What is 7-Hydroxy-Mitragynine?

In the kratom industry, there has been a growing product segment labeled under names related to one of the prominent alkaloids, 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine). At Royal Kratom, we’re committed to transparency, all-natural products and customer education. We remain true to this statement by selling only all natural kratom products. 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), but only a minor alkaloid that comprises less than 2% of the total alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves. However, 7-OH demonstrates substantially greater mu-opioid receptor potency than kratom’s primary alkaloid constituent mitragynine, as well as other classical opioids such as morphine. Studies reveal 7-OH exhibits high binding affinity for mu-opioid receptors. Animal behavioral studies demonstrate its rewarding effects from self-administration and conditioned place preference methods, consistent with its opioid properties. Critically, 7-OH can produce respiratory depression, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms characteristic of classical opioids, such as morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Is 7-OH Dangerous? A Look at the Data

As of today, the FDA and HHS has taken action against dangerous, semi-synthetic products under various names related to 7-OH. The HHS and FDA announced they will be recommending scheduling of synthetic 7-OH products to the DEA. The FDA states, "The enhanced amount of 7-OH in these products is likely synthetically derived through oxidate chemical conversion of mitragynine isolates or kratom extracts." Several companies selling these concentrated 7-OH products have already received FDA warning letters. The FDA cited that:

  1. 7-OH products have not been evaluated for safe use
  2. The FDA has received adverse event reports linked to 7-OH products
  3. 7-OH has been reported to have opioid-like effects

We feel confident saying these products pose a real risk which is a position supported by our health agencies, leading kratom scientists, advocacy groups, and even some store owners. Rest assured,this does NOT affect us or our products, as we exclusively offer natural kratom leaf products at Royal.

So, How Dangerous is 7-OH?

According to preclinical research, 7-OH:

  1. Acts as a full mu-opioid receptor agonist (like morphine, fentanyl, or oxycodone)
  2. Causes respiratory depression—a leading cause of opioid-related deaths
  3. Produces physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal
  4. Is self-administered by animals in lab studies, confirming its addictive potential
  5. Triggers euphoric and opioid-like effects as reported by users on forums like Reddit and Erowid

And it's not just theory. National Poison Center data from early 2025 already reported 53 confirmed human exposures—nearly half involving intentional abuse—with several serious clinical outcomes

Why This Matters Now

While natural kratom remains a controversial topic, 7-OH represents a new, synthetic twist that regulators and health professionals are only beginning to address. Unlike botanical kratom, these enhanced products:

  1. Bypass traditional regulations
  2. Mimic pharmaceutical opioids in strength
  3. Are readily available online and in stores

Yet, many users may not even realize their kratom product contains high levels of 7-OH.

What do we do for your safety?

We’re committed to avoiding that risk for you and all our customers by keeping our kratom all-natural. At Royal Kratom:

  1. We use only all-natural kratom leaf, giving you naturally varied alkaloid profiles with each batch
  2. All products undergo third-party lab testing, with results accessible via the QR code on every package — we never send out product that doesn’t pass
  3. We import only high-quality, all-natural kratom leaf directly from Southeast Asia and offer some of the lowest prices in the industry
  4. As we continue to learn more information, we will be starting to send more informational emails so we can ensure you are informed on all things kratom

Takeaways

If you're a consumer of kratom or exploring its effects, be cautious of products advertising high potency or fast-acting relief. These may contain concentrated 7-OH, a compound with serious addiction and overdose risks.

🛑 Know what you’re taking and steer clear of concentrated 7-OH products
🧪 Stick to all natural, third-party lab-tested sources like Royal Kratom’s products
⚠️ Read labels and the packaging to understand what ingredients and alkaloid levels are present in the product.