7-hydroxymitragynine: Defintion, Effects, Withdrawal symptoms, Pharmacology
7-Hydroxymitragynine is a potent alkaloid primarily found in the Mitragyna speciosa plant, commonly known as kratom. Native to Southeast Asia, kratom has a long history in traditional medicine due to its broad pharmacological effects. Among the various active compounds in kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine stands out alongside mitragynine as one of the most potent. This compound functions as a selective μ-opioid receptor agonist, playing a significant role in kratom's analgesic properties and therapeutic potential.
Pain-Relieving Potential and Risks
While 7-hydroxymitragynine has promising pain-relief effects, excessive use can lead to side effects and withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen with opioid drugs. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Prolonged use can result in more severe symptoms like seizures and withdrawal. Due to the risk of dependency and addiction, regulated use of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine is essential.
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What is 7-hydroxymitragynine?
7-Hydroxymitragynine is a powerful alkaloid found in the Mitragyna speciosa plant, commonly known as kratom. This compound functions as an opioid receptor agonist, contributing significantly to kratom’s pain-relieving effects. It is more potent than mitragynine, another key alkaloid in kratom, making it a focal point in pain management research.
Effects on the Brain
7-Hydroxymitragynine has a strong impact on brain receptors linked to pain relief and euphoria. Its high affinity for these receptors makes it an effective analgesic, but it also raises concerns about addiction risk. Research indicates it can provide strong pain relief, positioning it as a potential therapeutic option. However, misuse can lead to dependency.
Legal Status of 7-hydroxymitragynine in the USA
The legality of 7-Hydroxymitragynine is complex. Although it’s not federally classified as a controlled substance, some states restrict or ban kratom due to its potency and potential for abuse. In Texas, for instance, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (HB 1097) was passed to regulate kratom processing and sale, prioritizing consumer safety.
Side effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine
While 7-hydroxymitragynine is effective for pain, it may produce a range of side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
More severe reactions may involve liver damage, insomnia, and mood disturbances, especially with prolonged use. Tolerance buildup and dependency are also risks.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from 7-hydroxymitragynine can be severe, with symptoms similar to those experienced during opioid withdrawal:
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Mood swings
Psychological effects such as anxiety and depression are common during withdrawal, highlighting the need for cautious use of kratom products containing this alkaloid.
These symptoms resemble those experienced during opioid withdrawal, further highlighting the need for regulated, moderate use of kratom products containing this alkaloid. Psychological effects such as anxiety and depression are also common during withdrawal, suggesting that 7-hydroxymitragynine has a significant impact on both the body and mind when used long-term.
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How 7-hydroxymitragynine differs from Kratom
While kratom contains a variety of alkaloids, 7-hydroxymitragynine is especially potent. Kratom in its natural form is typically used for mild pain relief, but 7-hydroxymitragynine’s strong opioid receptor affinity makes it more powerful, explaining its central role in medical research.
Pharmacology
7-Hydroxymitragynine’s pharmacological properties align closely with those of opioids. It not only helps reduce pain but also affects brain reward systems, making it easier to experience pleasure. This mechanism, while beneficial for pain relief, raises the risk of dependency.
Studies reveal that 7-hydroxymitragynine can modulate brain stimuli tied to pleasure, which may be valuable in pain management research. However, this impact on the brain’s reward system also makes it prone to misuse.
Addictive Potential
The primary alkaloid from Mitragyna speciosa, known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, has a notable addictive potential. Research, including studies by Matsumoto et al., confirms this substance’s addictive nature, linked to its potent antinociceptive activity. This activity allows 7-hydroxymitragynine to block pain detection in the nervous system, making it similar in effect to opioids, which are also known for antipain properties and addictive potential.
In the human body, mitragynine undergoes a process where it breaks down and transforms into the more potent 7-hydroxymitragynine. This conversion intensifies its pharmacological effects, increasing the risk of addiction. In certain Southeast Asian regions, chronic use of this substance—especially in high doses—is common. Its addictive potential has been shown in lab settings using pain models, such as the tail-flick assay, further supporting evidence of its potential for abuse and dependency.
Therapeutic Uses of 7-Hydroxymitragynine
7-Hydroxymitragynine has shown potential in various therapeutic applications, with a primary focus on pain management. Research in knockout mouse models has helped scientists explore its analgesic properties. In particular, studies on DOR-1 KO mice suggest a possible role for 7-hydroxymitragynine in treating dysphoria and stress-induced pain.
This compound is also being examined for its potential in addiction therapy and mental health care. Experiments involving KOR-1 KO and MOR-1 KO models reveal insights into its interaction with opioid receptors, which could guide the development of interventions for substance abuse. Additionally, controlled studies suggest 7-hydroxymitragynine may have antidepressant effects, positioning it as a possible supplementary treatment for mood disorders.
Sources
Andrew C. Kruegel, Rajendra Uprety, Steven G. Grinnell. (2019,)"7-Hydroxymitragynine Is an Active Metabolite of ... - ACS Publications." https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.9b00141.
Andrew C. Kruegel, Rajendra Uprety,Steven G. Grinnell, Cory Langreck. (2019), 7-Hydroxymitragynine Is an Active Metabolite of Mitragynine and a ...." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6598159/.
7-Hydroxymitragynine - Wikipedia." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7-Hydroxymitragynine.
D. A. Todd, J. J. Kellogg, E. D. Wallace, M. Khin, L. Flores-Bocanegra, R. S. Tanna. (2020),Chemical composition and biological effects of kratom (Mitragyna ...." https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-76119-w
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