While you may have an easy time answering how long the effects of coffee last, it’s not as easy to say it when it comes to kratom. Even though both come from the same plant family.
The reason for that is the numerous kratom alkaloids and their different half-lives and effects on the body. Because of that kratom half-life and duration can drastically differ between different strains.
There are also other factors such as your age that may influence how long kratom lasts.
To understand kratom half-life and duration, let’s first look at how kratom works.
How Does Kratom Work?
There are over 40 different active components in kratom, and many yet need to be studied and even identified. However, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are two of the most prominent kratom alkaloids that are responsible for most of the kratom’s effects.
Mitragynine is the most prominent of the alkaloids in kratom. It’s responsible for kratom’s stimulating and pain killing effects. That’s why it’s more abundant in the green vein and white vein strains. Taken in smaller doses mitragynine is stimulating, while in larger doses it’s more relaxing.
7-hydroxymitragynine is primarily sedating and analgesic. Therefore, it’s most abundant in red vein stains. It’s pain-relieving effects are stronger than those of mitragynine and even morphine.
Kratom alkaloids bind with the opioid receptors in the brain. This is one of the reasons for the arguments against kratom. Yet, kratom does not work in the same way as opioids and does not cause respiratory depression that can result in death.
What Is Kratom Half-Life?
Half-life is a term used to describe the length of time that the effects of any substance diminish by half. That is when one can feel the strongest effects of that substance.
Kratom-half life depends on the half-life of each of its alkaloids. And since their concentration varies in different types of kratom, the half-life of different strains will vary as well.
It’s been determined that the half-life of mitragynine is 3.85 +/- 1 hour. This signifies that it takes approximately 4-5 hours for the effects of mitragynine to wear off by half.
In the meantime, the half-life of 7-hydroxymitragynine is 2.5 +/- 0.7 hours. This means that the effects of 7-hydroxymitragynine diminish by half in about 2.5-3 hours. This is one of the main reasons why kratom users prefer to take 7-hydroxymitragynine-rich strains in smaller doses several times a day.
The Duration of Different Kratom Veins and Strains
It takes about 10-15 minutes on average for kratom to take effects. It may be longer for some strains or if you take kratom capsules. The effects will also kick in sooner if you take kratom on an empty stomach. After a meal, it may take up to an hour.
However, be careful about taking kratom on an empty stomach. Your body may not take it as well, especially if you are new to kratom.
The peak of the effects is generally reached 1.5 or 2.5 hours after taking kratom.
Typically, some green vein strains can last the longest (up to 8 hours). The duration of red vein strains is about 6 hours. Meanwhile, white vein strains last for the shortest period of time – around 4 hours.
But, don’t strictly rely on these numbers. Keep in mind that the effects will vary from strain to strain as well as based on the specifics of your body.
Kratom Duration: How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
While kratom half-life and effects will last for approximately 4-8 hours, this does not mean that kratom will have left your system this quickly. Kratom alkaloids still remain in your body even when you no longer feel their effects.
On average it takes about 24 hours for your body to flush out most of the kratom alkaloids. Yet, according to different studies in can take up to 5 or 6 days for your body to completely eliminate.
Kratom can still show on different tests even days after taking it. For instance, blood tests can detect it for 3-4 days while urine tests – for up to 7 days.
This is why kratom tolerance can develop after regular kratom use. To avoid it, we advise taking days off, alternating kratom strains, or taking longer breaks. Doing so can help make sure that the body does not create alkaloid buildup and you do not need to up your dose to feel the same effects.
If you notice that the same dose no longer works for you, it may be a good idea to make some changes in how you take kratom.
Factors that Influence How Long Kratom Effects Last
Kratom alkaloid half-life is not the only factor that affects kratom duration and half-life. There are other factors that also can influence it.
Genetics
Not each body is made the same way. You may have enzymes and other genetic factors that may make you capable of processing kratom faster.
Age
Older people generally have a slower elimination system. That happens due to a slower kidney function and other age-related changes in the body.
Because of that, older people will need longer for alkaloids to leave their system. That happens not only with kratom but any other substance, such as herbal supplements and medication.
Body Composition
We’ve observed that people will lower body fat percentage, for instance, athletes may be more sensitive to kratom. They may need a smaller dose and may start feeling kratom effects sooner.
Another factor to consider is that mitragynine is fat-soluble. This means that it can be absorbed by your body fat and stay in your system longer. If you have less body fat, kratom cannot be stored in your fat and your body will be able to flush it sooner.
Diet
You already know that kratom effects set in sooner if you take it on an empty stomach. The type of food that you eat and how much water you drink can affect kratom half-life and duration as well.
If you take kratom with a fatty meal, the fat in your food can help absorb kratom faster. Thus you’ll experience the effects sooner as well.
Your water intake will determine how long kratom alkaloids stay in your body. The more water you drink, the sooner you’ll be able to flush out kratom through your urine.
Can You Extend Kratom Duration and Half-Life?
There are different kratom potentiators that can make kratom effects stronger and longer. Some of these include citrus fruits and turmeric. Also, make sure that you store kratom properly so that it retains its potency.
Which kratom strain are you taking? How long is it’s duration and half-life?
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