As kratom has become a popular option for people to treat their issues, users have started thinking about what is its best form. The debate about kratom extract vs powder has been going on for a while.
This is because both extracts and powders are now widely available on the market. While extracts are more potent and fast-acting, powders are more versatile and contain a wider spectrum of alkaloids.
We did deep research on this hot debate of kratom extract vs powder to understand what are the similarities and differences between the both. We have given you all the information to help you make a better choice.
Let’s learn more about which kratom form is best for you!
What is Kratom?
Kratom, known scientifically as Mitragyna Speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It has recently been used as an alternative to allopathic and other medical treatments. Kratom is consumed for its analgesic, stimulant, and mood-enhancing properties.
Its leaves contain alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing a range of effects. It’s commonly utilized to alleviate pain, boost energy and focus, relieve anxiety and depression, and promote relaxation.
Kratom is available in various types, including Red Vein, White Vein, and Green Vein, each with unique characteristics and effects. It also comes from multiple regions in Southeast Asia. So, you may find different strains like Malay, Maeng Da, Borneo, Bali, and more.
Kratom Extract Vs. Powder
Holistic products like kratom supplements offer various forms for users to buy online. These various forms have different appeals and may have slightly different effects.
While many prefer capsules, others prefer kratom powder or extract. In many cases, kratom extract might look almost exactly like kratom powder. Many kratom users often wonder if there’s a difference between these two.
As a kratom newbie, it might be hard to tell which is which and which would be better for you. The major differences between these two lie in their concentration and formulation process. These differences result in slightly different effects.
There are now several different ways to make kratom powders and extracts. However, the basic method is simple and based on the extraction process.
Extraction Process: Kratom Extract vs. Powder
Kratom Powder
To prepare kratom powder, the Mitragyna Speciosa plant is first harvested and left to dry. When the plant has cured enough, the dried plant is crushed to a fine powder. This final product is what is referred to as kratom powder. It can be put into capsules or sold in powder form.
Kratom Extract
Kratom extract, on the other hand, requires a more robust process. For this reason, kratom extract is more concentrated and potent than kratom powder. There are a few ways to make kratom extract. To do this, the fresh or dried leaves are boiled for a long time. In some cases, the manufacturers can boil kratom powder instead of the leaves.
After boiling the powder or plant material, the water is strained; it’s usually left to simmer to dry up excess water. This process allows for a high concentration of alkaloids to remain in the kratom liquid extract.
The result is a dark, concentrated, highly potent paste that can also be used as a liquid kratom extract. It can be sold as is or left to dry and ground again to a powdery form. The highly potent product of this process is kratom extracts.
Dosage: Kratom Powder vs Extract
Kratom Powder Dosing
Kratom is still not regulated by the FDA or any other government bodies. Thus, there is no approved kratom dosage.
The effect of kratom on a person would depend on several factors. It might depend on a person’s physique, metabolism, and eating habits. The reason for using kratom will also determine how much you should use to feel its effects.
There are generally four levels of dosing kratom. For general usage, 1 to 2 grams of kratom powder is considered safe for a start. Experts recommend waiting 30 minutes to 1 hour before upping your dose if you do not feel its effects.
For bigger individuals, a higher dose is often more effective. Generally, an effective dose for individuals weighing 45 kg is between 2.5g and 4 g. For individuals weighing about 54 kg, a 3 to 5 g dose is safe and effective. Individuals over 100 kg might require a high to heavy dose.
Kratom extracts are more concentrated and may be harder to dose. Unlike powder, these products are labeled with inscriptions like 2X, 3X, 5X, etc. These labels show how much more potent the extract is than the powder.
To know the ideal kratom dosage for you, you might need to start with the powder. Alternatively, you could start with a very small quantity of extract and watch how it affects you. Also, if you’re using kratom for anxiety or depression, you would have to dose based on the severity of your condition.
Kratom Extract Dosing
If you’ve seen kratom extract products before, you will notice a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 on the label. This ratio shows the strength of the extract compared to the powder. A 5:1 ratio, for example, means that the extract contains five times the number of plant alkaloids as the equivalent powder. In essence, it means that the extract is five times more potent.
Alternatively, some brands might have 2X, 5X, or 10X labels. This is similar to the ratio format. A product with a 5X inscription means that it’s five times as potent as the powder product.
Thus, the same amount of kratom extract of such a product will be five times stronger and more effective than its kratom powder. Besides its stronger effect, the kratom extract might likely have longer-lasting effects due to its enhanced concentration of alkaloids.
If you’re a user of kratom powder, it will be easy to tell how strong a kratom extract product would be based on the ratio. For this reason, purchasing powders and extracts from the same supplier is best. That way, it would be easier to evaluate and compare the effects of the products.
Cost Of Kratom Powder And Extract
The cost of kratom products varies widely. There are dozens of companies and brands making kratom products, and they all differ in pricing. However, as we established earlier, kratom extract is the more expensive option.
On average, you might find a 1-ounce pack of kratom powder costing about $8 to $12. The same size pack of the extract can cost from $15 to $40. The price could be more or less depending on the brand and other factors.
Which is Better: Kratom Extract or Powder?
The question of which of these products is better does not have one right answer. It depends on the reason for usage and the person using it. Generally speaking, new kratom users should start with kratom powder. Since these are not that concentrated, they are a better choice for first-time users.
Users who take the powder frequently might want stronger effects after some time. Thus, they might consider the extracts to be better for them at that point. Switching to extracts would likely not produce any adverse effects for these users. Instead, it would lead to stronger effects.
Regarding the cost of these products, powders are usually less expensive. Thus, some might consider powders to be a better option. Also, depending on what you need kratom for, you might prefer one over the other.
Small powder doses might lead to your desired effects if you need kratom as a mild stimulant. In this regard, you’d have spent less and still achieved your goal.
If an individual wants to use kratom for pain, they might need to use more powder to feel its analgesic effects. However, a small dose of the extract could be all the person needs. In this case, the individual might consider extracts a better choice.
Also, some experts say that using the powders will give you a more robust experience with all the compounds in the plant profile. This might make some people prefer to use powders over extracts, especially if they use them for relaxation and mild stimulation.
How To Identify And Differentiate Between Kratom Extract And Powder?
Kratom extract and powder are very similar in appearance and may be hard to differentiate. Even for long-time users and experts, these two can be hard to identify independently. However, when put side by side, the extract tends to have a darker pigment than the powder. This is due to the presence of high concentrations of plant alkaloids.
Both products contain mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. They also include other similar compounds. Since they both turn into fine powdery forms, it’s nearly impossible to tell one from another independently.
This is why buying kratom online from a reputable brand is necessary. You must also ensure that the products go through third-party analysis to identify and confirm their constituents and ingredients. These reputable brands have clear labels on their packaging to guide customers and give reliable information about the product.
One other way to identify the extract is its aroma. Due to its concentrated form, kratom extracts might have a sharper and more intense aroma than powder.
Which Is More Potent: Kratom Extract or Kratom Powder?
Regarding potency, kratom extract is certainly more potent than plain leaf powder. The formulation process of kratom powder results in a product containing the dried powdery constituents of the entire plant. On the other hand, the extract goes through a more robust process to ensure that only the most concentrated form of kratom is left behind.
The process of making the extract results in a product containing more alkaloids than powder. Thus, the same amounts of kratom powder and extract will not have the same potency. Due to the high alkaloid content of kratom extracts, it often appears darker in color.
Since kratom extract has a higher concentration of kratom per gram, it’s often the choice of many kratom users looking to get more potent effects of the substance. Kratom extract’s higher potency is the reason it is more expensive than kratom powder.
Kratom extract is also available in tinctures, oils, and pastes. Regardless of the form, extracts usually contain a more potent concentration of kratom. You might come across a ratio such as 2:1 on the label of a kratom extract on the drug store shelves. This ratio shows the strength of the extract versus its powder.
Kratom Uses And Benefits
People use kratom for several reasons. Its purported health benefits are extensive. However, many of these health benefits have not been scientifically proven. The lack of conclusive scientific studies about kratom has resulted in a limited understanding of its pharmacology. Nonetheless, there’s no shortage of anecdotal evidence lauding the effects of this substance.
Kratom has been noted to have some analgesic properties. This effect is the reason some consider it a great alternative to nicotine. It has also been marketed as a treatment for cough, anxiety, diabetes, etc.
When kratom enters the body system, it binds to the same receptors that opioids bind to. This is what causes it to produce some opioid-like effects. These effects can produce pain relief and sedation, depending on the dosage.
When consumption of kratom powder is in low doses, it produces some effects such as:
- Stimulates the brain
- Improves energy levels
- Better mood
- Dulls mild pain
- Improves social behavior
- Enhances sex drive and stamina
Due to its higher concentration of active alkaloids, kratom extract can cause more intense and longer-lasting effects. It helps manage both physical and mental issues like depression and pain. Besides these effects, kratom extract might also produce the following effects:
- Sedation
- Treatment for opiate withdrawal
- Manage chronic pain and inflammation
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Stimulation
Since it binds to the body’s opioid receptors, it’s often used by those undergoing opioid withdrawal. The desired results are best achieved with medical supervision.
Generally, some anecdotal evidence seems to show that kratom is also effective for managing blood pressure. If taken in a high dosage, kratom will cause intoxicating effects and heightened pleasure levels.
Side Effects Of Kratom
Kratom is generally safe to consume, but like every other herbal supplement, overdosing can cause some adverse effects. Mild side effects are most common and affect some first-time users. Some of these side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Mood changes
These side effects can be easily avoided if you adhere to the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines. If you feel like you are experiencing any of these side effects, revise your dosage and take a break from using kratom.
Prevention
To avoid these adverse effects, it’s best to stick to the lowest effective dose of kratom. Overdosing will most likely lead to these severe side effects. Also, it’s best to hydrate frequently when using kratom.
Kratom can cause you to feel thirsty and dehydrated, which might worsen the side effects. Thus, staying hydrated could help keep the side effects at bay.
A study of over 3000 kratom users showed that taking 5 g of kratom 22 or more times a week increases the chances of experiencing side effects. Out of all the side effects observed in the study, 20% were primarily stomach/gastrointestinal issues.
Prolonged use of kratom can also lead to dependence. Stopping its use after dependence is established would often lead to withdrawal symptoms akin to opioid withdrawal. These symptoms include muscle pain and hot flashes and might resolve in a few days. Kratom could also have unpleasant potential interactions with other drugs.
Legal Status Of Kratom
Kratom Legality in the United States
Kratom’s legal status in the United States varies by state, with regulations being added over time. As of 2024, kratom is legal in 44 US states, indicating a growing acceptance of its use. However, six states have either banned or restricted kratom due to concerns about its safety and potential for abuse.
State Regulations
States such as Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have implemented varying degrees of kratom regulation, ranging from outright bans to age restrictions and labeling requirements. Consumers need to stay informed about kratom laws in their respective states to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Types of Kratom Strains
The time and methods used to harvest a kratom tree result in different end products having different effects. There are different types of kratom strains on the market, all having different effects. However, there are three major strains: red, white, and green kratom. Besides these strains, however, there are several more strains available.
White Vein Kratom Strain
This kratom strain has the highest mitragynine content of all. To make this strain, the growers harvest the plant when it is young and still has white veins. After their harvest, they are brought indoors to dry in a dark space with no light.
The result is a mildly stimulating kratom strain that’s great for heightening alertness and boosting energy levels. This strain can be quite intense and thus is unsuitable for new users. White Elephant is a popular white vein kratom strain.
Red Vein Kratom Strain
Red vein kratom strain is the most popular and best-selling strain on the kratom market. It comes from fully mature kratom trees. After they harvest the mature trees, they dry the kratom leaves using abundant sunlight or UV lamps.
This process leaves this strain with the highest 7-hydroxymitragynine content. With this strain, users get to experience a mellow, calm effect. It is effective for pain relief and chronic pain management. Some popular red vein strains are Red Malay and Red Bali. Most kratom strains on the market start as red vein kratom.
Green Vein Kratom Strain
Green Bali and Green Malay are some popular green vein kratom strains. The growers harvest the Kratom in the middle of the tree’s growth cycle to get this strain. After its harvest, the plant is dried both indoors and outdoors.
First, it is dried indoors in a dark, air-conditioned room. Afterward, they dry in the sunlight. This strain produces a more subtle, stimulating effect. Users often claim that this strain improves focus and mental clarity.
Yellow Vein Kratom Strain
Unlike the other strains listed above, the yellow vein kratom strain does not come from a particular leaf color. The yellow vein kratom is usually a mix of two of the strains above. A yellow vein kratom strain is obtained from a blend of two or three colored strains. A unique fermentation process can also result in this strain.
Many users say this strain gives the most robust, well-rounded kratom experience. The Yellow Sunda strain is a popular strain that is a blend of 60% Red Vein Kratom and 40% Green Vein Kratom. This strain also alleviates malaise and social anxiety and provides energy boosts.
Conclusion: Kratom Extract vs Powder?
Kratom has many potential health benefits. However, only a small percentage of Americans use this substance, and there’s not much information about it. Thus, knowing the difference between powder and extract may be hard. Essentially, kratom extracts are more potent than their powder forms.
Buy from reputable brands to ensure you use a safe and potent product. Such brands carry out third-party tests of their products to verify their potency and safety. As a note of precaution, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional.
