7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), explained
Updated October 2026
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a minor alkaloid in natural kratom leaf and the target of new rules: the DEA has proposed temporarily scheduling 7-OH above 0.050% of dry weight or 1.00 mg per item, and no final order had been published when we checked. 4 states restrict 7-OH specifically (Kentucky, Kansas, Ohio, Florida).
21+ only. Kratom is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and nothing here is medical advice.
What 7-OH is
Natural 7-OH is a minor constituent, under 2% of total alkaloids in natural leaves, but far more potent at the mu-opioid receptor than mitragynine (FDA and Kratom).
7-OH averaged 0.02–0.04% in leaf alkaloid extracts and was detected only in some seasons (Zhang 2025).
The law
Federal: the DEA's notice (Federal Register 2026-13580) proposes temporarily placing 7-OH above 0.050% of dry weight, or more than 1.00 mg per item, in Schedule I. Kratom leaf and mitragynine are not federally controlled.
States: of the states we've confirmed on their own sites, 4 restrict 7-OH by scheduling it, and 18 set a 7-OH limit for kratom products. Each state page cites its statute.
What studies found in 7-OH products
Products labelled 'kratom extract' had low mitragynine (2.0–6.0 mg/g) but 7-OH at 22–75 mg/g, 5–28% above label claims (Brown 2026).
Their chemical profiles did not match kratom leaf; such 7-OH levels are achievable only synthetically (Brown 2026).
Over 98% of 7-OH-labelled products showed a semisynthetic origin (Avula 2026).
7-OH breaks down to 3-dehydromitragynine, a potentially toxic byproduct, under simulated stomach conditions (Avula 2026).
Several commercial products had 7-OH concentrations well above those in raw leaf, suggesting adulteration (Lydecker 2016).
What brands' lab reports show
Across 38 leaf powder and capsule reports that state 7-OH as a percentage, the highest we saw was 0.0161% — below the proposed 0.050% federal threshold. Others show 7-OH below the lab's limit of quantitation.
We never list a product whose report shows 7-OH above the federal threshold.
Common questions
Is 7-OH legal?
Federally, the DEA has proposed temporarily scheduling 7-OH above 0.050% of dry weight or 1.00 mg per item; some states already restrict it. Check your state's page for its statute.
Is there 7-OH in natural kratom?
Yes, as a minor alkaloid. The FDA says natural 7-OH is under 2% of total alkaloids in leaves; most leaf lab reports we read show it below the limit of quantitation.
What are 7-OH products?
Products sold for their 7-OH content. In studies, over 98% of 7-OH-labelled products showed a semisynthetic origin (Avula 2026), at levels not found in natural leaf (Brown 2026).
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA and Kratom. Public health focus page. Content current as of 12/02/2025.
- Zhang M, Lyndon A, Kanumuri SRR, Sharma A, Pearson BJ, McCurdy CR, Chen J. Alkaloid biosynthesis in medicinal crop kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) varies with postharvest, genetic, and seasonal factors. Front Plant Sci. 2025;16:1653916.
- Brown PN, Chan M, Zhang X, Brendler T. Elevated 7-Hydroxymitragynine Levels Found in Products Misbranded as Kratom. J AOAC Int. 2026;109(1):124-130.
- Avula B, Ali SK, Tatapudi KK, Pandey P, Cheepilla L, Husain I, Khan SI, Katragunta K, Ali Z, Khan IA, Chittiboyina AG. Quantitative analysis of 7-hydroxymitragynine in commercial kratom products and its stability under chemical and physiological conditions. Phytochemistry. 2026;247:114871.
- Lydecker AG, Sharma A, McCurdy CR, Avery BA, Babu KM, Boyer EW. Suspected Adulteration of Commercial Kratom Products with 7-Hydroxymitragynine. J Med Toxicol. 2016;12(4):341-349.
- Federal Register 2026-13580 (7-OH temporary scheduling notice)