From noisy gyms to quiet cafes, there’s been a buzz about mitragynine and its unique benefits. If you’ve never heard of mitragynine, you’re not alone. However, you may have heard of it by its more common name: kratom. But what exactly is mitragynine, and why should anyone care?
If you want to enhance your life with natural products, mitragynine may be the answer. If you haven’t a clue what it is, where it comes from, and what its unique properties are, keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about mitragynine, better known as kratom.
What is Mitragynine?
Mitragynine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree that’s more commonly known as kratom. It’s native to Southeast Asia and is found in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. The kratom alkaloids are what makes Mitragyna speciosa so special.
Mitragynine History
Not much is known about the early discovery and use of mitragynine. The botanical substance kratom, derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, has a long history in Southeast Asia. Some anthropologists believe it’s been a part of indigenous culture for centuries, yet there’s not much evidence about when it was first discovered. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of written documentation about its early introduction into the lives of those who live where the tree grows naturally.
Indigenous people have used kratom for what is assumed to be thousands of years. While it was partly used during traditional ceremonies, some scholars believe it was more widely used by the working class – farmers, fisherman, etc. – to enhance their energy during their long working days as a performance aid. Mitragyna speciosa leaves were either chewed or used to prepare tea.
One of the earliest documented accounts of mitragynine and kratom occurred in 1839 when Dutch botanist Pieter Willem Korthals published his observations on plants native to Southeast Asia, Mitragyna speciosa being one of them. Working for the Dutch East India Company, Korthals documented the tree’s physical characteristics and also its traditional use by the indigenous people of Southeast Asia. He published his findings in the scientific journal “Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles et de Géologie.”
The National Library of Medicine reports that in 1921, British chemist Ellen Field successfully isolated kratom alkaloids, specifically mitragynine. Since then, research has continued, and scientists have discovered and identified over 40 more kratom alkaloids, most of which are similar to mitragynine.
While being a part of Southeast Asian culture for most likely centuries, kratom is new to the West. Its popularity began to rise around 2011 in the United States and remains even more popular today. Kratom advocacy groups like the American Kratom Association have been working to ensure that this botanical remains available to all who enjoy its benefits.
Mitragynine Benefits
Now that mitragynine (kratom) is gaining popularity in the West, you may be interested to know what’s so special about it. Although it has been a part of the indigenous culture of Southeast Asia, many in other parts of the world have been exploring its benefits. While more scientific research needs to be conducted, most fans of this botanical report two main benefits: a restful kind of tranquility, but also energy-boosting. Many have also described it as:
- Calming
- Energizing
- Focus-enhancing
- Mood-boosting
- Soothing
- Comforting
Although this may sound contradictory, those who enjoy kratom have reported that it can either provide the much-needed oomph to get them through their daily tasks or a vigorous gym workout and also be perfect for a chillout night, either alone or with friends. How can this be possible? Well, it all depends on its serving size.
Smaller Serving Sizes of Mitragynine
Smaller serving sizes of mitragynine are perfect for individuals with a busy day of work, household chores, or just before a strenuous workout. If you’re feeling drained of energy, a small serving size of mitragynine as a brewed tea, extract, or capsule could be the difference between dragging to accomplish your daily goals or feeling that you’ve discovered Nature’s cheat code to get things done.
Smaller serving sizes are best for:
- A pre-workout oomph
- A busy day of housework
- Anytime you need an energy boost
Larger Serving Sizes of Mitragynine
Larger serving sizes of mitragynine are more geared towards relaxation and chillout with friends. Many kratom fans report that the mitragynine benefits with a larger serving size can help to maintain a good night’s rest and is good for helping the mind to remain calm and relaxed. Some have also reported an increased sense of well-being.
Kratom at these larger serving sizes is suitable for:
- A relaxed night with friends
- For meditation or introspection
- To enhance a good night of sleep
A Note About Serving Sizes
What a person experiences, no matter the serving size, can depend on many factors. Frequency of use, age, and weight are all factors that should be considered. It’s recommended that beginners start with very small amounts of kratom to test what their experience will be. The experience will usually last approximately a few hours, but numerous factors must be considered.
The Magic of Kratom Alkaloids
The positive benefits of kratom come from the leaves of the plant Mitragyna speciosa. However, you may be curious about what exactly in the leaves provides the benefits. While kratom leaves are composed of over 40 alkaloids, two very specific ones create the magic.
- Mitragynine: The most abundant kratom alkaloid is mitragynine and is most responsible for how kratom makes someone feel. This alkaloid interacts with the “feel good” parts of the brain and provides
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine: Although this kratom alkaloid is much less abundant in the tree’s leaves, it’s still quite important for its benefits. It’s believed to enhance post-workout issues.
Other kratom alkaloids include speciociliatine, speciogynine, paynantheine, and mitraphylline. It’s important to note that the alkaloids in each strain can vary depending on the strain.
Mitragynine Benefits and History
Mitragyna speciosa, usually called kratom, has been used by the indigenous cultures of Southeast Asia for longer than we know. Now popular in the Western world, numerous fans praise its many benefits. Whether you need an extra oomph to get you through the day or want a mellow and relaxing time with friends, this beautiful botanical may be precisely what you’ve been searching for.
For Further Reading
