Oct 29 (edited) • Kratom Science
How to Read a Kratom Lab Test (COA)
Using Green Malay Lot 15234 as a Real Example
When you see a Certificate of Analysis (COA), you’re looking at a scientific snapshot of three critical things:
- What’s in it (alkaloids and plant compounds)
- What’s not in it (heavy metals and contaminants)
- Whether it’s clean and natural (microbiology & 7-OH levels)
Below is how to read each section, using our Green Malay batch as the example.
1. Alkaloid Profile (UHPLC-DAD)
This tells you the “character” of the kratom — how strong it is, how it feels, and whether it is plain leaf or altered/extract.
Alkaloid Result
Why it Matters
Mitragynine: 1.46%--Main alkaloid in natural kratom – supports energy, mood, and focus.
7-Hydroxymitragynine: 0.0037%-Trace only, which confirms plain leaf (not an extract).
Paynantheine: 0.271%-Helps with muscle relaxation.
Speciogynine: 0.207%-Aids in smooth balance and calm.
Speciociliatine: 0.324%-Adds body “comfort” and synergy.
Total Alkaloids: 2.27%Strong natural potency.
✔ How to read this: Natural kratom leaf typically ranges from about 1.2% to 2.4% total alkaloids. This batch is 2.27%, which places it on the stronger end of the natural spectrum.
2. Heavy Metals (ICP-MS)
This part verifies safety and farming quality. Kratom is an agricultural product, and soil conditions matter. Testing ensures that no unsafe levels of contaminants are absorbed from the environment.
Metal Result (µg/g)Limit Status
Arsenic0.222≤ 2.00✅ PASS
Cadmium<LOQ≤ 0.50✅ PASS
Mercury0.010≤ 0.20✅ PASS
Lead0.394≤ 5.00✅ PASS
✔ How to read this: All results are well below USP safety limits. If a COA doesn’t include this section, you have no proof that the product is safe long-term.
3. Microbial Safety
This confirms the product is clean, free of harmful bacteria, and properly stored and processed.
Test Result Limit Status
Total Aerobic Plate Count: 2,220 CFU/g≤ 10,000,000✅ PASS
Yeast & Mold<LOQ≤ 100,000✅ PASS
Coliforms<LOQ≤ 10,000✅ PASS
E. coli: Not Detected Absent✅ PASS
Salmonella: Not Detected Absent✅ PASS
✔ How to read this: This batch is extremely clean, especially compared to minimum safety thresholds.
✅ Final Takeaway
Category Result: What it Means:
Potency: 2.27% total alkaloids
Strong natural batch Authenticity
0.0037% 7-OH Confirms plain leaf, not extract
Heavy Metals: All well below limits. Safe for long-term use.
Cleanliness: Zero pathogens.
Responsibly processed and stored.
This is what a proper kratom COA should look like – alkaloid breakdown, safety testing, and microbiological screening.
Check out our current batch of Green Maeng Da as another example: https://christophersorganicbotanicals.com/product/green-maeng-da-kratom-powder/
4
3 comments
How to Read a Kratom Lab Test (COA)
powered by
skool.com/christophers-kratom-education-8543
Christopher’s Kratom Education: clear, science-based kratom education, beginner walk-throughs, brewing tips, safety, policy, and community together.
Suggested communities
Powered by