The Theory Behind Kratom Alkaloid Ratios and Strain Effects
Kratom contains over 45 known alkaloids, but only a handful are typically reported in lab results. Among these, mitragynine is the best understood. That said, it’s important to acknowledge that this theory is speculative, and I remain cautious about drawing definitive conclusions based purely on anecdotal experience. But it’s worth exploring, so let’s dive in.
Key Alkaloids in Kratom and Their Effects
- Mitragynine (Mit): Often associated with more stimulating and euphoric effects, mitragynine is the primary alkaloid studied in kratom. It’s the main reason kratom is considered energizing for many users.
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine: A potent alkaloid found in kratom, this one is known for its sedative and pain-relieving effects. It is a stronger agonist at μ-opioid receptors than mitragynine and contributes to kratom’s euphoric and analgesic properties. However, it’s typically present in smaller amounts, which makes it harder to detect in standard lab tests.
- Speciogynine (Speciog) & Speciociliatine (Specioc): These alkaloids seem to moderate the effects of mitragynine. They may contribute to sedation, pain relief, and overall balance, making them ideal for users looking for a calmer experience.
- Paynantheine: Some research and anecdotal evidence suggest that paynantheine may have a calming or mildly sedative effect. It could also have anxiolytic properties, reducing anxiety for some users.
Why the Ratio of Alkaloids Matters
The ratio of mitragynine to Speciog and Specioc in different kratom strains may hold the key to understanding their overall effect profile. Certain strains may offer a more stimulating or calming experience depending on the relative levels of these alkaloids. For example, strains with higher mitragynine levels relative to Speciog and Specioc might be more stimulating, while strains with higher concentrations of Speciog and Specioc could have a more therapeutic or calming effect.
Alkaloid Data Breakdown
Here is a look at the alkaloid content in some popular kratom strains:
| Strain | Mit | Pay | Speciog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Batak | 1.99 | 0.409 | 0.29 |
| Super Green | 1.49 | 0.306 | 0.205 |
| Green JongKong | 1.42 | 0.303 | 0.216 |
| Green Maeng Da | 1.8 | 0.344 | 0.251 |
| Green Malay | 1.57 | 0.3555 | 0.233 |
| Premium MD | 1.59 | 0.384 | 0.231 |
| Green True Thai | 1.76 | 0.309 | 0.23 |
| Red Bali | 1.56 | 0.323 | 0.229 |
| Red Elephant | 1.4 | 0.261 | 0.194 |
| Red Horn | 1.66 | 0.337 | 0.236 |
| Red Kali | 1.48 | 0.29 | 0.207 |
| Red Maeng Da | 1.61 | 0.325 | 0.229 |
| Red Thai | 1.66 | 0.325 | 0.236 |
| White JongKong | 1.57 | 0.346 | 0.235 |
| White Maeng Da | 1.76 | 0.336 | 0.252 |
| White Saka | 1.38 | 0.303 | 0.195 |
| White Sibau | 1.42 | 0.28 | 0.195 |
Average Alkaloid Levels by Strain Color
| Color | Mit Average | Pay Average | Speciog Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 1.44 | 0.31 | 0.23 |
| White | 1.54 | 0.32 | 0.23 |
| Green | 1.53 | 0.33 | 0.22 |
Interestingly, there is no statistically significant difference in alkaloid concentrations between strains categorized by color. This suggests that location of cultivation may be more important than the color of the strain itself when it comes to understanding its effects.
Testing the Theory in Practice
Based on the data, we see that mitragynine levels are moderately correlated with Speciog and Specioc levels—when mitragynine goes up, so do the other two. But which strains stand out in terms of relative alkaloid concentrations? Here’s a breakdown of some notable examples:
- Green Batak: With the highest mitragynine (1.99), this strain could offer the most stimulating effects, though it has lower Specioc (0.268) compared to other strains.
- Super Green: This strain has a balanced alkaloid profile with moderate mitragynine (1.49) and moderate Specioc (0.3111), likely offering a combination of stimulation and calm.
- Green Maeng Da: With high mitragynine (1.80) and relatively high Specioc (0.513), this strain seems to offer a strong, balanced effect with euphoria and therapeutic properties.
- Red Maeng Da: High in mitragynine (1.61) and very high in Specioc (0.555), this strain could be more therapeutic and calming, with less of a stimulating effect.
- Premium MD: Notably high in Paynantheine compared to mitragynine, this strain could have a calming effect and may be better for anxiety relief.
Conclusion: Location Over Color?
From the data, it’s clear that the color of kratom (Red, White, or Green) might not be as significant as its alkaloid composition. The ratio of mitragynine to other alkaloids like Speciog and Specioc likely plays a bigger role in determining whether a strain is stimulating, calming, or therapeutic.
I’ll be testing these strains myself soon, and I’d love to hear if anyone has theories to add!