Kratom Strain Guide(Vein Colors, Effects)
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Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time and a purpose for everything under the heavens."
Many Factors: There are many factors involved that determine what type of effects any given strain produces, regardless of the color of the leaf's vein during harvest. Kratom in general is more stimulating in lower dosages(depends on tolerance level of user), and in higher doses is more sedative(again subjective per user and their tolerance/lack of tolerance level). This statements are based on my experiences, and I have over a decade of experience with Kratom use. So The number one factor in determining the effects produced by Kratom is the DOSAGE ADMINISTERED!
Grow Your Own!: Grow your very own live kratom plants from seeds, buy kratom seeds from this supplier. couldbeyours has a wide selection of the seeds as well. The seeds can take between 4-8 weeks to germinate. They require light to germinate.
Kratom Strains:
Kratom strains are given names based on where they grow in the wild. Names like Borneo, Kalimantan, Indo, Thai, Malay, Sumantra, are all names of locations in south east Asia where Kratom grows. Borneo is the worlds third largest island, and is part of Indonesia. Don't be confused by "red vein", "green vein", "white vein", and or "yellow vein". These are not strain, but have to do with when the plant was harvested. Strains are going to have more to do with WHERE the plant is from. For example, a maeng da harvested from Indonesia can be picked to produce red vein, or green vein, both being one strain, but having a different phytochemical makeup when harvested(sorta like harvesting Cannabis after trichromes turn mostly amber leaves you with more of a CBN leaning product) Farmers show me photos of leaves that often times look different. There's a strain with sharp pointy leaves that, and one with smooth, round, and wider leaves... So many varieties of Kratom are out there... There truly isn't one definitive strain guide available, but I intended to make this the one. I'm collecting scientific data on each strain, and talking with farmers in SE Asia to create a thorough guide on the subject. Enjoy!Scientific names of strains: Mitragyna speciosa(most known); Mitragyna inermis(African variety); Mitragyna parvifolia("Kaim"); Mitragyna hirsuta(Kra Thum Khok); Mitragyna javanica(Kra Thum Na); Mitragyna stipulosa (Fleroya kratom);
Nicknames: Korth;[2] Purik[Indonesia]; krathom, kakuam, ithang, and thom(Thailand); Biak-Biak and Ketum(Malaysian), Mambog(Philippines); "hulk"(US slang name); Other names include: Giam, gra-tom, kadamb, akuam, kraton, katawn;
Meaning Of Different Kratom Vein Color:
When leaves are harvested at different times, they have a different color upon drying. This is where we get the vein color names from. I go by what I am taught from the Indonesian farmers. BTW: The only place to buy kratom is from Indonesia. Supremacist and socialist cheaters are selling stolen kratom and trying to rope off all entrepaneurs in the industry that are not in their groups. Do not buy from these cheating losers in the USA.Kratom Strain Effects:
You'll never find any agreement on the effects produced by various "strains" and vein colors. I can tell you that the super green maeng da is the most euphoric ( in my experience ). Kratom ranges from stimulant, to euphoric in effect. The brighter and richer the green color, the more euphoric. All other strains to me produce an effect that leans more towards stimulating with a mild opioid twist. The super green maeng da on the other hand ( or any bright colorful product ), produces a rich euphoric opioid type buzz with the stimulant twist. The best thing to do is to try different varieties yourself and see which does what for you. Just know that good quality kratom is smooth in texture, fresh and rich in color and aroma, and is NOT sandy or dry. (should be almost moise)
Scientific Differences In Genetics
This section is a work in progress. I'll be pulling scholarly facts on each strain, and talking with farmers, to bring you the best information possible on this subject. "Maeng-Da" means "good stuff" but supposedly it is a "strain" that originates from Thailand[11] I asked a lot of Indonesian farmers and I get different answers. I do know that "maeng da" means different things via different translations, but generally it means "fire", "pimp grade", "high grade", "good stuff"; It is used out of context if it is strain specific, but no one can seem to make up their mind. Perhaps the slang phrase originated from Thailand, and not this "strain" that no one can seem to identify. Good news!: They recently legalized Kratom AND CANNABIS there!Mitragyna speciosa(Most known; Indonesia, Malaysian, Vietnam, Thailand; Rumored in Philippines and New Zealand;);
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Phytochemicals: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine[1][2] several mitragynine diastereomers including speciogynine, speciociliatine, and mitraciliatine[11] Here's some science to confirm that Kratom does interact with our bodies innate opioid receptor system: The indole alkaloid "Mitragynine" has been shown to exert activity at the µ-opioid receptor as a partial agonist, and at the α2 adrenergic receptor as an agonist"[11] "The minor alkaloids paynantheine and speciogynine have been shown to agonize serotonin receptors, specifically 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors, in vitro and in animal models"[11] This means each individual component has its own set of complex pharmacological actions. Herbal remedies are entire pharmaies on the inside.
Medicinal Benefits: analgesic properties; chronic pain; stimulant;(energizing effects have been popular among farming communities, as used to prolong physical labor[as a work drug like Coffee])[11]
Mitragyna speciosa? (Believed to be "Horned Speciosa")
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Notice the spikes on its leaves Here's the Kratom farmer who took this photo in Indonesia I'm waiting to hear back from him for more info on this specific strain. I believe this is Horned speciosa, but am awaiting word back and doing researcher to confirm. I have never seen Kratom with pointy leaves before, or at least not often enough to remember. It seems the genetics can vary greatly even on one island. Other strains(most) that grow there, do not have the pointy leaves.
Mitragyna inermis(African variety from Ghana;);
Phytochemicals: isorhynchophylline N-oxide[8] alkaloids, flavonoids(0.56%), saponins(21.58%), phenols, tannins, steroids and carbohydrates[12](not surprising on those) It also produces another pharmacological phytochemical called: anthraquinone[12] Another academic journal shows the chemicals of steroids, and cardiac glycoside to be found in this species.[14]
Pharmacological Properties: Each herbal remedy on the planet contains and produces a wide range of phytochemicals. Each one of these miraculous components of the plants, has its own range of medicinal properties. That means in any given plant, anywhere from dozens, to hundreds of medicines are contained within that plant material. Plants are basically little chemistry labs, loaded with medicines. The chemical known as "anthraquinone" alone, has the following medicinal properties: antibacterial, antiparasitic, insecticidal, fungicidal, and antiviral.[13] In the lab, extracts of this plant and many others are applied directly to certain bateria and diseases, with typically really miraculous results. In one study, an extract of this strain was also found to be: "effective against the clinical isolates: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans."[14] When we look at the studies done on herbal remedies, we can see that God made medicine, and his versions of medicine are much more effective than anything man-made. Modern medicine and corporate sorcery are what is causing mass health problems. Please educate yourselves and others on the facts related to these sacred ethnobotanicals, so we can help turn lives around. If it is potent enough to kill E. coli bateria, than it is good enough to use in your own homemade DIY cleaning sprays. Simply make a tea, and then add that tea to a spray bottle. Add some lemon, lime, lavender, and mullein/echinacea herb for the ultimate spring cleaning mix. Use it when you whipe down your counters in the kitchen and stuff. It's much safer than toxic fortune-500 crap.
Mitragyna parvifolia("Kaim"); (From India, and Sri Lanka;)
Phytochemicals: alkaloids Dihydrocorynantheol, dihydrocorynantheol-N-oxide, akuammigine, akuammigine-N-oxide, 3-isoajmalicine, mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, rotundifoline, isorotundifoline, speciophylline-N-oxide, uncarine F, uncarine F-N-oxide, pteropodine, isopteropodine, uncarine D (speciophylline), 16,17-dihydro-17β-hydroxy isomitraphylline and 16,17-dihydro-17β-hydroxy-mitraphylline[10]
Medicinal Benefits:
This one has some of the most unique leaves out of all the strains I have seen. It is for sure the easiest one to tell apart, and to identify as NOT speciosa.
Mitragyna hirsuta(Kra Thum Khok); (From Thailand)
Many more images of this strain and others can be found here. One study suggest that: "Mitragynine was not detected in eight of the samples, two of which were suspect samples labeled as Mitragyna javanica and Mitragyna hirsute"[9]
Mitragyna javanica(a.k.a. M. diversifolia)(Kra Thum Na); (From Thailand)
Image by:[7]
Phytochemicals: ajmalicine, mitraphylline, iso-mitraphylline, mitrajavine, and javaphylline.[1][2] I am unsure if it contains Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine ( need source ) Here's that source: "Mitragynine was not detected in eight of the samples, two of which were suspect samples labeled as Mitragyna javanica and Mitragyna hirsut"[9] Nothing compares to actually testing the specimen yourself however; Remember, the samples tested in the lab could have just been harvested at the wrong time. Wild Kratom is also far more potent than homegrown. If you're buying seeds or plants for personal use(consumption), I suggest buying many strains. You can expect some sellers to label them wrong, etc etc. This page will be updated through time.
Mitragyna stipulosa (Fleroya kratom); is mostly found in Ghana Africa, and Nigeria. It is also found in: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia[4]
Phytochemicals: Mitraphylline, rotundifoline, isorotundifoline, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline[3] It also contains indole alkaloids: triterpenoids, saponins, Mitragynine;[3] It contains ECGC(Epigallocatechin Gallate), which is shown to inhibit the growth of cavities;[5]
Medicinal Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant[3] This strain has been used in Nigerian folk medicine for a variety of diseases including fever, dysentery, gonorrhoea, amenorrhea, leprosy, ulcers, chest pain, convulsion, and inlammatory disorders;[3] Extracts in the lab have shown great activity in areas of: Anti-cancer, Anti-tumor, Anti-wrinkle; Anti-snake-venom![6]
Related blogs: Kratom is good for your teeth thanks to ECGC. People who are interested in Kratom are probably also interested in legal THC alternatives, like PET found in Liverwort(Radula extract). Finally, here's a random fact for you: Did you know that THC kills cancer cells?
Academic citations:
[1] Shellard, E. J., Beckett, A. H., Tantivatana, P., Phillipson, J. D., & Lee, C. M. (1966). Alkaloids from Mitragyna javanica, Koord. and Valeton and Mitragyna hirsuta, Havil. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 18(8), 553-555.
[2] Shellard, E. J., Houghton, P. J., & Resha, M. (1978). The Mitragyna Species of Asia. Planta Medica, 34(07), 253-263.
[3] Fageyinbo, M. S., Oduniyi, O., Nwatu, C. J., & Rotimi, K. (2021). Anti-inflammatory Effect of Hydroethanol Leaf Extract of Mitragyna stipulosa. University of Lagos Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 5(9).
[4] "Mitragyna stipulosa (DC.) Kuntze". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
[5] Ameyaw, Y., V. Y. A. Barku, and Fatawu Bashiru. "Phyto-constituents of two medicinal plant species used as aphrodisiacs in Ghana." Asian journal of chemistry 21.8 (2009): 6048.
[6] Sultana, N. (2011). Clinically useful anticancer, antitumor, and antiwrinkle agent, ursolic acid and related derivatives as medicinally important natural product. Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 26(5), 616-642.
[7] https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:756294-1/images
[8] Saxton, J. E. (1973). Alkaloids of Mitragyna and related genera. In The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Physiology (Vol. 14, pp. 123-156). Academic Press.
[9] Voelker, S. E., Kern, S. E., Falconer, T. M., Thatcher, M. D., Skelton, D. M., Gaston, K. W., ... & Litzau, J. J. (2021). Evaluation of four field portable devices for the rapid detection of mitragynine in suspected kratom products. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 201, 114104.
[10] Ahmad, Islamudin; Prabowo, Wisnu Cahyo; Arifuddin, Muhammad; Fadraersada, Jaka; Indriyanti, Niken; Herman, Herman; Purwoko, Reza Yuridian; Nainu, Firzan; Rahmadi, Anton; Paramita, Swandari; Kuncoro, Hadi; Mita, Nur; Narsa, Angga Cipta; Prasetya, Fajar; Ibrahim, Arsyik; Rijai, Laode; Alam, Gemini; Mun'im, Abdul; Dej-Adisai, Sukanya (27 January 2022). "Mitragyna Species as Pharmacological Agents: From Abuse to Promising Pharmaceutical Products". Life. 12 (2): 193. Bibcode:2022Life...12..193A. doi:10.3390/life12020193. PMC 8878704. PMID 35207481.
[11] Huisman G, Menke M, Grundmann O, Schreiber R, Mason N. Examining the Psychoactive Differences between Kratom Strains. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jul 21;20(14):6425. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20146425. PMID: 37510657; PMCID: PMC10379209.
[12] Onuh, O. A., Odugbo, M., Oladipo, O. O., & Olobayotan, I. W. (2021). Phytochemical Investigation of the Crude and Fractionated Extracts of two Nigerian Herbs, Mitragyna Inermis (Wild) and Lawsonia Inermis (Linn). bioRxiv, 2021-06.
[13] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/anthraquinone
[14] Gogineni, V., Leon, F., Avery, B. A., McCurdy, C., & Cutler, S. J. (2014). Phytochemistry of Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom and Other Mitragynines: The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Opioids from a Non-Opium Source, 77.
Proof google scholar is legit from .edu
Encyclopedia References:
https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mitragyna_inermis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitragyna_stipulosa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitragyna_diversifolia
To add: Mitragyna rotundifolia;[8]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitragyna_parvifolia
Book sources:
K: everything you need to know to harness the power of this potent plant. (2015). United States: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Academic resources:
M.A.P.S. Ethnobotanical Psychedelic Studies
PubChem - pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Jstor.org
Political: