How To Tell the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Kratom Products

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia. But as popularity grows, so do concerns about synthetic or enhanced products that can carry serious risks, especially those containing enhanced levels of one of the alkaloids, 7-hydroxy-mitragynine (7-OH). Here's our guide on how to stay informed and safe.

What Makes Kratom “Natural”?

- Source: Natural kratom comes from dried and ground leaves grown primarily in South East Asia.

- Characteristics: Majority of natural kratom imported into the US is finely ground powder. It will mostly likely be a color range of green to a greenish-brown which may be due to oxidization. It also will have a mild, herbal aroma.

- Purity: Natural kratom contains an array of alkaloids, not just one. The primary and only ingredient Mitragyna Speciosa, should be displayed on the label. Gelatin capsules may be another ingredient which helps customers distinguish between capsule and powder products. No added extracts, no synthetic alkaloids.

What Is This “7-OH” the FDA Is Talking About?

  • Naturally Low Amount: 7-hydroxy-mitragynine or 7-HMG is a naturally occurring alkaloid in kratom leaves but accounts for less than 2% of the total alkaloids. Our products general contain .04% or less.

  • Potency Concern: The FDA warns that synthetic or concentrated 7-OH can be 13 times more potent than morphine, with up to 98% purity in some products (natural contains less than 2%). It's important here to distinguish our difference in writing 7-OH and 7-HMG. 7-HMG refers to the alkaloid while 7-OH refers to a product set of enhanced products.

  • Health Risks: Compared to natural kratom, semi-synthetic 7-OH products may acts as a powerful opioid agonist. Studies to date have shown substantial risk of addiction, respiratory depression, dependence, and withdrawal which are markers similar to opioids. Link to respiratory depression study here.

FDA’s Recent Actions (Summer 2025)

  • Warning Letters Issued (Jul 15, 2025): The FDA sent official letters to seven companies illegally marketing products containing 7-OH (in forms like tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and shots) as unapproved new drugs, dietary supplements, or food additives. There are many more companies that violate these same laws that have yet to receive a letter but may be subject to.

  • Scheduling Recommendation: At the end of July, the FDA formally requested the DEA classify 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule 1 is a category often reserved for substances with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use.

  • Public Health Alarm: Officials such as FDA Commissioner Makary and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have voiced deep concern, especially over flavored products appealing to youths (e.g., gummies, ice cream cones), highlighting the substance’s alarming accessibility.

How to Stay Safe as a Consumer (and Why Mitrafeel Stays 100% Natural)

  • Always read the label: If anything mentions “7-OH,” “enhanced,” or “extra strength,” it is most likely a product that falls underneath the FDA warning and is a semi-synthetically enhanced 7-OH product.

  • Demand transparency: Brands that prioritize and provide third-party lab tests ( or known as Certificates of Analysis) that confirm purity and show alkaloid profiles. Along with this, a real business address often means that a company stands behind their product.

  • Choose whole-leaf products: Opt for authentic, unprocessed kratom forms: powders or capsules, strictly leaf-based. This will ensure you are taking it as nature intended it to be.

  • Trust tradition: Mitrafeel remains committed to offering only pure kratom leaf with no synthetics, extracts, or boosted alkaloid profiles.

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