What Is Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl?
A Clear, Science-Based Look at a Potent Semi-Synthetic Compound Misrepresented as “Kratom” Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl — often called MP or “pseudo” — is not part of the natural kratom leaf. It’s a semi-synthetic, highly potent opioid-like compound that has entered the marketplace through adulterated products misbranded as “kratom.” Scientists have been studying MP for its unusual pharmacology, its powerful receptor activity, and its implications for both drug development and public health. Regulators are paying attention for very different reasons: MP is potent, it’s unregulated, and in many cases it’s being sold as kratom when it is not kratom at all. Let’s break down exactly what it is — and what consumers, advocates, and policymakers need to know. 🔬 Is Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl Found Naturally in Kratom? No. Scientific literature is crystal clear on this point: ✔ Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl is not found in natural Mitragyna speciosa leaf. - It does not appear in fresh or dried kratom leaves. - It is considered a semi-synthetic compound, an oxidative rearrangement product, or a metabolite formed after consumption, not a native plant alkaloid. Evidence:A widely cited metabolism study (Kamble et al., 2020) confirmed that MP is formed in human plasma after 7-hydroxymitragynine is metabolized, not inside the plant.➜ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7737207 Another medicinal-chemistry paper confirms MP was absent from all natural leaf samples analyzed.➜ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37332089 This distinction matters. MP’s presence in a commercial product typically means chemical manipulation, not traditional kratom. 🌿 Understanding the Difference: Natural vs. Semi-Synthetic Alkaloids Here is the clean breakdown your customers and policymakers need: 1. Mitragynine (MG) - The primary natural alkaloid in kratom. - Usually 60–70% of total alkaloid content. - Functions as a partial opioid receptor agonist, but with a broad, multi-receptor profile.