What Is Kratom and What Does It Do? A Beginner Guide

KRATOM INTRODUCTION · ADULTS 21+

What is kratom?

Kratom is the common name for Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia in the coffee family. Its leaves contain alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Kratom leaf and concentrated products made from it are sold in different forms, which should not be treated as interchangeable.

What does kratom do?

Some kratom alkaloids interact with opioid receptors. People report a range of experiences, but personal reports do not establish a predictable effect for everyone or prove a medical benefit. Research on short- and long-term effects remains limited. Kratom has not been shown to be safe and effective for any medical use and is not an FDA-approved treatment. Do not replace prescribed care or use a retailer's advice to manage opioid withdrawal.

Powder, capsules, shots and tablets

Plain-leaf powder is ground dried leaf material. Our plain-leaf capsules contain powder in a capsule shell. Extract shots and tablets can concentrate compounds and may include other ingredients. Read the actual product label, total alkaloid content and serving information. A small bottle or tablet is not automatically one serving.

Products with added or elevated 7-OH differ from the naturally occurring trace amounts in leaf. Do not assume that the word “kratom” establishes the composition. See our 7-OH safety and facts guide and liquid-shot label guide.

In 11 years of testing our plain-leaf powder, Laughing Lion has not seen a 7-OH result above 0.01%. This describes our testing history; check the available report for your batch. Naturally occurring trace 7-OH in plain leaf differs from added or concentrated 7-OH in enhanced products. A low 7-OH result alone does not establish that a product is risk-free.

Strain and color names

Red, green, white, gold and familiar blend names are common retail categories. A name alone does not establish a distinct botanical variety, alkaloid concentration or a particular effect. Our named blends were originally distinct formulations, and those familiar names remain in our catalog.

What to check before choosing a product

Review ingredients, product type, serving information and available batch reports. Match the report to the batch number and check what was tested. A laboratory report describes a sample; it does not guarantee safety for an individual or test every possible contaminant. Familiar product names and customer reviews are not substitutes for that information.

Important safety information

For adults 21+ only. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not combine with alcohol, opioids, sedatives or other drugs. Discuss medications and medical conditions with a healthcare professional. Do not drive or operate machinery after use. Keep away from children.

Regular use can lead to dependence and withdrawal. Adverse effects and serious events have been reported in people using kratom. Other substances and incomplete information can complicate interpretation, but do not establish that kratom is risk-free. Stop use and seek medical advice for an adverse reaction or difficulty reducing use. A seizure, trouble breathing or loss of consciousness requires emergency help. Kratom is not an FDA-approved treatment; our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Learn more about labels and measurements

Powder measurements · 500 mg capsule information · Powder versus extracts · Available lab reports · Kratom FAQs

Source: NIH NCCIH kratom research and safety information.

Reviewed October 3, 2026. Educational information does not replace medical advice.