If you read kratom labels, you will see one word again and again: mitragynine. Some retailers shorten it to "MIT." That shorthand is common in retail listings but is not an official term.
This guide explains what health agencies say about mitragynine, how it differs from 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), and how to read the figures on a product page. It is not medical advice and makes no claims about effects.
What mitragynine is
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says kratom leaves "contain many chemical compounds (known as bioactive alkaloids)," and that "the most well-studied compounds related to kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine."
The FDA adds that "kratom contains over 50 alkaloids" and that most scientific research focuses on mitragynine and 7-OH. Mitragynine is described by the FDA as kratom's primary alkaloid.
So mitragynine is one alkaloid among many in the leaf. It is not the only compound, and a product's mitragynine figure is not a full description of what is inside.
Mitragynine vs 7-OH
| Mitragynine | 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) | |
|---|---|---|
| Role in the leaf | Kratom's primary alkaloid (FDA) | Less than 2% of total alkaloid content in natural leaves (FDA) |
| Relationship | NIDA: when ingested, mitragynine breaks down into 7-OH | Formed from mitragynine in the body (NIDA) |
| Receptor activity | Interacts with opioid receptors (NCCIH); the FDA also notes activity at serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and kappa opioid receptors | The FDA says it has substantially greater mu-opioid receptor potency than mitragynine |
| Regulatory attention | Listed on labels in states with labeling rules | Capped or scheduled in a growing number of states |
The key takeaway: the two compounds are related but not the same, and regulators treat them differently. We cover the opioid-receptor question in detail in our is kratom an opioid guide.
What agencies say about safety
- NCCIH says mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine interact with opioid receptors in the brain, and that harmful contaminants such as heavy metals and disease-causing bacteria have been found in some kratom products.
- NIDA says there are no FDA-approved uses for kratom, that case reports suggest combining kratom with other drugs may produce severe adverse effects, and that products have been found to contain contaminants.
- FDA says there are no prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its known alkaloids on the US market, and that kratom is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement.
If you are considering any kratom product, talk to a doctor first, especially if you take medication.
Where mitragynine figures appear on labels
Some states require the amount of mitragynine and 7-OH to be on the label. For example, Georgia's House Bill 181 (effective January 1, 2025) requires labels to state the amount of each. We explain that law in our Kratom Consumer Protection Act guide.
Not every product lists a figure. In the Panacea Natural catalog we compare, plain powder and capsule listings give a weight or count but no mitragynine amount. Extract-style products usually do:
| Listing | Format | Price | Listed mitragynine | Lab report linked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kratom Liquid Shot, 2 oz Mocha | Shot | $16.99 | 105 mg per bottle | Yes |
| Tropical Blast Gummies, 10 count | Gummies | $25.99 | 25 mg per gummy | Yes |
| Vibe Max Extract Tablets, 4 tablets | Tablets | $25.99 | 800 mg per pack | Yes |
| 300 Ultra Liquid Extract, Choco Mint 10 mL | Liquid extract | $23.99 | 300 mg per bottle | No |
Prices and stock come from our catalog snapshot and change. The figures above are what the vendor lists; they are not our measurements, and we have not tested anything. You can compare more formats in our kratom shots guide.
How to read a mitragynine figure
- Check the unit. "Per bottle," "per gummy" and "per pack" are different bases. Comparing a per-bottle figure with a per-gummy figure without converting is misleading.
- Look for a lab report. A certificate of analysis that matches the lot number is a third-party record. A figure on the front of a package is the seller's statement.
- Do not treat the figure as a recommendation. A listed amount describes the product's content, not how much anyone should use. We do not give dosing advice.
- Check local law. Some states cap or schedule related compounds. See kratom laws by state.
Our kratom lab results page explains how we handle lab reports.
Frequently asked questions
What is mitragynine? An alkaloid found in kratom leaves. NIDA calls it one of the two most well-studied kratom compounds, and the FDA calls it kratom's primary alkaloid.
What does MIT mean on a kratom label? Usually mitragynine. It is retail shorthand, not an official term, so check the full label.
Is mitragynine the same as 7-OH? No. NIDA says mitragynine breaks down into 7-OH when ingested, and the FDA says 7-OH shows substantially greater mu-opioid receptor potency.
Is mitragynine legal? It depends on the state. Some states regulate kratom and require labeling, others ban it, and some schedule certain compounds. Check your state's statute.
Is mitragynine approved by the FDA? No. The FDA states there are no approved drug products containing kratom or its known alkaloids.
Does a higher mitragynine number mean a better product? No source we found says so. The number only describes listed content, and it is only meaningful alongside a matching lab report.
Sources: NIDA: Kratom · NCCIH: Kratom · FDA: FDA and Kratom · Georgia HB 181 (2024), as passed · Panacea Natural product pages (checked October 2026).