Do Kratom’s Alkaloids Show Signs of Abuse Potential? A Study Published in 2020 Offers Important Insight

At Purest Kratom, we follow the science — not the headlines, not the hype, and definitely not the fear‑based narratives that often surround kratom. A published study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence provides valuable, data‑driven insight into how kratom’s two most discussed alkaloids — mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine — behave in the brain’s reward system.

The researchers used one of the most established tools for evaluating abuse potential: intracranial self‑stimulation (ICSS). This method is widely used to determine whether a substance activates the brain’s reward pathways in a way that resembles addictive drugs.

The authors reported:

“Mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine are not rewarding in the ICSS procedure.”

This doesn’t neccessarily prove that kratom has no abuse potential. Instead, it means this particular study suggests that these alkaloids did not produce the reward‑lowering effects typically associated with addictive substances — an important distinction for consumers who value evidence‑based information.

Let’s break down what the researchers found and what it means for people who choose pure, unadulterated kratom.

What the Study Examined — and Why It Matters

The study evaluated three compounds:

• Mitragynine — kratom’s primary alkaloid
• 7‑hydroxymitragynine — a potent but naturally minor constituent
• Morphine — used as a reference opioid

Male and female rats were tested to see whether these substances lowered the brain’s reward threshold — a hallmark of drugs with strong abuse potential.

Key findings from the study:

• Morphine lowered reward thresholds, consistent with known opioid reward effects
• Mitragynine did not lower reward thresholds
• 7‑hydroxymitragynine did not lower reward thresholds
• At high doses, 7‑hydroxymitragynine increased reward thresholds, suggesting an aversive rather than rewarding effect
• No sex differences were observed

These results suggest that the two main kratom alkaloids did not activate the brain’s reward system in the same way as morphine under the conditions tested.

What This Means for Kratom Consumers

1. Natural kratom leaf appears to behave differently than traditional opioids

Although mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine interact with opioid receptors, the study’s findings indicate that they do so in a low‑efficacy, atypical manner. This may help explain why many kratom consumers describe functional, mood‑balancing effects rather than euphoric or compulsive ones.

2. Purity and authenticity matter

The study used authenticated, lab‑verified alkaloids — not adulterated extracts or boosted products.

This aligns with our mission at Purest Kratom:

• No alkaloid manipulation
• No synthetic enhancement
• No adulterants
• Full transparency

When kratom is kept in its natural form, its alkaloid profile behaves predictably — and studies like this help clarify what those natural effects look like.

3. High doses of 7‑hydroxymitragynine showed aversive effects

The study observed that high doses of 7‑hydroxymitragynine increased reward thresholds, meaning the brain found the experience less rewarding, not more.

This reinforces a key point:

• Natural kratom leaf contains very low levels of 7‑hydroxymitragynine
• Products that artificially boost this alkaloid may behave differently
• Purest Kratom does not sell boosted or manipulated alkaloid products

4. Study Findings Suggest Low Abuse Potential Under Tested Conditions

The authors concluded:

“These initial findings indicate that mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine are not rewarding… suggesting these kratom alkaloids do not have abuse potential.”

This is an important scientific observation — but it is not a blanket statement. It applies specifically to:

• These alkaloids
• At the doses tested
• In the ICSS model
• In rats

It does not claim kratom is risk‑free or universally non‑addictive. Instead, it suggests that kratom’s primary alkaloids may have a lower abuse potential than previously assumed, at least within this experimental framework.

The Purest Kratom Perspective

This study supports what we’ve always believed:

Purity protects people.

When kratom is kept in its natural, unaltered form:

• Alkaloid levels remain balanced
• Effects remain predictable
• Safety profiles remain clearer
• Consumers stay empowered

We don’t chase trends. We don’t boost alkaloids. We don’t cut corners. We follow the science — and we keep kratom honest.

Final Takeaway

This published study suggests that kratom’s primary alkaloids:

• Did not produce opioid‑like reward effects
• Did not show measurable abuse‑related reward responses in ICSS
• Behaved consistently across sexes
• Were aversive at high doses rather than reinforcing

For consumers who value clean, natural kratom, these findings offer meaningful, evidence‑based reassurance — while still emphasizing the importance of responsible use.

At Purest Kratom, our commitment remains the same: Keep kratom pure. Keep kratom transparent. Keep kratom safe.