7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a terpenoidindolealkaloid from the plant Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom.[2] It was first described in 1994[3] and is a human metabolite metabolized from mitragynine present in the Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom. 7-OH binds to opioid receptors like mitragynine, but research suggests that 7-OH binds with greater efficacy.[4]
7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a metabolite of the psychoactive botanical kratom, exhibits significantly higher binding affinity to mu-opioid receptors (MOR) than morphine, with estimates ranging from 14 to 22 times greater potency. Although kratom's primary alkaloid, mitragynine, is associated with lower abuse potential and moderate safety, 7-OH demonstrates opioid-like effects and can substitute for morphine in a dose-dependent manner, raising concerns about its potential for physical dependence and addiction.[5]
Recent developments in the market have introduced semi-synthetic 7-OH products, which differ from traditional kratom preparations in both concentration and route of administration. These novel products often contain up to 98% 7-OH and are marketed in formulations such as sublingual tablets and nasal sprays. Some of these formulations bypass first-pass metabolism, significantly increasing bioavailability and potentially amplifying their opioid-like effects.[6]
Pharmacology
7-Hydroxymitragynine, like mitragynine, appears to be a mixed opioid receptor agonist/antagonist, with recent research indicating that it acts as a partial agonist at μ-opioid receptors and as a competitive antagonist at δ- and κ-opioid receptors.[7][8] 7-OH does not appear to activate the β-arrestin pathway, distinguising it from traditional opiate & opioid chemicals.[7] It shares this trait with mitragynine.
References
^ abChemical Abstracts Service: Columbus, OH, 2004; RN 174418-82-7 (accessed via SciFinder Scholar, version 2007.3; November 30, 2011)
^Matsumoto K, Horie S, Ishikawa H, Takayama H, Aimi N, Ponglux D, Watanabe K (March 2004). "Antinociceptive effect of 7-hydroxymitragynine in mice: Discovery of an orally active opioid analgesic from the Thai medicinal herb Mitragyna speciosa". Life Sciences. 74 (17): 2143–2155. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2003.09.054. PMID14969718.
^Ponglux D, Wongseripipatana S, Takayama H, Kikuchi M, Kurihara M, Kitajima M, et al. (December 1994). "A New Indole Alkaloid, 7 alpha-Hydroxy-7H-mitragynine, from Mitragyna speciosa in Thailand". Planta Medica. 60 (6): 580–581. doi:10.1055/s-2006-959578. PMID17236085. S2CID260252538.
^Kruegel AC, Grundmann O (May 2018). "The medicinal chemistry and neuropharmacology of kratom: A preliminary discussion of a promising medicinal plant and analysis of its potential for abuse". Neuropharmacology. 134 (Pt A): 108–120. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.08.026. PMID28830758. S2CID24009429.
