What is Mitragyna Hirsuta? Uses, Benefits, & History

Mitragyna Hirsuta: A Popular Kratom Alternative

If you’re looking for kratom alternatives, you really can’t miss Mitragyna hirsuta. What is Mitragyna hirsuta? This tree is in the same genus and family as kratom (Mitragyna speciosa, in the coffee or Rubiaceae family) and the leaf is even known on the street as “kra thum khok.” The leaves are green with light-greenish white veins, and while they are somewhat smaller than kratom leaves, they have a similar structural appearance.

Growing natively in the jungles of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia, Mitragyna hirsuta has become popular in places like Thailand where kratom has been illegal since 1943. It has similar effects to kratom with gentle stimulation at low doses and sedative effects at high doses.

What is Mitragyna Hirsuta?

Mitragyna Hirsuta is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in regions such as Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, the same plant family as coffee, Mitragyna Hirsuta has long been used by locals for traditional purposes. Its leaves, known for their alkaloid-rich composition, are often dried and consumed in various forms, such as teas or powders.

Unlike its more well-known relative, Mitragyna Speciosa (kratom), Mitragyna Hirsuta contains different alkaloids, such as mitraphylline, which are believed to contribute to its unique properties. However, it does not contain mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, the primary active compounds in kratom. This distinction makes Mitragyna Hirsuta an alternative for those seeking a kratom-like experience without the exact same chemical profile.

Historically, Mitragyna Hirsuta has been valued for its natural, plant-based benefits. It is often considered a gentler option compared to kratom and is gaining popularity among individuals exploring different botanicals for personal use.

How is Mitragyna Hirsuta Used?

Traditionally, the leaf is chewed much in the same way as Mitragyna speciosa to help workers maintain their stamina throughout the day. Outside of its original, traditional cultural usage, the plant is sold as a dried powder.

Mitragyna Hirsuta vs Kratom

What is Mitragyna hirsuta’s potency like when compared to kratom? Users of this Southeast Asian herb describe it as being like an “infra-red” strain of kratom with some of the same, if not lessened effects, experienced with red kratom.

Similar to kratom, Mitragyna hirsuta is traditionally used for its calm, energizing effects and to relieve the discomfort of minor aches and pains. Larger doses may also bring on a feeling of sedation. However, this kratom alternative is said to be generally milder and have fewer side effects than Mitragyna speciosa.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Mitragyna Hirsuta?

Mitragyna Hirsuta is appreciated by many for its perceived natural qualities and versatility. Although scientific research on its effects is limited, anecdotal evidence and traditional use suggest several potential benefits:

1. Mild Relaxation and Calmness
   Users often describe Mitragyna Hirsuta as a botanical that promotes relaxation. Its alkaloids are thought to have soothing properties, which may help individuals seeking a natural way to unwind without over-stimulation.
2. Gentle Stimulation
   In smaller quantities, Mitragyna Hirsuta may provide a mild boost in energy and focus. Unlike coffee or other stimulants, its effects are often reported as balanced and subtle, making it a popular choice for those who want gentle stimulation without feeling jittery.
3. Alternative to Kratom
   As it does not contain mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, Mitragyna Hirsuta is considered a potential substitute for kratom. Some individuals explore it as an alternative when they prefer to avoid kratom or when kratom is unavailable due to local regulations.
4. Non-Habit Forming Option
   Many users turn to Mitragyna Hirsuta for its perceived ability to support well-being without concerns about habit-forming properties. Its unique alkaloid profile offers a different experience than kratom, often seen as less intense.
5. Versatility in Consumption
   Mitragyna Hirsuta can be prepared in several ways, such as brewed into teas or blended into smoothies. This flexibility makes it an appealing option for those looking to incorporate a natural botanical into their daily routine.

While these potential benefits are widely shared by enthusiasts, it is important to note that Mitragyna Hirsuta is not approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA for any specific uses. Anyone considering this botanical should do thorough research and consult with a professional when needed.

What are Mitragyna Hirsuta’s Key Alkaloids

The alkaloids in Mitragyna hirsuta are the active compounds that give the herb its effects. This herb contains an alkaloid called mitraphylline that binds to the same mu-opioid receptors in the brain as mitragynine and is also present in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa). Another oxindole alkaloid in the herb has been discovered recently that is called isomitraphyllinol, although the effects of this alkaloid are not currently understood and require further study.

Mitraphylline: An Alkaloid with Great Promise

What is Mitragyna hirsuta’s potential for medicinal use? In addition to stimulation and mild pain relief, other potential benefits including a boost in metabolism, a boost for the immune system, and reduced stress have been reported with Mitragyna Hirsuta. However, no studies are readily available to support these supposed benefits.

What is available is research on the effects of the alkaloid mitraphylline when isolated from the cat’s claw herb. In this context, the alkaloid has traditionally been associated with having anti-inflammatory. The mitraphylline in kratom is now being studied for use in these two contexts, and we can hope that Mitragyna hirsuta will be a future candidate for research in the future as well.

What is the Legal Status of Mitragyna Hirsuta?

While kratom and/or its key alkaloids are banned in several states and countries, this kratom substitute is not considered dangerous and is generally legal to sell and possess. However, the FDA has not approved this herb for medicinal use. As a result, the quality of the product sold may vary between vendors. Kratora’s Mitragyna hirsuta is sold for external use only.

Southeast Asian Herbs Brought to You Direct by Kratora

Ensure the highest quality product by purchasing your herb from a reputable vendor such as Kratora. Our dried and crushed mitragyna hirsuta is 100% pure and is sourced from farmers that we have met in person and who use optimal and sustainable growing and harvesting techniques. If you like this kratom alternative, be sure to browse our collections of kratom and other ethnobotanicals for other high-quality plant products.

Shop our Mitragyna hirsuta today to receive same-day shipping on orders submitted before 3 PM EST Monday through Friday and 1 PM EST on Saturdays (excluding holidays).

Please note that none of the products sold on our website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Please note that the US FDA has not approved this product to be sold for human consumption, sold for external use only. None of the products sold on our website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.