Like other plants, kratom leaves consist of three main components: tissue, veins, and stems. Each one of these parts of the kratom leaf provides a different alkaloid profile which leads to different effects.
Whole-leaf kratom refers to all parts of the leaf, including the tissue, veins, and stems. Whole-leaf kratom provides a more comprehensive alkaloid composition. Similar to the cannabis "entourage effect" where the sum of all the plant's compounds are greater than any individual compound, whole-leaf kratom provides the widest breadth of effects and is the way kratom has been traditionally used for centuries. Note: Hawaii Kratom teas use whole-leaf kratom.
Kratom powder typically refers to the powder derived solely from the tissue of the kratom leaf, which is the most commonly consumed form. The tissue of the leaf generally has higher levels of certain alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, 2 of kratom's most sought after compounds.
Stem and vein kratom refers specifically to products made from the stems and veins of the kratom plant, excluding the leaf material. Stem and vein kratom is known to have a unique alkaloid profile compared to other kratom.
The choice between these variants depends on individual preferences, desired effects, and specific needs of the user.
Kratom leaves, stems, and veins are composed of various components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and other organic compounds. The primary active ingredients responsible for the effects of kratom are the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids interact with the opioid receptors in the brain, producing a range of effects.
In addition to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom leaves contain numerous other alkaloids in varying concentrations. Some of the notable alkaloids found in kratom include speciociliatine, paynantheine, speciogynine, and mitraphylline. Each alkaloid contributes to the overall profile of effects experienced when consuming kratom.
It's worth noting that the composition of kratom leaves can vary depending on factors such as the strain, geographic origin, growing conditions, and the drying and processing methods used. These variations contribute to the diversity of kratom products available on the market and can result in different effects and potencies.
Whole-leaf kratom provides the widest alkaloid profile and the largest range of effects while kratom powder is made from the leaf tissue which has a higher concentration of mitragynine. At Hawaii Kratom, we prefer whole-leaf kratom which is found in our teas. We also make kratom powder for it's popularity. Try an Ekolu variety pack and learn which one's right for you.
