Last verified: today
Mitragynine
Also known as: kratom alkaloid, Mitragyna speciosa alkaloid, MG
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Kratom's main alkaloid. Low doses may boost energy; higher doses carry serious safety risks.
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What it does
Mitragynine is the primary active alkaloid in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a Southeast Asian plant. It acts as a partial opioid receptor agonist and, at low doses (5–20 mg), may produce...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
5–53 mg/day (leaf-derived); no established therapeutic dose
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Found in
What the Science Says
Mitragynine is the primary active alkaloid in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a Southeast Asian plant. It acts as a partial opioid receptor agonist and, at low doses (5–20 mg), may produce stimulant-like effects including improved focus, energy, and attention. At higher doses it shifts toward sedative and opioid-like effects, and controlled trials show modest subjective drug effects with mild side effects like nausea and dizziness; serious adverse events including cardiac arrest and respiratory depression have been reported, particularly with concentrated or high-dose products.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to safely treat opioid addiction in humans — only rat studies exist. Not a safe alternative to prescription pain medication. Not free of dependence risk — withdrawal symptoms are possible. Not equivalent across products — 'kratom' labels can hide far more potent synthetic or concentrated alkaloids. Not proven to lower blood pressure in humans — only animal tissue studies exist.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Low doses (5–10 mg) may improve subjective alertness and sustained attention in healthy adults.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 5–10 mg mitragynine
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
A 20 mg mitragynine-equivalent dose of traditional kratom tea extract improved self-reported energy and focus over 21 days.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 20 mg mitragynine equivalent
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduces methamphetamine self-administration in rats without suppressing normal food-seeking behavior.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 32–56 mg/kg intraperitoneal (rat study only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — peak plasma concentrations reached within 1–2 hours after oral dosing; metabolized via CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP1A2 pathways; active metabolite 7-hydroxymitragynine also detected in plasma
Red Flags to Watch For
- Cardiac arrest and death have been reported in association with kratom use, including in young healthy individuals
- Pulmonary toxicity — including ARDS, alveolar hemorrhage, and eosinophilic pneumonitis — has been documented in case reports
- Product labels are unreliable: many 'kratom' products contain concentrated or semi-synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine, which has far greater opioid potency and overdose risk than whole-leaf mitragynine
- Liver toxicity (elevated ALT) was observed even in controlled dosing studies; hepatotoxicity is a documented clinical risk
- Dependence and withdrawal are possible, especially with concentrated extracts or high-dose use
- Interacts with CYP enzyme pathways — significant drug interaction potential with many common medications
Products Containing Mitragynine
See how Mitragynine is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mitragynine do?
Kratom's main alkaloid. Low doses may boost energy; higher doses carry serious safety risks.
What is the effective dose of Mitragynine?
5–53 mg/day (leaf-derived); no established therapeutic dose
Is Mitragynine safe?
Cardiac arrest and death have been reported in association with kratom use, including in young healthy individuals
What doesn't Mitragynine do?
Not proven to safely treat opioid addiction in humans — only rat studies exist.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-09-25