Dissecting Kratom: The Science Behind the Plant

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia that has gained significant attention worldwide for its many effects and uses. This plant, which is a part of the coffee family, thrives in the humid jungles of countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, among others.

The word “kratom” comes from the Thai language, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural significance in the region. Its leaves have been utilized for centuries by locals, offering a range of applications from traditional medicine to daily ritualistic practices. Over time, the influence of kratom has spread far beyond its native soils. As the world began to globalize, so did the recognition of kratom’s potential. The substance has become a topic of much interest and intrigue in the Western world.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of this complex and fascinating plant, shedding light on the biology of its unique properties.

What is Kratom’s botanical classification?

Kratom is scientifically referred to as Mitragyna speciosa, a member of the Rubiaceae family, which also includes coffee and gardenia. The genus name, Mitragyna, was given by the Dutch botanist Pieter Korthals because the stigmas in the first species he examined resembled the shape of a bishop’s miter. Speciosa, the species name, alludes to the ‘spectacular’ nature of its properties.

This tropical evergreen tree can grow up to a height of 80 feet under optimal conditions, although the ones harvested for commercial purposes are usually smaller, around 15 feet. The tree displays glossy leaves which are dark green in color and can grow over 7 inches long. These leaves are the primary source of the bioactive compounds that give kratom its distinctive properties.

The natural range of Mitragyna speciosa spans multiple countries in Southeast Asia. It thrives in the humid, tropical climate of regions such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The environmental conditions of these areas, including soil type, humidity, and temperature, play a significant role in the variation of alkaloid content in the leaves, leading to the different strains of kratom that are known today. These strains, often named after their place of origin, carry their unique profiles of effects, further diversifying the applications of this multifaceted plant.

What are the different types of kratom?

Kratom comes in a wide variety of strains, each of which is often categorized by the color of its vein and its place of origin. The three primary vein colors are red, white, and green, with a relatively newer addition, yellow or gold. Each color signifies the maturity of the leaf and the alkaloid concentration, which in turn influences the effects that the strain can produce.

Red vein kratom is typically derived from the most mature leaves. White vein kratom, on the other hand, is harvested from younger trees. Green vein kratom falls in the middle of the spectrum. Yellow vein kratom, a result of a special drying process, typically combines properties of both red and green vein varieties.

The second part of a strain’s name usually denotes its geographical origin. For example, Maeng Da kratom, a potent strain, can come from Thailand, Indonesia, or Malaysia. Bali kratom, another well-known variety, originates from Indonesia. Each region imparts unique properties to the kratom grown there, due to differences in climate, soil composition, and farming techniques. 

What are the active ingredients and chemical composition of kratom?

The potency and unique effects of kratom are attributed to its rich blend of active compounds, known as alkaloids. Alkaloids are nitrogenous organic substances that have pronounced physiological actions on humans. The two most notable alkaloids in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.

Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid found in kratom leaves, representing approximately 66% of the total alkaloid content. 7-hydroxy mitragynine, on the other hand, is present only in trace amounts, usually less than 2% of the total alkaloid content. However, despite its low concentration, it exhibits significant potency.

Apart from these, there are at least 40 other alkaloids present in kratom, including speciogynine, speciociliatine, and paynantheine, among others. It is this unique and diverse chemical composition that makes kratom a subject of fascination and ongoing research.

In the realm of botanical sciences, kratom stands out as a particularly intriguing specimen. However, the science of kratom is not just about understanding its chemical composition and effects. It is a journey of discovery that underscores the incredible complexity of nature and its potential impacts on humans and society. The scientific exploration of kratom is a promising and exciting frontier!