7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): What Parents Should Know

7-OH is the **active opioid-like compound** formed from mitragynine in many kratom products. It binds the same μ-opioid receptors targeted by prescription opioids. That means opioid-type effects — including dependence and withdrawal — are possible.

Potent at opioid receptors. Lab and animal studies show 7-OH has strong μ-opioid activity and can be more potent than morphine in certain models.1,4–5

Formed in the body. Human research confirms measurable 7-OH after kratom use, consistent with metabolic conversion from mitragynine.2

Real-world harms. Poison-center cases, medical reports, and CDC data link kratom use to dependence, withdrawal, and some overdose deaths where kratom was detected.6–9

Not an approved medicine. FDA has not approved kratom or 7-OH for any use, and has raised safety and adulteration concerns.10

FDA: Kratom & Safety Related: Kratom Overview Back to Information Center

Parent Playbook

What it looks like. 7-OH is usually sold by name; it’s inside kratom powders, capsules, shots, and gummies labeled as “energy,” “focus,” or “relaxation.”

Warning signs. Pinpoint pupils, nausea, constipation, sedation, or **withdrawal** (anxiety, sweating, tremor, sleeplessness) when stopping heavy use.6–8

If someone is in trouble. For extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, or unresponsiveness, call 911. For guidance, call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.

How to talk about it. “It’s sold like a supplement, but the body turns it into a chemical that acts on the same brain receptors as opioids. Let’s look at the facts together.”

Examples of 7-OH–Containing Kratom Products

The following photos show how 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) appears in kratom-containing tablets and liquid shots marketed as “natural energy,” “relaxation,” or “focus.” These products are often unregulated and sold beside candy, vapes, or energy drinks — creating a false sense of safety for young buyers.

Bottled kratom tablets marketed as natural energy supplements containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
Example of kratom tablets promoted as “energy boosters.” Contains the active metabolite 7-OH.
Blister packs of kratom capsules showing 7-hydroxymitragynine on the label
Tablet products labeled as herbal or nootropic supplements that generate 7-OH inside the body.
Colorful kratom capsule bottles and display boxes highlighting 7-hydroxymitragynine content
Brightly branded tablet card sold in convenience stores, often next to candy at the check out.
Single-serving liquid kratom shot containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
Liquid “energy” or “chill” shots with concentrated kratom alkaloids including 7-OH.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: “It’s natural, so it can’t be an opioid.”
Fact: 7-OH binds μ-opioid receptors — “natural” origin doesn’t make a drug safe.1,4–5

Myth: “It’s a safe way to manage withdrawal.”
Fact: Case reports show kratom can **cause** dependence and opioid-like withdrawal; no FDA-approved uses exist.6–8,10

Myth: “If it’s sold in stores, it’s regulated like medicine.”
Fact: These are not approved drugs; oversight is limited and mislabeling/adulteration occur.10

References

  1. Kruegel AC, et al. 7-Hydroxymitragynine is an active metabolite of mitragynine. ACS Cent Sci. 2019;5(6):992–1001. link
  2. Huestis MA, et al. Human mitragynine & 7-OH pharmacokinetics after kratom. Molecules. 2024;29(5):984. link
  3. Hill R, et al. Respiratory effects & metabolism to 7-OH. Br J Pharmacol. 2022;179(14):3875–3885. link
  4. Matsumoto K, et al. Antinociceptive effect of 7-OH in mice. Life Sci. 2004;74(17):2143–2155. link
  5. Matsumoto K, et al. μ-receptor involvement in 7-OH effects. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006;549(1–3):63–70. link
  6. Olsen EOM, et al. Kratom detected in overdose deaths — 27 states. MMWR. 2019;68(14):326–327. link
  7. CDC. SUDORS Final Data Dashboard (2020–2023). link
  8. Gummin DD, et al. 2023 NPDS Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2024;62(12):e1–e1261. link
  9. Weiss ST, Douglas HE. Treating kratom withdrawal with buprenorphine/naloxone. J Addict Med. 2021;15(2):167–172. link
  10. U.S. FDA. FDA and Kratom — Public Health Focus (current). link
← Back to Information Center