Need more info? Here are some avenues for further study into the state of the science surrounding 7-OH:
This encyclopedic article has a broad overview of 7-Hydroxy with further sources to study:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7-Hydroxymitragynine
Summary: 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a terpenoid indole alkaloid and metabolite formed from mitragynine, the major alkaloid in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa). Though present only in trace amounts in kratom leaves, 7-OH is generated in vivo by hepatic metabolism of mitragynine and may account for a significant portion of the plant's effects. A more potent receptor partial agonist than mitragynine, 7-OH acts as an agonist/antagonist at receptors without recruiting β-arrestin, potentially reducing side effects like respiratory depression compared to traditional analgesics.
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This study investigated the role of the metabolite 7-hydroxy-mitragynine (7-OH) in the analgesic effects of mitragynine, the major alkaloid in kratom:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6598159/
Summary: Through pharmacological experiments in mice, the researchers found that the analgesic activity of mitragynine was largely dependent on the formation of 7-OH as a metabolite, with brain concentrations of 7-OH being similar when mitragynine or an equianalgesic dose of 7-OH was administered. They suggest that metabolic saturation of 7-OH formation could provide a built-in ceiling to the effects of kratom, improving its safety profile.
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This study found variation in alkaloid composition across commercial kratom products, and identified mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as biased receptor agonists that may have therapeutic potential for pain with reduced abuse liability:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-76119-w
Summary: The results support further study of kratom alkaloids like mitragynine as potential biased analgesics with reduced abuse liability compared to conventional pharmaceuticals. The authors recommend additional preclinical and clinical evaluation of both isolated alkaloids and complex kratom preparations to fully understand their therapeutic potential and safety implications.
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The study investigated the rewarding and aversive effects of the kratom alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine compared to morphine using intracranial self-stimulation in rats:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7542979/
Summary: A high dose of 7-hydroxymitragynine (3.2 mg/kg) increased brain reward thresholds, suggesting aversive effects. An intermediate morphine dose (10 mg/kg) lowered reward thresholds, indicating rewarding effects. Mitragynine did not significantly alter reward thresholds at the doses tested. Overall, the findings suggest the kratom alkaloids may lack rewarding properties and abuse potential compared to conventional opioids when assessed via ICSS. The authors conclude these preliminary data indicate kratom alkaloids are not rewarding, but further research is still needed to fully characterize their effects and therapeutic potential.
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This page details the FDA's stance on 7-Hydroxy, often self-administered in the U.S. for conditions like pain, anxiety, substance abuse disorder, and withdrawal:
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
Summary: An estimated 1.7 million Americans use kratom. However, the FDA has not approved any drug products containing kratom or its main components mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Therefore, kratom is currently not legally marketed in the U.S. as a pharmaceutical until the FDA can evaluate its safety and effectiveness for specific medical conditions through the new drug application process. The agency continues to warn against using kratom for medical treatment pending further data evaluation.
We hope these resources helps you on your journey. Please let us know if you find more research that we can pass on. As this cutting-edge science develops we'll always keep you updated here at Hydroxie.com!