Posted by A stronger pain reliever than kratom, 7-OH is an alternative to traditional opioids. Unfortunately, it’s not publicly available everywhere there are tobacco and vape shops, head shops, boutiques, or even gas stations and convenience stores that sell such substances.
7-OH is a somewhat complicated subject. Some states have restrictions or ban it altogether, so people look for alternatives that are just as potent.
The good thing is, there is now oxonol and pseudoindoxyl as two solid alternatives to 7-OH. These two substances still come from kratom just like 7-OH does, but don’t have the legal restrictions in certain states. Also, they are more similar to 7-OH than they are different, unlike other 7-OH alternatives.
Bear with us and you’ll find out what oxonol and pseudoindoxyl do, and why they are the best 7-OH alternatives without the side effects some users experience, or where 7-OH is not available.
Oxonol
7-OH is where oxonol – aka MGM15 – comes from. It’s the concentrated extract of this opioid alkaloid isolate, making it semi-synthetic in nature. As you may already know, 7-OH is the 7-hydroxymitragynine alkaloid from kratom. It makes up a tiny percentage in comparison to mitragynine, the main alkaloid.
Also called Oxonol, it was in 2014 that MGM15 was first reported. It is often used for scientific research purposes, which is why you see it on chemistry and medical research websites. More recently, it has become publicly available in retail shops for pain relief, mood lift, and recreational use.
7-OH vs. Oxonol
One of the differences between oxonol and 7-OH is regulatory risk. 7-OH products are banned in some states if they contain more than 2% 7-OH. That would be like drinking a wine cooler as opposed to actual alcoholic beverages. In other states, there are restrictions, and some have banned isolated or concentrated 7-OH and classified it as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Another difference is that although oxonol binds to the same opioid receptors 7-OH does, it doesn’t have quite the same effects. Instead of a boost in energy (even more so for some people who are sensitive), oxonol is more sedative, more relaxing.
That’s because it binds even more strongly to the mu- and delta-opioid receptors than 7-OH does. Also, in comparison, 7-OH binds most strongly to mu-opioid receptors.
- Mu-opioid receptors are in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and associate with pain perception and reward pathways. Respiratory depression, constipation, and high potential for addiction are side effects.
- Delta-opioid receptors are in the forebrain and associate with mood regulation. They reduce anxiety, improve mood, and regulate pain. Also, they aid in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal regulation and movement.
- Kappa-opioid receptors modulate pain, mood, and addiction.
In comparison to mu-opioid receptors, delta-opioid receptor activation has fewer side effects. Remember: Mu-opioid receptors activate euphoria and pain relief, and delta-opioid receptors reduce anxiety and enhance mood. Oxonol is a partial agonist of mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid receptors.
The Verdict: Oxonol accomplishes the same analgesic effects as 7-OH does, but with fewer side effects users may experience. It also works well for anxiety without stimulation of energy that’s too much to handle for some users.
Pseudoindoxyl
Also called Pseudo and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, pseudoindoxyl is another kratom alkaloid. It’s a semi-synthetic compound that comes from the main alkaloid of kratom, mitragynine.
In nature, pseudo is a microbial metabolite from a type of fungus that eats mitragynine. Another way it exists is as a metabolite of kratom after use.
Keeping in mind that the comparison is to morphine in relation to potency, morphine binds to mu-opioid receptors. Pseudo binds to mu-opioid receptors, too, but doesn’t have the same side effects of respiratory depression, reduced tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms that morphine does.
It also doesn’t bind to delta-opioid receptors at all, making it a delta-opioid receptor antagonist. It works against pain, mood disorders, and addiction, something experienced and long-term users will appreciate.
We can extend this to say that pseudo is a lot like oxonol (MGM15), except it’s from kratom mitragynine rather than 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine). Both are derivatives from kratom alkaloids. The chemical makeup and the effects are somewhat different, too.
7-OH vs. Pseudoindoxyl
You may already know that 7-hydroxymitragynine is a minor alkaloid and metabolite of kratom. Its concentration makes it the main substance instead of mitragynine. However, pseudo can occur as a metabolite of 7-OH once it’s in the blood.
Pseudo doesn’t have the legal restrictions 7-OH does. Also, it has far less potential for tolerance and addiction. That fact alone makes it appealing for both new and experienced users alike.
In comparison, 7-OH partially binds to mu-opioid receptors like pseudo does, but less so, making it less potent. It is also a competitive delta- and kappa– opioid receptor antagonist. Kappa-opioid receptor antagonists reduce pain, itching, and inflammation.
Despite the presence of the two antagonists, 7-OH is more addictive because of its analgesic and euphoric effects that come and go. It also affects dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which are important for mood, motivation, and reward.
The Verdict: Pseudo is a more potent analgesic than 7-OH. At the same time, it has less potential for addiction, and its effects are longer-lasting.
Oxonol vs. Pseudoindoxyl
Both oxonol and pseudo provide greater calm and clarity than 7-OH for long-term, experienced users who don’t want to feel heavy and sluggish. Oxonol has a quick onset and feels calm, light, and smooth. Pseudo lasts longer, provides deeper pain relief, and is more grounding or heavier-feeling than oxonol, and has fewer ups and downs. Neither of them have the sharp onset that 7-OH does.
The issues with 7-OH having a high potential for addiction and side effects such as respiratory depression and constipation also factor into legal restrictions. 7-OH’s lack of wide availability in the United States is another reason people look for alternatives that still provide pain relief and mood enhancement.
Many Wellness Supplements, All In One Place
Other opioids exist as possible alternatives to 7-OH, but only Oxonol and Pseudo are the most chemically similar. They give users pain relief but without the drowsiness, anxiety, tolerance, or addiction potential that are common side effects.
You can find both Oxonol and Pseudo available at Real Botanicals. As a premium kratom and lifestyle wellness vendor, they have perfected scientific precision and quality control for products you can trust.
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