Cart
FREE Priority shipping on all orders $100 or more!
Understanding Kratom’s Primary Alkaloid, Mitragynine
- June 2025
- By: The Kratom Spot Team
What Is Mitragynine?
Mitragynine is the most abundant active compound found in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom. It belongs to a family of plant-based compounds called alkaloids, which are known for their physiological effects on the human body. In the case of kratom, mitragynine is the alkaloid most responsible for its distinct effects and strength.
While kratom contains more than 40 alkaloids, mitragynine makes up the majority—often around 60% or more of the total alkaloid content. This makes it the most reliable indicator of a product’s potential potency.
How Is Mitragynine Measured?
Mitragynine is measured as a percentage of total dry leaf weight using lab testing techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Mass Spectrometry.
When you see a product listed as having “1.52% mitragynine,” that means each gram of kratom powder contains approximately 15.2mg of active mitragynine.
At Kratom Spot, all our products are batch-tested by third-party labs to verify their mitragynine content. This allows us to assign each product to a specific tier within our MIT Strength Scale.
Why Mitragynine % Matters
Even small differences in mitragynine concentration can have a noticeable impact—especially with regular use. Here’s a quick example:
Let’s say a user takes 2.5g of kratom powder:
| MIT % | Total MIT (mg) in 2.5g |
|---|---|
| 1.35% | 33.75 mg |
| 1.40% | 35 mg |
| 1.60% | 40 mg |
That may not look like much on paper, but mitragynine is a highly active alkaloid. A 6mg difference per serving is significant—especially for users who:
- Dose 2–3 times per day
- Are sensitive to alkaloid levels
- Are seeking consistent, repeatable experiences
Think of it like caffeine or THC—a 10% shift can be the difference between smooth and overwhelming.
The MIT Strength Scale
To make things easier for shoppers, we developed the Kratom Spot MIT Strength Scale. It breaks down mitragynine levels into four easy-to-understand tiers:
- Mild (1.15% – 1.35%): Best for new users or daytime routines
- Standard (1.36% – 1.64%): Balanced strength for daily use
- Elevated (1.65% – 2.5%): Higher MIT concentration for experienced users
- Ultra (2.51% +): Potent batches, ideal for those who need the strongest options available
Each tier is color-coded, labeled, and featured on our product pages with a visual gauge and tailored microcopy.
Final Thoughts
Mitragynine is the foundation of the kratom experience—and understanding it helps you make smarter, more intentional product choices. With third-party lab testing and our MIT Strength Scale, you don’t have to guess.