuring an ethyl group, methoxy substituents, a methoxymethyl side chain, and a distinctive hydroxy group at the 7-position that differentiates it from its precursor mitragynine.[10] Its molecular formula is CHNO, with a molecular weight of 414.50 g/mol. The compound possesses four defined stereocenters, contributing to its specific three-dimensional configuration essential for biological activity.[11] As a lipophilic molecule akin to mitragynine (logP ≈ 1.73), 7-hydroxymitragynine demonstrates poor aqueous solubility, necessitating dissolution in organic solvents like methanol, ethanol, or chloroform for experimental handling, while exhibiting limited solubility in water due to its basic and non-polar characteristics.[12][13] This hydrophobicity influences its partitioning behavior in biological systems, though exact logP values for 7-hydroxymitragynine remain less documented compared to mitragynine.[12] Physical properties such as melting or boiling points are not widely reported in available chemical databases, reflecting its status as a naturally occurring minor alkaloid rather than a extensively characterized synthetic compound.
Biosynthesis and Laboratory Synthesis
In Mitragyna speciosa, 7-hydroxymitragynine is produced as a minor monoterpenoid indole alkaloid alongside the predominant alkaloid mitragynine, through a biosynthetic pathway that begins with the condensation of tryptamine and the iridoid glucoside secologanin to form strictosidine via strictosidine synthase.[14] Subsequent enzymatic steps, including Pictet-Spengler cyclization, reductions, and rearrangements mediated by plant-specific cytochrome P450 enzymes and reductases, yield the corynanthe-type scaffold of mitragynine, with 7-hydroxymitragynine arising via site-specific oxidation at the 7-position, likely catalyzed by a P450 monooxygenase, though the precise enzymes and regulatory factors remain incompletely characterized.[15] This hydroxylation step parallels oxidative modifications observed in other indole alkaloid pathways but has been resistant to full reconstruction in heterologous systems like yeast or Escherichia coli, where mitragynine production has been achieved through four key enzymatic transformations.[14] Ongoing research, including NIH-funded efforts, aims to map the complete pathway to enable microbial engineering for scalable production, highlighting gaps in understanding post-mitragynine modifications under varying plant growth conditions such as age, habitat, and stress.[16] Laboratory synthesis of 7-hydroxymitragynine has primarily relied on semi-synthetic routes from mitragynine, with total synthesis emerging more recently to address stereochemical complexity and supply limitations. In a seminal semi-synthetic approach reported in 2002, mitragynine was oxidized using lead tetraacetate to generate an N-oxide intermediate, followed by stereoselective reduction with sodium borohydride to afford 7-hydroxymitragynine in moderate yield, providing early access for pharmacological studies.[17] This method exploits the natural abundance of mitragynine but involves hazardous reagents, prompting exploration of milder biocatalytic or metal-free alternatives. Total asymmetric synthesis was accomplished in 2022 via a 12-step sequence starting from a chiral cyclohexenone precursor, featuring key steps such as stereocontrolled alkylation, intramolecular aldol condensation, and late-stage hydroxylation, achieving an overall yield of 11% for (+)-7-hydroxymitragynine while confirming its absolute configuration.[18] These synthetic advances have facilitated analog generation for structure-activity relationship studies, though scalability remains challenged by the molecule's dense polycyclic architecture and sensitivity to epimerization.[19]Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
7-Hydroxymitragynine functions primarily as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), mediating its analgesic and opioid-like effects through G-protein-coupled signaling pathways. Radioligand binding assays demonstrate high affinity for MOR, with reported Ki values ranging from 7.9 nM to 77.9 nM in human and rodent models, surpassing that of its precursor mitragynine by approximately 5- to 10-fold. Its antinociceptive potency is approximately 13 times that of morphine in certain preclinical assays, with concentrated forms potentially exhibiting even greater effects.[1][20][21][7] This agonism is antagonized by mu-selective blockers such as naloxone, confirming MOR dependence for antinociceptive activity in preclinical models.[22] Unlike full MOR agonists like morphine, 7-hydroxymitragynine exhibits G-protein bias, preferentially activating G-protein-mediated pathways over β-arrestin recruitment, which correlates with potent analgesia but reduced respiratory depression and tolerance development in rodents.[1][23] Affinity for delta-opioid (DOR) and kappa-opioid (KOR) receptors is notably lower, with Ki values exceeding 100 nM, rendering these interactions minimal contributors to its primary effects.[24] Unlike mitragynine, which shows some binding to adrenergic-α2 receptors, 7-hydroxymitragynine lacks significant adrenergic affinity, isolating its activity to opioid mechanisms.[25] Preclinical functional assays, including GTPγS binding and cAMP inhibition, affirm low-efficacy partial agonism at MOR, with maximal efficacy around 20-50% of morphine in vitro, potentially explaining attenuated side effects like constipation and sedation.[1][26] Emerging structural studies reveal that 7-hydroxymitragynine binds MOR in a distinct pose compared to classical opioids, engaging key residues like Asp3.32 and His6.55 to stabilize an active conformation favoring G-protein coupling over arrestin pathways.[27] This biased signaling profile, validated in β-arrestin knockout models, supports hypotheses of a favorable therapeutic window, though human in vivo confirmation remains limited to observational data.[28] No substantial evidence implicates non-opioid receptors, such as serotonin or dopamine systems, in its core mechanism, distinguishing it from broader kratom alkaloid polypharmacology.[29]Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism
7-Hydroxymitragynine exhibits rapid oral absorption, with peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of approximately 56.4 ng/mL achieved within 15 minutes post-dose in beagle dogs following administration of 2 mg/kg.[30] In human studies involving mitragynine dosing, which yields 7-hydroxymitragynine as a metabolite, median time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) for 7-hydroxymitragynine ranges from 1.2–1.8 hours after single doses and 1.3–2.0 hours after multiple doses, indicating comparable absorption kinetics when endogenously formed.[31] Its bioavailability is influenced by gastric instability, with up to 27% degradation in simulated gastric fluid, partially converting to mitragynine.[32] Distribution of 7-hydroxymitragynine includes penetration into the central nervous system, as evidenced by measurable brain concentrations in rodents (1.5-fold higher than peak plasma levels at 4 hours post-administration in mice producing analgesic effects).[33] Plasma protein binding data specific to 7-hydroxymitragynine are limited, though related kratom alkaloids show moderate binding.[34] Metabolism of 7-hydroxymitragynine occurs primarily in the liver, but it demonstrates instability in human plasma, undergoing conversion back to mitragynine, unlike stability observed in rodent or monkey plasma.[35] This degradation, along with further CYP-mediated transformations, contributes to its short half-life, estimated at approximately 2.5 hours in humans.[36] Formation of 7-hydroxymitragynine itself from mitragynine is catalyzed by hepatic CYP3A4, and inhibition of this enzyme (e.g., by itraconazole) elevates 7-hydroxymitragynine exposure, confirming CYP3A dependency.[37] In human liver microsomes, additional metabolites like 9-O-demethylmitragynine derive from related pathways, though 7-hydroxymitragynine-specific downstream products remain undercharacterized.[38] Elimination half-life varies, with mean values of 4.7 hours after single mitragynine doses and up to 24.7 hours after multiple doses in humans, reflecting accumulation potential.[39] Primary routes include urinary and fecal excretion, consistent with kratom alkaloid profiles, though quantitative data for 7-hydroxymitragynine alone are sparse.[36] Linear pharmacokinetics have not been fully established for isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine due to its minor natural abundance and reliance on mitragynine as precursor.[31]Natural Occurrence and Sources
Role in Mitragyna speciosa
7-Hydroxymitragynine occurs naturally as a minor alkaloid in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, typically comprising less than 0.05% of the dried leaf mass and less than 2% of the total alkaloid content.[1][29] Its endogenous levels in fresh leaves are generally below 0.01%, with reported values around 0.04% of the alkaloid fraction in some extracts.[40][36] These low concentrations distinguish it from the dominant alkaloid mitragynine, which constitutes 1–2% of dry leaf weight.[41] Within M. speciosa, 7-hydroxymitragynine is biosynthesized via oxidation of mitragynine, likely involving cytochrome P450 enzymes or similar oxidative pathways active in the plant's alkaloid metabolism.[40] This process integrates it into the plant's secondary metabolite profile, though its precise physiological function—such as in defense against herbivores or environmental stressors—has not been definitively established in empirical studies.[42] Concentrations can vary based on factors like leaf age, drying methods, and regional cultivars, with lower drying temperatures preserving alkaloid integrity but not substantially elevating 7-hydroxymitragynine levels.[42]Isolation and Concentration in Products
7-Hydroxymitragynine occurs naturally in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) at trace levels, typically comprising less than 0.02% of the dry leaf weight and less than 2% of the total alkaloid content.[43] Concentrations in native leaves vary by strain and origin, ranging from 0.003% to 0.012% in Thai varieties and up to 0.03% to 0.15% in some Malaysian samples, though most analyses report levels around 0.01% to 0.04%.[42] [41] These low natural abundances necessitate extraction and purification techniques to isolate the compound for study or enhancement in products. Isolation of 7-hydroxymitragynine from M. speciosa leaves generally involves solvent extraction followed by chromatographic separation, as it co-occurs with dominant alkaloids like mitragynine.[1] Common methods include acid-base extraction with solvents such as ethanol or methanol, often aided by ultrasonic assistance to improve yield of indole alkaloids including 7-hydroxymitragynine.[44] Purification typically employs high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or silica gel column chromatography to separate it from mitragynine and other minor alkaloids, yielding pure fractions for analysis or synthesis precursors.[45] Enzymatic pretreatments with cellulase or pectinase have been explored to enhance overall alkaloid release from leaf matrices, though specific yields for 7-hydroxymitragynine remain low without further concentration.[46] In commercial kratom products, 7-hydroxymitragynine concentrations are often elevated beyond natural levels through extract standardization or adulteration. Powdered leaf products contain median levels around 0.01% (w/w), with ranges from below detectable limits to 0.21%.[47] Concentrated extracts can reach up to 2% of the alkaloid fraction, though reputable guidelines recommend no more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine in total alkaloids to avoid synthetic spiking.[48] Products labeled as "7OH", "7-OH", "70H", or "70OH" commonly refer to concentrated, isolated, or semi-synthetically enhanced forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine, often achieving purities up to 98%, distinct from traditional kratom extracts, which are full-spectrum containing primarily mitragynine with low levels of naturally occurring 7-hydroxymitragynine derived from leaf concentration (<0.1–2% of alkaloids). In contrast, 7OH products emphasize high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine, often semi-synthetic and requiring laboratory processing to achieve elevated potency not attainable from natural sources alone; 7-hydroxymitragynine is 5- to 50-fold more potent than mitragynine at mu-opioid receptors.[49][50] These products are typically sold as tablets, gummies, shots, or additives, marketed for pain relief, anxiety aid, mood enhancement, or opioid withdrawal support to provide stronger opioid-like effects, often without regulation or clear labeling.[51] Some products have been found with artificially high levels, likely from semi-synthetic conversion of mitragynine or direct addition of laboratory-synthesized 7-hydroxymitragynine, raising concerns about unregulated potency and safety.[52] [49] Variability across products underscores the need for third-party testing, as alkaloid profiles differ widely due to processing methods and source plant genetics.[53]Empirical Research
Preclinical and Animal Studies
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-MG) acts as a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist, exhibiting dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in rodent models. In mice, subcutaneous administration of 7-OH-MG produced significant analgesia in the tail-flick and hot-plate tests, with an ED50 value approximately 100-fold lower than that of mitragynine, indicating higher potency.[54] These effects were antagonized by naloxone, confirming opioid receptor mediation.[54] However, investigations using mitragynine knockout models or inhibitors of its conversion to 7-OH-MG have shown that mitragynine's overall antinociceptive activity in mice largely persists independently of 7-OH-MG formation, suggesting 7-OH-MG's role may be limited despite its potency.[33] Animal studies on tolerance reveal that repeated 7-OH-MG administration induces antinociceptive tolerance in mice, comparable to morphine, along with cross-tolerance to other opioids.[55] Chronic dosing also precipitates naloxone-precipitable withdrawal symptoms, including jumping, rearing, and wet-dog shakes, indicative of physical dependence.[55] In contrast to mitragynine, which shows minimal tolerance development in some models, 7-OH-MG's profile aligns more closely with classical opioids.[21] Regarding abuse potential, 7-OH-MG facilitates intracranial self-stimulation in rats, lowering reward thresholds in a manner similar to morphine, with effects observed in both males and females.[7] This suggests reinforcing properties mediated by dopaminergic pathways, though the magnitude appears dose-dependent and less pronounced than traditional opioids at equivalent analgesic doses.[7] Additional preclinical data indicate 7-OH-MG modulates opioid-induced respiratory depression bidirectionally in rodents, potentially mitigating risks at low doses while exacerbating them at higher concentrations, though mechanisms require further elucidation.[56] Metabolism studies in mice confirm hepatic conversion of mitragynine to 7-OH-MG, supporting its role as an active metabolite contributing to kratom's effects.[3]Human Observational and Clinical Data
Human pharmacokinetic data for 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-MG) have been derived primarily from controlled studies administering kratom leaf powder, where 7-OH-MG serves as a minor active metabolite of mitragynine. In a 2024 clinical trial involving single and multiple oral doses of encapsulated dried kratom (1–3 g per dose, up to 3 g three times daily for 7–14 days), plasma concentrations of 7-OH-MG reached median peak levels (C_max) of 0.5–1.0 ng/mL after single doses and 0.8–1.5 ng/mL after multiple doses, with time to peak (T_max) of 1.2–1.8 hours for single administration and 1.3–2.0 hours for repeated dosing.[31] These low systemic exposures reflect limited biotransformation from mitragynine, with 7-OH-MG representing less than 1% of total kratom alkaloids in circulation, though individual variability in CYP3A4-mediated metabolism influences levels.[57] An exploratory safety and neurocognitive study in healthy volunteers receiving chronic low-dose kratom (1 g three times daily for 14 days) confirmed steady-state 7-OH-MG plasma concentrations achieved within 7 days, with no significant adverse effects on cognitive function, mood, or vital signs attributed directly to 7-OH-MG; however, the study emphasized that kratom's overall profile, including 7-OH-MG, warrants caution due to partial mu-opioid agonism.[58] Quantification methods via LC-MS/MS in human plasma from kratom trials have validated detection of 7-OH-MG alongside other alkaloids, enabling precise tracking but highlighting its sub-nanomolar potency in vivo compared to preclinical models.[59] Direct clinical trials on isolated 7-OH-MG are absent, with available human data limited to metabolite profiling rather than isolated administration, precluding causal attribution of effects solely to 7-OH-MG without confounding from co-occurring kratom compounds. Observational reports from users of concentrated 7-OH-MG products (e.g., extracts marketed as "enhanced kratom") describe opioid-like euphoria and analgesia at doses equivalent to 1–5 mg, but these are anecdotal and prone to self-report bias, lacking controlled verification.[60] Adverse event data include case clusters of serious illnesses linked to 7-OH-MG-containing products, such as seizures, respiratory depression, and organ toxicity reported in September 2025 by Texas health authorities, involving unspecified doses but emphasizing unregulated formulations' risks over natural kratom sources.[61] U.S. FDA assessments in July 2025 noted emerging abuse patterns with 7-OH-MG analogs, citing opioid receptor binding as a mechanistic driver of dependence potential, though human incidence remains underreported due to non-medical contexts and diagnostic challenges.[50] No large-scale epidemiological studies exist to quantify population-level prevalence or outcomes specific to 7-OH-MG exposure.Safety, Toxicity, and Dependence Profiles
Preclinical toxicity studies of 7-hydroxymitragynine indicate relatively low oral bioavailability and lethality in rodents. In mice, intravenous administration yielded an LD50 of 24.7 mg/kg, with deaths primarily due to respiratory depression occurring within 10 minutes, accompanied by seizures at higher doses.[62] No lethality was observed with oral doses up to 50 mg/kg in mice, suggesting poor gastrointestinal absorption or rapid metabolism mitigating acute oral toxicity risks.[62] Acute studies in rodents reported no deaths at 50 mg/kg orally, though respiratory depression emerged at elevated intravenous doses.[63] Chronic exposure data remain sparse for isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine. Rodent, canine, and feline studies up to 6 weeks showed minimal toxicity from intraperitoneal or oral doses below thresholds eliciting opioid-like effects, with no significant histopathological changes noted.[63] As a potent partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors, 7-hydroxymitragynine may confer a lower risk of respiratory depression compared to full agonists like morphine, based on biased signaling profiles observed in vitro, though direct comparative in vivo confirmation is lacking.[1] Human toxicity data are absent for pure 7-hydroxymitragynine; reported kratom-related fatalities often involve poly-substance use, with 7-hydroxymitragynine concentrations rarely exceeding those in non-fatal cases, complicating attribution.[1] Dependence potential stems from its high-affinity mu-opioid agonism and metabolic role as an active mitragynine derivative. Rats self-administered 7-hydroxymitragynine intravenously at 5-10 mg/kg, an effect antagonized by mu- and delta-opioid blockers, indicating reinforcing properties via endogenous opioid pathways.[63] Intracranial self-stimulation assays in rats revealed no threshold-lowering reward facilitation at low doses (0.1-1 mg/kg intraperitoneally), but aversive effects at 3.2 mg/kg, contrasting with morphine's rewarding profile and suggesting dose-dependent sedation over euphoria.[7] Self-administration persistence implies abuse liability, potentially amplified by CYP3A4-mediated conversion from mitragynine in users with variable enzyme activity.[1] Withdrawal profiles lack direct human trials for 7-hydroxymitragynine. Animal models infer opioid-like dependence from receptor engagement, with naloxone-precipitated withdrawal observed in mitragynine-exposed rodents, attributable in part to 7-hydroxymitragynine formation.[63] In kratom users, cessation yields symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and gastrointestinal distress—milder and shorter than classic opioid withdrawal—but these confound isolation of 7-hydroxymitragynine's contribution given its low natural abundance (typically <0.02% in leaves).[1] Epidemiological surveys report kratom dependence meeting DSM-5 criteria in subsets of chronic users, with craving and fatigue prominent after dose omission, though causality to 7-hydroxymitragynine versus other alkaloids remains unparsed without controlled isolation studies.[1] Overall, evidence supports moderate dependence risk, tempered by absence of robust rewarding signals in some paradigms.Potential Therapeutic Applications
Analgesia and Pain Management
7-Hydroxymitragynine acts as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), exhibiting higher binding affinity and potency compared to its parent compound mitragynine, which contributes to its analgesic properties. In vitro assays demonstrate that 7-hydroxymitragynine has approximately 9-fold greater affinity for the human MOR than mitragynine and functions as a low-efficacy partial agonist with maximal efficacy around 20% relative to full agonists like DAMGO.[64] This biased agonism favors G-protein signaling over beta-arrestin pathways, potentially yielding analgesia with reduced side effects such as respiratory depression observed in traditional opioids.[27] Preclinical studies in rodents confirm potent antinociceptive effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine in models of acute thermal pain, including tail-flick and hot-plate tests, where subcutaneous administration produced dose-dependent analgesia naloxone-reversible via MOR activation. In these assays, 7-hydroxymitragynine displayed 13-fold greater potency than morphine and up to 46-fold greater than mitragynine, with effective doses as low as 0.3-1 mg/kg subcutaneously in mice. Oral administration at 5-10 mg/kg also elicited significant pain relief, surpassing morphine's efficacy in some metrics, though tolerance developed upon repeated dosing similar to opioids. These findings position 7-hydroxymitragynine as a key mediator of kratom's overall analgesic activity, arising as an active metabolite of mitragynine via hepatic cytochrome P450 oxidation.[65][66][21][1] Human evidence for 7-hydroxymitragynine's role in pain management derives primarily from observational data on kratom consumption, where users report substantial relief from chronic pain conditions, often attributing effects to alkaloid metabolites including 7-hydroxymitragynine. Surveys of kratom consumers indicate that over 90% use it for self-medication of pain, with frequent reports of reduced reliance on prescription opioids; a 2024 study of chronic pain patients found significant self-reported improvements in pain scores and function following kratom initiation. However, no randomized controlled trials have evaluated isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine for analgesia in humans, limiting causal attribution and highlighting the need for clinical validation amid confounding variables like variable alkaloid content in products. Pharmacokinetic data suggest low natural concentrations in kratom (typically <0.1% of total alkaloids) necessitate metabolic conversion or enhanced extracts for pronounced effects.[67][63][1]Opioid Use Disorder and Withdrawal Aid
7-Hydroxymitragynine exhibits high-affinity agonism at mu-opioid receptors, with potency reported as approximately 13- to 46-fold greater than morphine in analgesic assays, providing a pharmacological basis for potential mitigation of opioid withdrawal symptoms through receptor occupancy and alleviation of dysphoria and physical signs such as muscle aches and anxiety.[1][55] In animal models of dependence, kratom preparations containing mitragynine—which undergoes hepatic metabolism to 7-hydroxymitragynine—have suppressed naloxone-precipitated withdrawal behaviors in morphine-dependent rodents, suggesting that the metabolite contributes to substitution-like effects akin to partial opioid agonists used in maintenance therapy.[68] However, direct preclinical evaluations of isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine in opioid withdrawal paradigms remain scarce, limiting causal attribution to this specific alkaloid.[69] Human data derive primarily from observational surveys of kratom users, many of whom report employing the plant or its extracts—implicitly involving 7-hydroxymitragynine as the key active opioid component—to self-manage opioid use disorder symptoms, including reducing cravings and easing acute withdrawal from substances like heroin or prescription opioids.[70][71] These accounts, drawn from self-selected samples, indicate subjective relief in up to 40-50% of respondents with prior opioid dependence histories, though methodological limitations such as recall bias and absence of controls undermine reliability.[70] No randomized controlled trials have assessed 7-hydroxymitragynine or concentrated derivatives for opioid withdrawal, and clinical guidelines do not endorse it due to insufficient evidence of efficacy or safety profiles comparable to established treatments like buprenorphine.[72] Concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products, often synthesized or extracted for higher potency than natural kratom leaf, have been explicitly marketed since around 2023 as aids for opioid detoxification, with vendors claiming reduced tolerance buildup relative to full synthetic opioids.[73] Yet, pharmacodynamic data reveal full agonism at mu-receptors without the ceiling effects of partial agonists, heightening risks of respiratory depression, overdose, and cross-tolerance that could complicate transition to abstinence or standard pharmacotherapies.[7][74] Regulatory assessments highlight associations with severe illnesses, including seizures and hospitalizations, in users seeking withdrawal relief, attributing harms to unpredictable dosing and adulteration rather than inherent inefficacy.[61][50] Long-term use may substitute rather than resolve dependence, as evidenced by reports of kratom withdrawal syndromes mirroring opioid abstinence, prompting calls for harm reduction strategies over unverified substitution.[75][72]Risks and Adverse Effects
Acute Toxicity and Overdose Risks
In animal models, 7-hydroxymitragynine demonstrates low acute oral toxicity, with no lethality observed in mice administered doses ranging from 6.25 to 50 mg/kg, precluding calculation of an oral LD50 value.[62] Intravenous administration yields an LD50 of 24.7 mg/kg in mice, comparable to heroin (23.7 mg/kg), primarily due to rapid-onset respiratory depression and seizures occurring within 20 minutes.[62] Preclinical studies further indicate potent mu-opioid receptor agonism leading to dose-dependent respiratory depression in rats, exceeding morphine's potency by over threefold, though reversible with naloxone.[60] Human data on isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine overdose remains limited, as most exposures occur via kratom products where it serves as a minor alkaloid or mitragynine metabolite; however, concentrated semi-synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products, often sold as high-potency pills or tablets labeled "7-OH" or "70H," elevate risks due to their estimated 10- to 46-fold greater potency over mitragynine and up to 13-fold potency relative to morphine.[60] These products, distinct from traditional kratom leaves containing only trace amounts (<0.1–2%), are marketed for pain relief, anxiety, mood enhancement, or opioid withdrawal but contribute to an emerging public health concern amid the opioid crisis, with heightened potential for addiction, overdose involving respiratory depression, and severe side effects. Acute overdose symptoms mirror opioid toxicity, including sedation, nausea, vomiting, pinpoint pupils, apnea, and altered mental status, as seen in a case of high-dose kratom ingestion (approximately 4.8 g mitragynine equivalents) reversed by 2 mg intravenous naloxone.[76] Severe outcomes such as coma, seizures, or rebound hypoxia may occur, but empirical evidence shows no established lethal threshold, with fatalities exceedingly rare in single-substance exposures and typically involving polysubstance use (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines).[77][77] Rising reports of 7-hydroxymitragynine-enriched products correlate with increased severe exposures, including 3 major outcomes among 53 U.S. poison center cases from early 2025 and tripling of detected fatalities from 2019-2022 to 2023-2025, though causation is confounded by under-detection in toxicology screens focused on mitragynine and frequent co-ingestants.[60] Naloxone effectively mitigates acute effects, suggesting a therapeutic window wider than classical opioids, but high-potency formulations may narrow this margin absent polysubstance factors.[76][77]Long-Term Dependence and Withdrawal
Preclinical studies in rodents demonstrate that 7-hydroxymitragynine induces physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms through its action as a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist. In male ddY mice treated subcutaneously with 7-hydroxymitragynine at doses of 2.5–10 mg/kg, chronic administration led to antinociceptive tolerance, evidenced by diminished tail-flick response latency compared to acute dosing, and bidirectional cross-tolerance with morphine. Naloxone-precipitated withdrawal (at 3 mg/kg) produced signs equivalent in severity to those from chronic morphine treatment, including increased jumping behavior, rearing, diarrhea, and body weight loss.[55][60] In rats, 7-hydroxymitragynine (0.3–3 mg/kg) fully substituted for morphine in drug discrimination paradigms and supported intravenous self-administration (5–10 μg/infusion), behaviors blocked by mu- and delta-opioid antagonists, confirming reinforcing effects and abuse liability.[60] Human evidence on isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine remains limited, with long-term dependence primarily inferred from its role as an active metabolite in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and emerging semi-synthetic products. Concentrated 7-OH formulations, far more potent than traditional kratom, heighten addiction potential due to direct and intense mu-opioid agonism, bypassing the slower metabolic conversion from mitragynine. In kratom users exhibiting high dependence—often consuming 5–20 g daily for months to years—withdrawal symptoms onset 1–48 hours after cessation, including rhinorrhea, myalgia, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, diarrhea, and hot flashes, typically resolving in 3–10 days without intervention. These effects, milder and less consistent than classic opioid withdrawal, occur in under 10% of surveyed U.S. users but rise among those with prior opioid use disorder.[78][79][80] For purified or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine, unlike kratom extracts that produce balanced stimulant and sedative effects with milder opioid action, these products elicit intense opioid-like effects including analgesia, euphoria, and sedation, with anecdotal reports and poison center data (e.g., 53 cases from February–May 2025) describing more pronounced opioid-like withdrawal, potentially exacerbated by its 13-fold higher mu-opioid affinity relative to morphine and circumvention of kratom's slower metabolic conversion from mitragynine, alongside higher risks of dependence and adverse events.[60][81][78] Health authorities distinguish high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine products from natural kratom due to greater abuse potential; neither is FDA-approved.[60] No controlled long-term human trials exist, but animal models suggest risks of escalating tolerance and severe abstinence syndromes with repeated high-potency exposure, distinct from kratom's mixed alkaloid profile that may attenuate dependence via partial agonism and adrenergic modulation. Dependence severity correlates with dose, duration, and individual factors like concurrent substance use, with males reporting more symptoms independent of intake levels in observational kratom cohorts.[82]Confounding Factors in Reported Harms
Reported harms associated with 7-hydroxymitragynine, primarily derived from kratom consumption or synthetic analogs, often fail to isolate the compound's causal role due to prevalent polydrug interactions. In analyses of fatalities involving kratom alkaloids, including mitragynine and its metabolite 7-hydroxymitragynine, the majority feature concurrent use of opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants, complicating attribution of death to kratom alone; this pattern is amplified in concentrated 7-OH products, where reported deaths—sometimes linked to respiratory depression and overdose—frequently involve mixes with other drugs, contributing to their status as an emerging threat in the opioid crisis.[83] For instance, toxicological reviews indicate that kratom is frequently detected in opioid overdose contexts where users self-medicate for withdrawal, with polydrug exposures present in over 90% of such cases, thus confounding direct toxicity assessments.[84] This pattern underscores how underlying opioid use disorder or polysubstance regimens, rather than 7-hydroxymitragynine in isolation, may drive adverse outcomes, though high-potency semi-synthetic forms distinct from traditional kratom warrant separate scrutiny for their amplified risks. Product adulteration and variability in alkaloid concentrations represent additional confounders, as unregulated kratom products or synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine formulations can contain elevated or inconsistent levels of active compounds, exceeding those in natural Mitragyna speciosa leaves. Natural kratom typically yields low 7-hydroxymitragynine concentrations (via hepatic metabolism of mitragynine), but synthetic variants or contaminated extracts amplify potency and risks, with FDA warnings highlighting severe events linked to such adulterated "7-OH" products rather than traditional preparations.[51] Variability in mitragynine-to-7-hydroxymitragynine ratios across products further obscures harm causality, as higher-dose or impure samples correlate with reported toxicities absent in standardized, lower-potency uses.[43] Pre-existing health conditions and self-medication practices also confound reported adverse effects, with users often employing kratom for pain management or opioid cessation amid comorbidities like liver disease or psychiatric disorders. Case reports of toxicity, such as seizures or dependence, rarely control for these factors, potentially misattributing symptoms to 7-hydroxymitragynine when baseline vulnerabilities or withdrawal from primary opioids predominate.[83] Moreover, post-mortem instability of 7-hydroxymitragynine in biological samples limits accurate quantification, leading to interpretive errors in forensic toxicology where mitragynine serves as a proxy, potentially inflating perceived risks from kratom-derived metabolites.[83] Methodological limitations in surveillance data exacerbate these issues, as voluntary reporting systems like poison center logs or FDA adverse event databases lack denominators for exposure prevalence and often omit comprehensive toxicology, biasing toward severe cases while underrepresenting benign or self-resolving effects like nausea. Peer-reviewed critiques note that such datasets, influenced by regulatory narratives, rarely adjust for confounders like dose-response thresholds or user demographics, with most acute harms tied to excessive intake rather than inherent compound toxicity at therapeutic levels.[77] This selective emphasis, without rigorous controls, parallels patterns in other natural product assessments where empirical isolation of harms proves challenging.Legal and Regulatory Status
United States Federal Developments
In August 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a notice of intent to temporarily place mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, citing high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. The proposal faced significant public opposition, including over 23,000 comments, leading the DEA to withdraw it in October 2016 without finalizing the scheduling. As of October 2025, neither compound has been permanently scheduled federally, though the DEA continues to monitor kratom products containing them as substances of concern.[85] The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has maintained that 7-hydroxymitragynine lacks safety data for use in dietary supplements or foods and has issued multiple warnings against kratom-derived products due to risks of addiction, seizures, and death when adulterated or concentrated.[86] On July 15, 2025, the FDA sent warning letters to seven companies marketing 7-hydroxymitragynine-infused gummies, drinks, and powders, asserting violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act since no FDA-approved drugs contain the compound and it is ineligible for supplement status.[87] In July 2025, the FDA announced targeted restrictions on concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products—distinct from natural kratom leaf—citing their potent opioid effects and rising exposures reported to poison centers (1,690 kratom-related and 165 specifically 7-hydroxymitragynine in early 2025).[50] By late September 2025, the FDA formally recommended to the DEA that 7-hydroxymitragynine be classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act akin to other opioids, emphasizing enforcement against synthetic or isolated forms while exempting traditional kratom leaf preparations. In December 2025, the FDA conducted seizures of 7-OH opioid products targeting concentrated forms due to public health risks including addiction, overdose, and respiratory depression.[88][89] No such scheduling has been enacted as of October 26, 2025, but the actions reflect ongoing federal scrutiny amid limited evidence of isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine fatalities (none confirmed solely from the compound).[90]State-Level Regulations
In states where kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is fully prohibited, 7-hydroxymitragynine—a key alkaloid responsible for much of its pharmacological activity—is likewise illegal, typically classified alongside mitragynine as a Schedule I controlled substance under state controlled substances acts. As of October 2025, complete bans apply in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, where possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of kratom products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine carries criminal penalties equivalent to other unauthorized opioids.[91][92] Louisiana's ban, enacted in 2025, explicitly targets kratom and its psychoactive components, including 7-hydroxymitragynine, following reports of associated health risks.[92] Other states regulate rather than ban 7-hydroxymitragynine through frameworks like the Model Kratom Consumer Protection Act, adopted in jurisdictions such as Georgia, Illinois, and Utah, which mandate product testing for contaminants, accurate labeling of alkaloid content, and age restrictions (typically 21+ for purchase). These laws often cap 7-hydroxymitragynine concentrations to mitigate potency risks, such as Georgia's limit of no more than 2% by weight in commercial products and the Utah Kratom Consumer Protection Act (Utah Code § 4-45-104), which prohibits kratom products containing a level of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in the alkaloid fraction greater than 2% of the alkaloid composition, to prevent adulteration or overdose potential. Colorado enacted SB25-072 in 2025, limiting high-potency kratom products exceeding 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine following safety concerns and fatalities.[93][94][91] Florida, while not banning kratom outright, issued an emergency rule on August 13, 2025, prohibiting the sale, possession, or distribution of isolated or concentrated forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine outside natural kratom leaf matrices, citing acute toxicity concerns from synthetic isolates.[95] The table below summarizes state-level status for 7-hydroxymitragynine as of October 2025, based on its inclusion in kratom prohibitions or specific alkaloid scheduling:| Status | States | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited (Schedule I or equivalent ban) | Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin | Criminal penalties for possession/sale; targets mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine explicitly.[91][96] |
| Regulated (age limits, labeling, concentration caps) | Georgia, Illinois, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah (among 17 total with KCPA-like laws) | Requires third-party testing; limits on 7-hydroxymitragynine content (e.g., ≤2% in Georgia, limits on high-potency forms exceeding 2% in Colorado); sales to minors banned.[93][91] |
| Unregulated (legal without state restrictions) | Remaining 26 states (e.g., Alaska, Arizona, California) | Subject only to federal oversight; local bans possible in cities like San Diego, CA.[97][98] |