Is Kratom in the Coffee Family? The Link Between Kratom & Coffee

The leaves of the mitragyna speciosa plant have been coveted by indigenous populations for centuries. In recent years, kratom has found a place in the hearts –– and cupboards –– of enthusiasts around the world.

Thanks to widespread media coverage and a growing body of research, many Americans are discovering kratom’s remarkable properties for themselves. However, despite this sudden influx of kratom awareness, most people would likely be surprised if you told them that kratom and coffee share some striking similarities.

In fact, the relationship between America’s favorite caffeinated beverage and kratom is closer than you might think!

The Botanical Family of Kratom and Coffee

So, is kratom in the coffee family? Absolutely!

Both coffea, the coffee plant, and mitragyna speciosa, the kratom plant, are members of the same family of flowering plants, Rubiaceae.

Granted, given that Rubiaceae is the fourth largest angiosperm family and contains about 13,500 species, the shared classification of kratom and coffee might not be so surprising after all. In general, Rubiaceae is made up of a diverse and ubiquitous range of trees, such as mitragyna speciosa, but also contains shrubs and smaller trees such as coffea.

Aside from kratom and coffee, the Rubiaceae family includes many plants that contain medicinal value. Quinine, which has been used historically to treat malaria, is found in the bark of Cinchona plants –– a subcategory or genus of Rubiaceae.

Kratom and Coffee: Similarities And Differences

Beyond their shared scientific classification, the kratom and coffee plants share other notable similarities. Both plants tend to thrive in warmer climates and are indigenous to regions such as Asia. However, upon examining the psychoactive profiles of kratom and coffee, the differences between the two plants become very pronounced.

Caffeine is the main alkaloid present in coffee and is responsible for coffee’s stimulating properties. Other, less concentrated alkaloids such as theophylline and theobromine exist in coffee beans but aren’t considered as effective as caffeine.

Kratom, on the other hand, has a diverse array of properties. Of the 25 alkaloids identified within kratom leaves, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are thought to be the predominant catalysts for the plant’s most well-known characteristics.

So the comparison is more aptly between kratom and caffeine.

Quality is Essential

For the best experience, many coffee shops and consumers opt for high-quality coffee beans. And therein lies another similarity between kratom and coffee –– with both plants, quality and freshness are crucial! Quality has a major effect on both kratom and caffeine content, efficacy, and experience.

At Kratom Spot, we offer premium-grade, additive-free kratom that we regularly test for purity and safety. All of our products are delivered in resealable packages to preserve freshness. Place your order before 3:00 PM EST Monday through Friday, and we’ll ship it out that same day!