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Kratom’s an ancient and well-loved plant globally. For centuries in Southeast Asia, it helped folks relax **and** get a burst of energy. It’s pretty useful for easing pain and lifting spirits. Plus, people find it handy for many other things!
In recent decades, Kratom has grown significantly in popularity, expanding to the West with tens of millions of consumers enjoying everything this botanical has to offer.
But for those needing a stronger therapeutic or recreational effect, the search for the strongest Kratom remains a top priority.
In this guide we discuss the strongest Kratom strains, giving you the inside track on the most potent Kratom on today’s market.
But be warned, these strains pack a heck of a punch and should be used responsibly.
The Strongest Kratom on the Market – the Hunt for the Right Strain
Kratom comes in many different strains, each with their own unique characteristics. When it comes to which strain is the strongest, there are several factors to consider.
What Makes a Kratom Strain Potent?
ALKALOIDS
First and foremost, one must consider the alkaloid content of the strain. 37 different alkaloids have been isolated from Mitragyna, and each strain of Kratom contains different levels of active alkaloids. The most common are mitragynine (MG), 7-hydroxymitragynine (HMG), speciociliatine (SC), speciogynine (SG) and paynantheine (P).1
Different strains will contain different levels of these alkaloids, and the higher the concentration of these alkaloids, the more powerful their effects are. The most powerful strains of Kratom will contain a high concentration of all these alkaloids, but pay special attention to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine content.
VEIN OR VARIETY OF KRATOM
Next, one must also consider the type of Kratom. There are three main varieties of Kratom available: red veins, green veins, and white veins. Red vein Kratom is known for its relaxing and calming effects, while White veins provide a more energizing and stimulating experience. Green veins typically sit somewhere in the middle, providing a balanced energy and heightened sense of well-being.
SOURCING AND REGION
One must also take into account where the Kratom is sourced. Kratom grown in more remote regions of Southeast Asia can be more potent than those grown in less widely distributed areas.
Kratom that is grown in a secluded place where it has access to more concentrated nutrients in its environment is more likely to contain higher levels of active alkaloids and offer a stronger experience. Older studies have shown that Thailand initially boasted Kratom with the highest levels of alkaloids, with about 66% of the total alkaloid content comprised of mitragynine, with Malaysian strains trailing behind at about 12%. This is no longer necessarily the case, with new breeding methods and strains.1
QUALITY
The quality of Kratom can have a significant impact on its potency. From purity, to freshness, buying from a reputable vendor is an important factor when looking for the most potent strains.
So Which Strain or Strains of Kratom are the Strongest?
Although there is no definitive answer to this question, there are some strains that are generally recognized as being the most powerful.
These strain include Maeng Da, Bali and Bentuangie Kratom.
1. Maeng Da Kratom
Maeng Da Kratom is a powerful strain of the widely popular Kratom plant. It is one of the most widely used Kratom strains, derived from the mature leaves of the Kratom tree. Maeng Da is known for its potent effects and high levels of multiple psychoactive alkaloids, including the two strongest (MG and HMG), making it one of the strongest strains available.1,2
History of Maeng Da
Maeng Da originated in Thailand from strands of Kratom that were cross-bred over time for heightened potency. However, you will now find these potent Maeng Da plants grown throughout all of Southeast Asia and other locations were Kratom is cultivated.
Maeng Da has become popular among Kratom users due to its more intense effects compared to other Kratom strains. Maeng Da powder often has a darker color than other Kratom strains, which is indicative of its higher alkaloid content.
Where it Gets its Name
The name “Maeng Da” translates from Thai to mean “Pimp Grade”, giving homage to it having some of the highest potency compared to other Kratom strains. It is also second only to Bali Kratom in terms of popularity. Maeng Da has been said to produce both stimulating and sedating effects, providing powerful energy levels with a sense of heightened focus.
Maeng Da Effects
The principal alkaloids included in Maeng Da Kratom include the highest amounts of mitragyinine than other strains, as well as the extremely potent 7-hydroxymitragynine, speciogynine, speciocilatine, and paynanthiene.1,2
The analgesic, or pain-blocking, effects of the plant when taken are thought to be mostly caused by their interaction with our mu-opioid receptors. According to research, mitragyinine has a pain-blocking effect about a third as powerful as morphine, but 7-hydroxymitragynine can be about 13 times stronger than morphine and 46 times stronger than MG. Even a little can go a long way in treating pain, and Maeng Da has more HMG than many other strains.1,2
Given the strength of this strain, many users describe a very calming, even sleepy, effect. Other effects mentioned by users include: improved mood, intense relaxation, deep relaxing feeling, reduced tension and concern, euphoria, and more.
The stimulating effects of Maeng Da Kratom can be felt in a few minutes and last for several hours. It has traditionally been used to combat fatigue and to provide a boost of energy for manual labor tasks. Maeng Da is also said to be useful for relieving stress, managing chronic pain and improving motivation levels.
What Makes This Kratom Strain the Strongest?
Alkaloids from Red Maeng Da
Several significant variables account for the precise concentration of alkaloids found in Red Maeng Da powder, including: where, how, when, and how old the each tree is when the leaves are ready to be harvested.1
About 0.5-1.5% of the plant’s mass in Kratom is made up of alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most common. The total yield of alkaloids in the leaves of Maeng Da can be up to 1.5% of the mass, and most of this is MG with a healthy dose of HMG. Notably, Malaysian versions of this strain often contain less mitragynine.1,2
Related: THESE Strains are the BEST for Pain Relief
Potency and Dosing: Take it Easy
Due to its potency levels, it is important to be careful when taking Maeng Da. Ensure you are aware of the dose you are taking and if you are taking it for a specific reason. Some people report unpleasant side effects at higher doses, such as stomach and headaches, so caution is advised. Maeng Da is also thought to be more addictive than other Kratom strains, and those with a predisposition to addiction should avoid using it in large amounts.
Despite its potential risks, the high potency of Maeng Da Kratom makes it a popular choice among many Kratom users, who are seeking the most powerful effects available. Some users may find that they need to experiment with doses and certain strains of Kratom in order to find the combination that works best for them. Maeng Da is a strong, powerful, and versatile strain, so it is important to understand the effects it can have before taking it.
Types of Maeng Da Kratom
Red: Red Maeng Da Kratom is preferred for its potent analgesic and strong sedative properties, as well as its euphoric effects when taken at moderate to higher doses. It’s a powerful strain for deep relaxation, sleep, calming, and soothing.
White: White Maeng Da is an energetic Kratom that offers a strong stimulating effect that many find great for social activities, physical energy, mental stimulation, and more. Think of white vein Kratom as an energy drink with the added benefits of Kratom’s many other effects.
Green: Green Maeng Da offers the best of red and white strains without being too energetic or too drowsy and relaxing. It’s a perfect middle ground for those who need a strong strain that won’t leave them too jittery or too lethargic.
2. Bentuangie Kratom
One of the strongest Kratom strains is Bentuangie, a brownish-red strain that is said to produce a potent sense of calm, relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. This strain gets its potency as much from how it’s cultivated as from how its processed.
To make Bentuangie Kratom, the leaves are harvested and then dried before they can be used to make Kratom powder or capsules. The drying process removes any moisture from the leaves, allowing them to ferment naturally.
The fermentation process that distinguishes Bentuangie Kratom from other Kratom varieties is called aging. During this process, the leaves are placed in air-tight containers and left in a warm and humid environment for several months. It is during this time that the Kratom alkaloids transform, creating a unique chemical composition. This transformation results in a specific alkaloid profile that has been found to contain higher levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine.
It is this unique fermentation process which makes Bentuangie Kratom so potent.
History and Name
Bentuangie Kratom, in particular, is known for its uniquely relaxing properties. Its unique alkaloid profiles and coloration have earned it the nickname ‘Red Vein’ and it is said to produce feelings of peacefulness and well-being. It is most often found in red vein Kratom powders and capsules and has earned a name for itself among Kratom enthusiasts as one of the most calming strains of the plant.
Dosing and Effects
At low to moderate doses, Bentuangie Kratom is reported by users to alleviate physical pain, reduce nervous tension, eliminate stress, and improve mood and focus. It can be taken on an as-needed basis or taken regularly (depending on individual needs and preferences).
At higher doses, the effects of Bentuangie Kratom can become quite sedative, making it unsuitable for use during daytime activities. At lower doses, it tends to be more stimulating both mentally and physically.
Due to its potency, it can cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches if not taken responsibly. It is therefore important to be aware of individual responses to the herb and adjust the dosage accordingly.
Ultimately, Bentuangie Kratom can offer a good measure of relief to those suffering from physical and/or mental distress, making it an attractive option for many people who require stronger effects than with other strains.
3. Other Potent Strains Worth Exploring
Red Bali
Red Bali also ranks among the stronger Kratom strains. This strain is made from the dried leaves of the red-veined Kratom tree and has one of the highest concentrations of alkaloids of any type of Kratom. The alkaloid mainly responsible for the effects is mitragynine, but like Ma Daeng, it, too, packs a decent HMG punch.1,2 These compounds bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and produces both sedation and pain relief.1 As a result, it’s often been used to treat chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
White Borneo
White Borneo is the next strongest Kratom strain. It is harvested from the same plant as Red Bali, but with a different technique. Harvesting the leaves when they are still green, they are dried and ground into a fine powder before being consumed. White Borneo has a lower alkaloid content than Red Bali and Ma Daeng, and produces a more stimulating and energizing effect.1,2 As with Red Bali, it’s often used for pain relief and anxiety, but it also provides more of an energizing boost. This makes it suitable for use during the day when you need to stay alert and focused.
Kali Kratom
Kali Kratom is a lesser-known strain of Kratom, but it is one of the strongest. It’s harvested from a slightly different variety of the Kratom tree, and its alkaloid content is slightly higher than the other strains. It produces strong sedative and analgesic effects, making it useful for the relief of severe pain and insomnia. However, this strain can be quite potent and should be used with caution, as it could cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
The Strongest Kratom Strains Summary
Kratom is gaining more and more attention as of late, as its therapeutic and recreational properties have become more well-known. Kratom is made from the leaves of an evergreen tree in the coffee family and contains a chemical called mitragynine, which is thought to be the primary active ingredient. Kratom is available in a variety of strains, each of which have their own unique chemical makeup and associated effects. In this article, we took a look at the strongest Kratom strains, helping give you insight into which pack the biggest punch.
In conclusion, some strains of Kratom are more potent than others. The strains mentioned in this guide are powerful options that can be used for a wide range of purposes, but they should be used with caution due to the very fact that they can be quite strong. Ultimately, the best strain of Kratom for you will depend on your individual needs and stronger isn’t necessarily better.
References
1. Adkins JE, Boyer EW, McCurdy CR. Mitragyna speciosa, a psychoactive tree from Southeast Asia with opioid activity. Curr Top Med Chem. 2011;11(9):1165-1175.
2. Fowble KL, Musah RA. A validated method for the quantification of mitragynine in sixteen commercially available Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) products. Forensic Sci Int. 2019;299:195-202.
