Science

7-OH chemistry and pharmacology

A plain overview of 7-hydroxymitragynine, drawn from published sources. Nothing here is medical advice or a guide to use.

What it is

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a kratom-related alkaloid. Semi-synthetic concentrate (tablets, shots, vapes); trace only in leaf.

Formula C23H30N2O5, molecular weight about 414.5. Class: Corynanthe-type indolenine (7-hydroxy-7H-indole) alkaloid.

How it acts

MOR Ki 7-47 nM (Obeng 2020; Kruegel 2016); partial-to-full agonist (Emax 41-77% vs DAMGO in G-protein assays; full in cAMP). KOR/DOR weaker (Ki 74-236 nM).

Key harms reported in the literature: Opioid toxidrome incl. respiratory depression (rat IV 4.5x morphine, Zuarth 2025), rapid tolerance, opioid withdrawal.

How the body handles it

Half-life: Human (as leaf metabolite) 1.7-5.7 h single dose, ~25 h after repeat dosing (Tanna 2022; Huestis 2024). No human PK of purified 7-OH.

Metabolism: CYP3A-cleared; unstable in plasma, partly converts to MGPI (Kamble 2020).

Sources cited in this profile

PMID 31834797; 27192616; 35335999; 40119246

Browse the full papers in our research library.

Law (high level)

Federal: Proposed temporary Schedule I above 1 mg/g or 1 mg/mL or <100:1 mitragynine ratio (DEA NOI Oct 14, 2026)

States: FL emergency rule (1 mg/g + 100:1); OH, KY scheduled; caps in MS, AZ, CO, SC, TX