Fermented Kratom: A Unique Twist on Traditional Kratom

As a kratom enthusiast, you probably have heard of fermented kratom. Fermented kratom leaves undergo a fermentation process that alters their alkaloid profile. When this happens, it tends to give a unique experience that is slightly more potent in offering relaxation and sedation effects than standard kratom.

The above paragraph seems to have given you a clue as to what kratom fermentation is, but there is much more to be learned about this type of kratom. As you read on, you will find out what makes it different from the regular kratom you already know and the potential benefits and effects you can expect from fermented kratom strains.

What is Fermented Kratom?

From a layman’s point of view, fermentation is the process whereby bacteria, yeasts, and other microorganisms act on a substance to break down its chemical composition. By relating this to kratom, it means the breakdown of kratom leaves through fermentation alters the alkaloid makeup.

Many of you have heard of Bentuangie kratom or chocolate kratom before, but if you haven’t, it’s a rare type of fermented kratom known for its high potency. This uncommon version undergoes traditional fermentation, thus giving it stronger relaxation and sedative effects compared to what you get from your traditional kratom.

Today, some kratom producers are seeing the need to apply different fermentation techniques to give kratom a new and unique experience compared to traditional strains.

The Goal Behind Kratom Fermentation

There is a goal behind everything. Come to think of it, fermenting kratom requires extra time and effort. If there are no gains, no producer would want to waste time going through this route.

Below are the reasons for kratom fermentation:

• Changes in Alkaloid Profile: Since the biological process of kratom fermentation is done without oxygen, this process can transform its alkaloids. This transformation helps support the conversion of mitragynine to 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OHM). 7-OHM is kratom’s powerful minor alkaloid, which is believed to support relaxation and sedation.
• Improved Absorption: Kratom fermentation does two basic things: breaking down complex compounds to increase the bioavailability of kratom alkaloids and reducing interference with absorption. This potentially allows the body to get the most from the kratom.

The Process of Creating Fermented Kratom

Whether you are preparing fermented kratom or standard leaf, it all starts by first harvesting the leaves from the tree. Below are the steps on how to ferment kratom:

Harvesting

The first step is to harvest the leaves.

Fermentation

Fermentation is done by packing the freshly harvested leaves in large plastic bags and storing them in a warm, dark environment. Depending on the desired level of fermentation, this process can last for 24 to 72 hours.

Note: The duration of fermentation and the conditions under which it is done can produce varying results. The longer the leaves stay in the bag, the more bacteria act on them to transform alkaloids in the natural chemical process.

Drying

The last stage is drying, which can take from 24 hours to 72 hours. For this stage, the leaves are removed from the bag and spread for drying. Traditionally, drying is done outdoors by exposing the leaves to sunlight. However, with the global attention that kratom is getting, innovation is setting in, and indoor drying is now possible by using indoor machines.

Fermentation and Alkaloid Conversion: How Does This Happen?

The two major alkaloids of kratom are mitragynine (which makes up about 60% of the total alkaloids in kratom) and 7-hydroxymitragynine (which makes up about 2%).

Now, while 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OHM) makes up just about 2% of the total alkaloids found in kratom, it is believed to be over ten times stronger than mitragynine and more calming and sedating in terms of the effects that it offers.

During kratom fermentation, biochemical alteration can occur, and this can change the level of these alkaloids, causing variations in the effects and potency of kratom. During fermentation, enzymes are produced by microorganisms through oxidation, and this can convert mitragynine into other alkaloids, such as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OHM) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MP). As this transformation increases the level of 7-OHM, it may enhance the relaxing and sedating properties of kratom.

Is it Necessary to Ferment Kratom?

Kratom fermentation is not an essential step to take during processing. The majority of the kratom available on the market doesn’t undergo fermentation but still offers a wide range of effects and benefits. The major reason for fermentation is to produce more relaxing and sedating kratom strains.

Therefore, if your main reason for taking kratom is to get more potent or sedative effects, taking a fermented one might be a good choice for you. However, if you are not so concerned about the relaxing and sedating effects of kratom, you might be better off sticking with regular kratom.

Does Fermented Kratom Carry Additional Risks?

Fermented kratom does not appear to carry many additional risks when compared to regular kratom. This being said, regular kratom carries a range of minor to severe adverse effects and risks that can especially increase with higher dosages and when mixing with certain substances, drugs, and medications.

In addition to these side effects, the risk of habit formation and tolerance is the same for both regular and fermented kratom.

Conclusion

Fermented kratom is a special variety of kratom that involves the breakdown and alteration of kratom’s alkaloid profile. This process tends to increase the sedating qualities of kratom, making it sought after by users seeking stronger effects in this area.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.