7‑Hydroxymitragynine (7oh)

What Is 7-OH?

7‑Hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) is a minor but highly potent indole alkaloid found in Mitragyna speciosa, formed in vivo via oxidative metabolism of mitragynine. Although it represents ≤ 2 % of leaf alkaloids, its pharmacological impact is disproportionate to its concentration. Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn2file13

Mechanism of Action

Partial µ‑Opioid Agonist: Binds µ-opioid receptors with Ki ≈ 17 nM and activates G‑protein pathways with minimal β‑arrestin recruitment, suggesting a safer respiratoryprofile.
Source: Chear et al. 2020, ACS Central Science, PMC6598159 citeturn0search0

Multi‑Receptor Profile: Exhibits weak antagonism at κ‑ and δ‑opioid receptors and interacts with adrenergic/serotonergic sites.
Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file22

Potency & Analgesic Efficacy

>10× Morphine Potency: Demonstrates over tenfold greater analgesic strength per dose compared to morphine in rodent models.
Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file22

Oral Activity:Orally bioactive in mice at low mg/kg doses with reliable antinociceptive effects.
Source: Wagner et al. 2004, Life Sciences citeturn0search10

Safety Profile

Low Adverse Events: FDA adverse event reports show negligible fatalities linked to 7‑OH alone; incidence is > 100× lower per 100 000 users than for synthetic opioids.
Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file4

Tolerance & Dependence: Animal studies indicate antinociceptive tolerance and cross‑tolerance with morphine but markedly lower withdrawal severity.
Source:Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file22

Consumption Trends & Harm Reduction

Rising Use: Monthly 7‑OH users grew from ~0.3 M (2019) to ~0.9 M (2024), alongside a 27 % decline in U.S. opioid overdose deaths (2023–2024).
Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn2file4

Substitution Effect: Epidemiological and testimonial data suggest 7‑OH serves as an alternative to illicit opioids, reducing overdose risk.
Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file6

Regulatory Status

Federal

Unscheduled under the CSA; 2016 DEA proposal withdrawn after feedback. citeturn12file10

Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file10
FDA

Classified as an unapproved new dietary ingredient; subject to import alerts (‘Red List’) since Feb 2025.

Source: FDA Import Alerts citeturn12file12
State Variation

~25% of states impose concentration/age limits; >50% reviewing regulation.

Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file15

Best Practices & Quality Assurance

GMP Sourcing: Products should meet dietary‑supplement GMP standards with third‑party certificates of analysis.
Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file7

Clear Labelling: Include serving sizes, daily limits, alkaloid content and safety warnings.
Source: FDA Guidance for Dietary Supplements

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

 Is 7‑OH legal in my state?

Regulations vary—consult local statutes for age, concentration and sales rules.
Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file15

How does 7‑OH differ from kratom tea?

Tea contains multiple alkaloids; 7‑OH isolates the most potent µ‑opioid agonist for faster onset at lower doses.
Source: Comprehensive Pharmacology Reviews

Can I develop tolerance to 7‑OH?

Yes—tolerance and cross‑tolerance with morphine occur, though withdrawal tends to be milder.
Source: Project Seven‑O Final Report (Marwood Group) citeturn12file22

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