The one-line difference
Kratom is a plant; 7-OH is one specific compound linked to it. Kratom products are made from the leaf, which contains many alkaloids — mostly mitragynine — and only trace amounts of 7-OH. 7-OH products concentrate that one compound into a measured dose.
Side by side
| Kratom leaf | 7-OH products | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Dried, ground leaves of the kratom tree (whole plant material) | A single concentrated alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine |
| Main compound | Mitragynine (plus many minor alkaloids) | 7-OH, in a measured amount |
| 7-OH content | Trace amounts | The whole point — listed in mg on the label |
| Common forms | Powder, capsules, teas, extracts | Tablets, chewables, shots |
| How it's measured | Grams of leaf powder | Milligrams of 7-OH per tablet or serving |
| Potency per serving | Lower | Much higher |
| Legal attention | Banned in some states and cities | Singled out by the FDA in 2025; restricted in a growing list of states |
Why the dose works so differently
With kratom, you measure leaf powder in grams, and the alkaloid content varies from batch to batch. With 7-OH, each tablet states its milligrams of 7-OH. A product at a few dozen milligrams of 7-OH is a very different thing from the same weight of leaf — which is why labels, lab testing and serving sizes matter more with 7-OH. Read how to read a COA to check what's actually in a product.
How the law treats them
Neither is approved by the FDA for any use. Kratom has been banned in some states for years. 7-OH has drawn separate, sharper attention: in 2025 the FDA recommended placing 7-OH under federal drug control, and several states now restrict 7-OH products specifically — sometimes even where kratom leaf is still sold. See where we can't ship.
Which should you choose?
That's a personal decision for adults 21+ to make with their own research and, ideally, a doctor. What we can tell you is what to look for: a clearly labeled mg amount, a lab COA you can read, and a seller who doesn't make health claims. New to 7-OH? Start with what 7-OH is.
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. 7-OH is not approved by the FDA for any use, and laws change often — check the current rules where you live.