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Substance education guide

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

A concentrated opioid alkaloid sold in products that may be marketed as “herbal” or “natural.”

01 · Classification

What 7-OH is and how it works

7-Hydroxymitragynine is an atypical terpenoid indole alkaloid and a semi-synthetic derivative of Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom.

Its primary neurochemical action is as a potent partial agonist at mu-opioid receptors. It has significantly higher intrinsic potency and affinity than the parent alkaloid mitragynine and also shows minor adrenergic and serotonergic activity.

Because isolated 7-OH bypasses the body’s natural, rate-limited conversion of mitragynine in the liver, high serum concentrations may be reached rapidly.

02 · Commercial context

How products are sold

Common forms

Concentrated chewable tablets, sublingual drops, energy-style shots, and crystalline powders sold in smoke shops and online marketplaces.

Marketing language

Labels may call it “herbal,” “natural botanical isolate,” or a “dietary supplement,” which can obscure its concentrated opioid pharmacology.

Metabolism

The liver metabolizes 7-OH primarily through cytochrome P450 enzymes. Product strength and exposure can vary considerably.

03 · Acute effects

Short-term effects and toxicity

Low to moderate

Mild euphoria, perceived energy at first onset, followed by calming or analgesia.

Reduced pain sensation, mild pupillary constriction, dry mouth, and reduced gastrointestinal motility.

Moderate to high

Pronounced sedation, heavy limbs, and slowed mental processing or “nodding.”

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, facial itching, and a blunted cough reflex.

Severe toxicity

Stupor, disorientation, and inability to stay awake.

Pronounced respiratory depression, bradycardia, and severe vomiting with aspiration risk.

Medical emergency

Recognizing severe toxicity

Stupor, inability to stay awake, pronounced respiratory depression, bradycardia, disorientation, or severe vomiting can signal a life-threatening opioid emergency.

Call 911 immediately. Do not leave an unconscious person alone or assume they can sleep it off. Place a person who is vomiting on their side and stay with them.

Critical context

Concentrated does not mean safer

A product’s “natural” or “herbal” label does not remove opioid risk. Isolated 7-OH can deliver a concentrated exposure quickly, and the actual dose may be difficult to confirm from packaging alone.

04 · Long-term consequences

Dependence and health effects

Rapid physical dependence

Daily consumption can rapidly down-regulate and desensitize opioid receptors, creating tolerance and withdrawal when use is reduced or stopped.

Overdose risk

Concentrated isolated 7-OH can produce high serum concentrations quickly, increasing the risk of respiratory depression, aspiration, and loss of consciousness.

Gastrointestinal effects

Opioid activity may reduce gastrointestinal motility, contributing to constipation, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.

Uncertain product risk

Products sold as herbal or dietary supplements may vary in dose, purity, and labeling, making the actual exposure difficult to determine.

Verified resources

Need help?

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-4357 · Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information.

Local emergency help

For suspected poisoning, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.

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