Kratom & MIT
What is Mitragynine?
Mitragynine (MIT) is the dominant alkaloid in kratom, constituting 60-70% of its total alkaloid content. Unlike 7OH tablets, MIT acts as a partial μ-opioid receptor agonist with additional adrenergic and serotoninergic effects, making it pharmacologically complex.
Key Facts:
- Molecular Formula: C₂₃H₃₀N₂O₄
- Potency: ~0.5x codeine (opioid effects)
- Half-Life: 3.5-9 hours (varies by metabolism)
Effects of Mitragynine
Furthermore MIT’s unique pharmacology produces a blend of stimulant and opioid-like effects, depending on the strength:
Effect Spectrum:
| Low (5-10mg MIT) | Moderate (10-20mg) | High (20mg+) |
|---|---|---|
| Increased alertness Enhanced focus Mild euphoria | Pain relief Anxiolysis Muscle relaxation | Sedation Nausea risk Opioid receptor saturation |
Why Choose MIT Over Raw Kratom?
Experienced users often prefer MIT isolates or kratom extracts for these reasons:
Key Advantages:
- Precision: Standardized MIT content vs. variable leaf alkaloids (5-15% variance)
- Efficiency: 1g MIT extract ≈ 15g raw kratom powder
- Purity: Reduced plant material (cellulose, tannins)
Case Study: Chronic Fatigue Management
A 2022 UCLA observational study found 72% of MIT users reported better energy consistency versus raw kratom, likely due to predictable adrenergic effects.
How MIT is Made: From Leaf to Extract
Furthermore, Premium MIT products undergo a multi-step refinement process:
- Ethanol Extraction: Raw kratom leaves soaked in ethanol to pull alkaloids
- Acid-Base Purification: Isolate MIT using pH manipulation
- Chromatography: HPLC separation to ≥95% purity
- Third-Party Testing: Verify MIT % and contaminants
Technical Specifications:
| Parameter | Industry Standard | Our Standard |
|---|---|---|
| MIT Purity | ≥40% | ≥95% |
| 7-OH Content | <0.5% | <0.1% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10ppm | ≤2ppm |
MIT vs. 7-Hydroxymitragynine: Key Differences
While both are kratom alkaloids, MIT and kratom 7-OH have distinct profiles:
| MIT | 7-OH | |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid Potency | 0.5x codeine | 13x morphine* |
| Stimulant Effect | Strong | Mild |
| Half-Life | 7h | 4h |
| Product Forms | Extracts, 7OH powder | Tablets, capsules |
*In vitro binding affinity (Kruegel et al., 2016)
Safety and Legality
Key Considerations:
- Dependency Risk: Lower than full opioids but higher than raw kratom
- Drug Tests: Not detected in standard 5-panel screens
- Legality: Unregulated federally but banned in Alabama, Arkansas
MIT FAQ
Can MIT show up on a drug test?
Typically, standard opioid tests don’t detect MIT. However, specialized LC-MS tests can identify it for up to 7 days.
Why choose MIT over 7-OH tablets?
MIT provides longer-lasting energy and focus, while 7OH tablets excel in pain relief.
MIT products are not FDA-approved. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if taking other medications.
It’s interesting how MIT’s complex pharmacology can produce both stimulant and opioid-like effects depending on the dosage. This really shows the versatility of kratom for different use cases!
The mention of adrenergic and serotoninergic effects alongside opioid activity adds a lot of nuance to how MIT works. Definitely more complex than I initially thought.