Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree of the coffee family that grows in Southeastern Asia. For generations, native people of these regions have chewed kratom leaves to enjoy its multiple properties, such as sedative, calming, euphoric… Currently, kratom has become very popular across the world thanks to these properties. People use it as a pain reliever, a remedy for anxiety and depression, or as an energy booster. Kratom is usually sold in powder made out of its dried leaves. But there are also kratom extracts more concentrated and potent than regular raw kratom. Many users of kratom consume extracts because of their potency. When taking kratom extracts you will need smaller doses of product to obtain the sought effects.
What Are Kratom Extracts?
Kratom therapeutic benefits come from its alkaloids (especially mitragynine, 7-OHM, and mitraphylline). Alkaloids are the active elements of kratom. They work in the mu and delta receptors of our brain and thus we can feel the effects of kratom. Kratom extracts are highly concentrated forms of kratom which contain greater levels of alkaloids. Because of this, kratom extracts are more potent than regular kratom powder.
You can find kratom extracts in individual packages. But also as ingredients of “enhanced” kratom products, like Ultra Enhanced Indo (UEI). Enhanced kratom products are a mixture of extracts and regular kratom.
Concentration vs. Potency
You can distinguish extracts easily because their label includes a number plus an “x” (e.g., 15x, 25x, 50x, etc.). This number specifies the concentration of the extract. We can even find extracts labeled as high as 100x. Does this mean that this extract is 100 times stronger than regular kratom powder? No. This number does not refer to the potency of the extract, but to the concentration by volume. For instance, a Maeng Da 100x extract would mean that an initial amount of 100 grams of dried leaves or powder eventually reduced to 1 gram of extract.
Since there is no standardized process for preparing kratom extracts and not all kratom plants have the same number of alkaloids, a high concentration number does not necessarily mean a higher potency.
It is not difficult to find kratom extracts with a concentration number as high as 100x. However, in most cases, the highest potency in full spectrum extracts cannot be higher than 50x. Beyond that, the alkaloid contained in the kratom would be lost during the purification process.
Types of Kratom Extracts
There are different types of kratom extracts:
- Powder
- Liquid
- Tincture
- Oil
- Resin
Regardless of the form, all kratom extracts share the same initial process in their preparation.
Dry the kratom leaves and boil them in water to extract their alkaloids. Once the alkaloids and active elements have been extracted, you’ll need to strain the leaves off. Finally, boil the water off again to obtain the concentrated extract solution. Then you’ll need to measure the extract to check the actual concentration level.
Depending on the process, we will obtain different forms of extracts. For instance, the solution may be left to harden, which would result in kratom resin. Or it can be mixed to alcohol to obtain kratom tincture.
Kratom Extracts Dosage & Effects
Only expert kratom users should consume extracts since their effects are stronger than regular kratom. Due to this, when consuming extracts (or any enhanced kratom product), you should start by a small, moderate dose. Adequate the next doses according to your body reaction. An excessive dose could provoke side effects such as nausea, stomach ache or sleepiness.
Uses of Extracts
Just like raw kratom, extracts have several uses:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Energy
- Euphoria
- Insomnia
- Opiate Withdrawal
- Pain
- Relaxation
Where Can I Buy Kratom Extracts?
You can buy extracts online or at your local health store. However, make sure you look for reliable kratom vendors and high-quality products. While you can find kratom in head shops, online shops are more affordable. Therefore, price (and quality) wise it is better to buy your extracts online from trusted reliable sellers.
