The Complete Guide to 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

# The Complete Guide to 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is one of the most fascinating alkaloids found in the kratom plant (*Mitragyna speciosa*). While mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid in kratom leaves, 7-OH is present in smaller quantities but has attracted significant scientific attention due to its unique pharmacological profile. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything researchers need to know about this remarkable compound — from its molecular origins to how it is extracted, tested, and delivered in modern tablet form. ## What is 7-Hydroxymitragynine? 7-Hydroxymitragynine is an indole alkaloid that occurs naturally in the leaves of the kratom tree. Chemically, it is formed through the oxidation of mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in kratom. Its molecular formula is C₂₃H₃₀N₂O₅, and it belongs to the broader family of corynanthe-type indole alkaloids. Despite being present in much lower concentrations than mitragynine — typically less than 2% of total alkaloid content — 7-OH has garnered outsized scientific interest because of its distinct binding characteristics at opioid receptors. Researchers have identified 7-OH as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, which distinguishes it from many synthetic compounds that act as full agonists. This partial agonism is a key area of ongoing study, as scientists investigate how natural alkaloids interact with the body's endogenous opioid system in ways that differ from conventional synthetic molecules. ## Natural Origins and the Kratom Tree The kratom tree (*Mitragyna speciosa*) is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, thriving in the humid climates of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. A member of the Rubiaceae family — the same botanical family as coffee — kratom trees can grow up to 25 metres tall with broad, glossy leaves that contain over 40 distinct alkaloids. The concentration of 7-OH in kratom leaves varies depending on several factors: the age of the tree, the region where it grows, the time of harvest, and the specific strain or vein colour. Red-vein kratom varieties, for example, tend to have higher concentrations of oxidized alkaloids including 7-OH, while green and white vein varieties may have different alkaloid ratios. This natural variability is one reason why standardized extraction and lab testing are so important for producing consistent, research-grade products. ## How 7-OH is Extracted and Purified Modern extraction of 7-hydroxymitragynine involves several sophisticated steps. Raw kratom leaf material is first processed using solvent-based extraction to isolate the total alkaloid fraction. From there, chromatographic techniques — including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) — are used to separate 7-OH from the dozens of other alkaloids present. The purification process is critical because even small impurities can affect research outcomes. At [7OH North](/about), every batch of our [Pure 7-OH Labs tablets](/product/pure-7oh-labs-blue-raz) undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure that the 7-OH content matches the labelled concentration. This commitment to precision is what sets research-grade products apart from crude extracts. ## Current Research Landscape Scientific research into 7-hydroxymitragynine has accelerated in recent years. Published studies in journals such as the *Journal of Medicinal Chemistry* and *ACS Chemical Neuroscience* have explored its receptor binding profile, pharmacokinetics, and structure-activity relationships. Key findings include: - **Receptor selectivity**: 7-OH demonstrates preferential binding at mu-opioid receptors with lower affinity at delta and kappa subtypes. - **Metabolic pathways**: Research has mapped how 7-OH is metabolized in the liver, primarily through CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes. - **Structure-activity relationships**: Modifications to the 7-OH molecule have been studied to understand which structural features are responsible for its pharmacological activity. It is important to emphasize that all 7OH North products are sold strictly for research purposes. We do not make any therapeutic or health claims about our products. ## Why Tablet Form Matters for Research Consistency is paramount in research. Unlike loose powders or crude extracts, tablets offer precise dosing with minimal batch-to-batch variation. Each [7OH North tablet](/shop) contains a standardized amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine, verified by third-party lab testing and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Our product lineup includes several formulations to suit different research protocols: - [Pure 7-OH Labs – Blue Raz](/product/pure-7oh-labs-blue-raz) and [Green Apple](/product/pure-7oh-labs-green-apple) tablets for standard 7-OH research - [7 Daze Perk Ups – Lemon Tang](/product/7-daze-lemon-tang) and [Mint Breeze](/product/7-daze-mint-breeze) for alternative formulation studies - [Seven Naturals 150mg](/product/seven-naturals-150mg) for higher-concentration research needs - [7OX Power Blend 500mg](/product/7ox-power-blend-500mg) for advanced blend research ## Quality and Purity at 7OH North At 7OH North, quality is not negotiable. Every batch of our 7-OH tablets undergoes rigorous third-party lab testing to verify purity, potency, and the absence of contaminants including heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial agents. Each product ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that researchers can verify independently. We source our raw materials from trusted suppliers in Southeast Asia who follow sustainable harvesting practices, and our extraction partners use pharmaceutical-grade equipment and processes. From leaf to tablet, every step is documented and traceable. ## Getting Started with 7-OH Research Whether you are a seasoned researcher or just beginning to explore the alkaloid chemistry of kratom, 7OH North provides the tools you need. Browse our complete [product catalogue](/shop) to find the right formulation for your research protocol, and do not hesitate to [contact our team](/contact) if you have questions about our products or testing documentation. *All 7OH North products are sold for research purposes only. Not for human consumption.*