There are many different ways to use kratom. From powders and capsules to teas and tinctures, people all over the world use this plant supplement to enhance their wellness. Many users seek the strongest kratom to get the most from their experience. They may wonder how potency is determined and ask which strain of kratom is the strongest.
Before we dive in and discuss potency, it’s important to note that everyone metabolizes kratom differently. Body mass, history of kratom use, and other factors may influence the perceived strength of a particular strain or dose. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” recommendation for using kratom. Always begin with the smallest possible dose, then gradually increase your intake as you learn how your body responds.
Now, let’s talk about the strongest kratom, why some strains may be more potent than others, and how to find the highest quality kratom for the best value.
Alkaloids: The Source of Kratom’s Strength
Just as Popeye got his strength from spinach, kratom gets it from alkaloids. Alkaloids are a class of organic compounds, most commonly found in plants, which often induce physiological effects when ingested.
To date, researchers have identified over 27 thousand different alkaloids across a wide variety of plant species. Even if you’ve never heard the word “alkaloids” before, you’ve probably consumed them — one of the most popular, widely-consumed alkaloids is caffeine.
The caffeine alkaloid is responsible for giving you that burst of energy when you enjoy a coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverage. In other words, alkaloids are often the “active ingredient” in many plant-based foods, beverages, and herbal supplements.
The active alkaloids in kratom are called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. When metabolized, these two alkaloids naturally stimulate key neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in the pleasant feelings and health benefits reported by so many kratom users. They are also tied to the potency or strength of a particular kratom strain.
What Are Kratom Strains?
Kratom is available in different varieties, also known as “strains.” All kratom comes from the same plant, a tree called Mitragyna speciosa that grows in tropical regions in Southeast Asia.
All kratom products are made from the leaves of this tree. As the leaves age, they change color and undergo a shift in alkaloid balance. While all kratom leaves have both Mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine, younger leaves are more Mitragynine-dominant. Older leaves, by contrast, have a higher concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine.
The three primary kratom strains are:
White Vein Kratom:
Harvested from the youngest leaves, which have paler, whitish-colored veins and stems. This kratom strain has a higher amount of mitragynine alkaloids. Its effects are described by users as energizing and motivating — some compare white vein kratom to a cup of coffee or an energy drink.
Green Vein Kratom:
Green vein kratom is made from “middle-aged” leaves. As its name suggests, these leaves are greener and indicative of a more balanced alkaloid profile, with neither mitragynine nor 7-hydroxymitragynine dominating. Many people enjoy green vein kratom because it offers a blend of the effects of white vein and red vein kratom.
Red Vein Kratom:
As kratom leaves mature past their green stage, they develop a reddish-brown hue and higher levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine versus mitragynine. This kratom strain is said to be very grounding and helpful for winding down. Users often prefer red vein kratom in the evening.
When discussing potency, some users may argue that one strain is stronger than another. However, this is highly subjective. Some individuals may also be more sensitive to one particular strain versus another. That’s why determining the strongest kratom relies on more variables than strain type alone.
Maeng Da Kratom
One of the variables that dictates kratom potency is the overall quality of the leaves. Regardless of strain, all leaves are affected by environmental factors such as low moisture content, too much sun exposure, pests, and more. Yet even on the healthiest kratom trees, some leaves will simply be better than others.
This is the origin of maeng da kratom. Made from the best of the best, maeng da (which translates to “pimp grade”) is ultra-premium kratom. It is available in white, green, and red strains.
Due to the higher quality of the leaves selected for maeng da kratom, it is known to have highly concentrated alkaloids as compared with standard kratom. Many users report that a smaller dose of maeng da kratom will induce the same effects as a larger dose of standard kratom. In other words, while maeng da kratom is pricier, it delivers more “bang for your buck.”
Other Factors Affecting Kratom Strength
If you’re looking for the strongest kratom, there are several factors to consider. In addition to the strain, potency may also be influenced by the variables below:
Ingestion Method: Are you taking kratom powder, capsules, teas, tinctures, or extracts? The body metabolizes different forms of kratom differently. Additionally, the potency of kratom may be impacted by whether you’re consuming it on an empty stomach or with food.
Kratom Potentiators: A “potentiator” is any chemical compound that helps the body absorb other compounds more efficiently. Just as black pepper acts as a potentiator to encourage turmeric absorption, many natural substances support faster kratom absorption. Common kratom potentiators include citrus fruits, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, and more. If you take your kratom with these potentiators, the effects may feel stronger.
Your Kratom History: Are you an experienced user or a kratom newbie? How often do you consume it? If you don’t have much experience taking kratom or only take it infrequently, you’ll likely be more sensitive to its effects compared with someone who enjoys kratom regularly.
Find the Best Kratom
Remember, “strongest” is often subjective. When buying kratom online, we recommend focusing on overall quality rather than potency alone. At Kratom Store, we guarantee the best kratom online with no fillers, additives, or preservatives.
