Kratom Extract vs. Powder: Benefits, Uses, and Best Practices

You take a swig of the kratom tea you just made. The earthy drink fills your mouth. You grimace as you swallow. You were ok with the taste at first, but it’s started to get to you lately.

You’ve also been reading up on kratom and you’re not sure you’re comfortable with all the plant matter that’s in the kratom powder.

You grab a rag and wipe away the powder and tea which spilled while you were preparing your kratom tea.

As you clean you think, maybe it’s time you try a kratom extract?

Kratom: What is it?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a leaf that grows in various regions of the Pacific. As a member of the coffee family, kratom has been cultivated for generations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Recently, it has gained popularity around the world, particularly in the West, for its beneficial properties.

Kratom is known to promote feelings of well-being, energy, motivation, euphoria, and relaxation. While indigenous people have known about these benefits for centuries, the rest of the world is just catching on to this unique leaf.

Traditional Kratom Powder

Kratom powder is made by grinding mature, dried kratom leaves into a fine powder. This traditional method is typically consumed by mixing the powder into tea. It can also be added to juice, smoothies or yogurt. The effects include:

• Feelings of overall well-being
• Increased energy and motivation
• Relaxation and calm

Cost-Effective Option: Since it requires no further processing, kratom powder is the more affordable option.

Modern Kratom Extracts

Kratom extracts are created by processing kratom powder to remove plant matter, resulting in a more concentrated product. This higher concentration of alkaloids makes extracts more potent.

Popular Extract Strengths:

• 20%
• 45%
• 65%

How Kratom Extracts Work

The extraction process isolates kratom alkaloids, such as Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7OH), which can have various effects on the body. Once the kratom is extracted, you end up with more alkaloids and less plant material. For example, a 1-gram of 20% extract contains 200mg of Mitragynine, while a 45% extract contains 450mg per gram. The process can involve water or alcohol-based extraction methods, each impacting the final product’s potency and purity. Learn more about kratom extraction processes here.

Different quantities and concentrations of kratom extract can be used to produce a variety of extract products:

• Gummies: Tasty, chewable options that mask the bitter taste of kratom while delivering its benefits.
• Shots: Pre-measured liquid doses that are easy to consume and provide quick effects.
• Tinctures: Made using alcohol to extract alkaloids into a liquid form.
• Capsules: Filled with kratom extract and kratom powder, offering a convenient and taste-free option.
• Soft-gels: Gelatin-based capsules filled with kratom extract, easy to swallow and quick to digest.
• Tablets: Compressed kratom powder or extract in tablet form, providing a precise dose with no taste.

Kratom Extract vs. Powder

From a chemistry point of view, kratom possesses one of the most complex compound structures in the plant kingdom, containing a vast range of alkaloids. Therefore, the impact on the product from the method of preparation can greatly affect many aspects of consumption.

Advantages of Kratom Extracts

• Less Plant Matter: Reduces the chance of consuming actual plant matter, which can cause stomach distress.
• Potency: Due to their higher concentration, kratom extracts are more potent, providing stronger effects with a smaller servings.
• Controlled Dosage: Potency is standardized, leading to more controlled dosing compared to the powder, which might require higher doses.
• Faster Effects: Kratom extracts are more bioavailable, meaning the active compounds are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in faster onset compared to kratom powder.
• Convenience: Extracts come in pre-prepared forms like tinctures, capsules, shots, gummies, soft-gels, and tablets, making them easy to  be consumed on demand without any additional preparation steps.
• Long-Term Preservation: Extracts are better able to be preserved over time.

Disadvantages of Kratom Extracts:

• Cost: Extracts are more expensive due to the labor-intensive extraction process.
• Potency Variability: Extracts may not always offer full-spectrum benefits, potentially altering the alkaloid profile.
• Tolerance Development: Consistent dosages may lead to a higher tolerance over time.
• Contaminants: Poor manufacturing processes can introduce contaminants.
• Additives and Allergies: Additives in extracts may cause allergies.
• Child Safety: Extracts, especially flavored ones, may be more appealing to children and may not be packaged in child-proof containers.

Full Spectrum vs. Salt Base (Isolated) Extracts

Full Spectrum Extracts:

• Definition: Full spectrum extracts retain all the alkaloids found in kratom leaves in their natural ratios.
• Benefits: These extracts provide a balanced and holistic effect, similar to consuming the whole leaf. Users experience the full range of benefits that kratom offers, including euphoria, energy, and relaxation.
• Preferred By: Those who are looking for something similar to the traditional kratom experience with all its diverse effects.

Salt Base (Isolated) Extracts:

• Definition: Salt base extracts isolate specific alkaloids, such as Mitragynine, and convert them into a more bioavailable salt form.
• Benefits: These extracts offer a more targeted and potent effect. For example, an extract might focus on maximizing the stimulating properties of Mitragynine or the relaxing effects of 7-Hydroxymitragynine.
• Preferred By: Users who want a specific effect, such as enhanced energy or deep relaxation, and those who need higher potency.

Choosing between full spectrum and salt base extracts depends on personal preference and the desired effects.

How to Read a Kratom Extract Product Label

Understanding how to read a kratom extract product label is crucial for making an informed purchase. Here are the key elements to look for:

• Concentration: The label should specify the concentration of Mitragynine in the extract, either as a percentage (e.g., 20%, 45%, 65%, 90%) or in milligrams (mg) per serving. For instance, a label might indicate that a product contains 15mg of Mitragynine per gummy.
• Serving Size: The recommended serving size should be clearly stated on the label. This indicates the amount of extract that should be taken per serving. For instance, take 2 gummies per serving.
• Frequency of Use: The label should provide guidelines on how frequently the extract can be taken safely. This helps users avoid overconsumption and potential negative effects.
• Other Alkaloids: If the extract is a full spectrum product, the label may list other active alkaloids present in the extract.
• Ingredients: Check the ingredient list for any additional substances, such as binders, fillers, or flavoring agents.
• Warnings and Precautions: Look for any warnings or precautions, especially if the product is not recommended for certain individuals (e.g., pregnant or nursing women, individuals with specific health conditions).
• Certification and Testing: Reputable products will have third-party lab testing results available, ensuring the quality and purity of the extract.

Potential Drawbacks of Kratom Extracts

While kratom extracts offer many benefits, they also come with certain drawbacks that users should consider. One significant issue is the potential for increased tolerance and dependency due to the higher concentration of active compounds. Regular use of potent extracts can lead to the body requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects, which may result in dependency. Additionally, kratom extracts are generally more expensive than traditional kratom powder, making them less accessible for some users. The process of creating extracts can also strip away some of the natural alkaloids, potentially reducing the holistic benefits found in full-spectrum kratom products.

Making a Purchase

Why Choose Kratom Extracts?

• Faster Effects: Feel the benefits more quickly.
• Convenience: Easy to carry and use, even on the go.
• Potency: Stronger effects with smaller doses.
• Purity: Less plant matter for a cleaner product.
• Better tasting servings: More palatable options like gummies and flavored shots & tinctures.

Why Choose Kratom Powder?

• Affordability: More cost-effective due to minimal processing, ideal for regular users.
• Flexibility: Easy to customize by mixing strains and adjusting dosage.
• Traditional Use: Connects to traditional methods, enhancing the overall experience.
• Availability: Widely available in various strains, providing a broad selection.

Safety and Quality Assurance

When purchasing kratom, always choose a reputable vendor to ensure product safety and quality. Look for third-party lab testing and positive customer reviews.

Ready to Experience the Difference?