Synthetic Imitations, Real Risks: What You Need to Know About Semi-Synthetic 7-OH Products

Not all “Kratom” is what it claims to be.

In early 2025, a research team including Dr. Christopher McCurdy—one of the most respected scientists in the Kratom field—published a warning in the journal Addiction about a rising threat to consumer safety: the emergence of semi-synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products being sold under the Kratom name.

What’s the Big Deal?
Naturally, 7-OH exists in Kratom in very small amounts. It’s one of the plant’s most potent alkaloids, with 14 to 22 times the mu-opioid receptor binding affinity of morphine. But in its natural form—alongside over 40 other alkaloids—it’s balanced by nature.

These new products?
They’re not balanced. They’re engineered.

What’s Being Sold?
Researchers identified novel products like:

Sublingual tablets

Nasal sprays

Capsules containing up to 98% 7-OH

Some single doses contain 14–25mg of pure 7-OH—compared to the micrograms present in natural Kratom. And with delivery methods that bypass digestion, they hit harder, faster, and more unpredictably.

Why Should You Care?
Because these products are being sold under the Kratom label.

That means people might think they’re taking regular, leaf-based Kratom—when in reality, they’re consuming something far more potent, far less studied, and potentially dangerous.

The authors of the study highlighted several serious concerns:

High potential for abuse and dependency

No human or animal safety data

No labeling or consumer warning

Regulatory confusion and gray market risks

This Isn’t Traditional Kratom
This isn’t the cup of tea many people rely on for managing chronic pain, stress, or focus. This is chemistry that mimics one part of Kratom while removing the balance that nature built.

The danger here isn’t just about the synthetic alkaloids—it’s about misleading consumers, damaging public trust, and handing fuel to those who want Kratom banned altogether.

Verideon’s Stance
We believe in transparency, education, and safe, natural products. We don’t support the sale or promotion of semi-synthetic 7-OH disguised as “Kratom.” Consumers have a right to know what they’re putting in their bodies—and to choose whole-plant products that have centuries of traditional use behind them, not mystery compounds with no safety data.

If you want to read the original study, here it is:
The Rise of Novel, Semi-Synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine Products

This is your leaf, your choice. Let’s keep it that way—by staying informed, speaking up, and holding companies accountable for the truth.