Alkaloids, Kratom Guides

Ciliaphylline: Everything To Know About This Kratom Alkaloid

With more and more research on kratom and the active alkaloids that produce its effects, experts are learning about the benefits of major alkaloids, like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. However, little research has been dedicated to the minor kratom alkaloids, including ciliaphylline.

In this article, we’ll explain ciliaphylline’s possible effects on the body, the side effects associated with its use, and what the average dose is.

Written by Audrey Webber
Last Updated 2 years ago

Audrey Webber

Anthropologist & Freelance Writer

What Is Ciliaphylline?

Ciliaphylline is a minor alkaloid that is found naturally in the kratom tree. Alkaloids are compounds that contain nitrogen and have an effect on the human body when consumed. Some alkaloids — like mitragynine — interact with opioid receptors, while others are antiparasitics, natural relaxants, or stimulants.

Unfortunately, very little is known about ciliaphylline other than that it is a minor alkaloid in kratom and similar in structure to another minor kratom alkaloid, rhynchociline. There has been little to no research on the effects of these compounds or their overall safety.

Where Does Ciliaphylline Come From?

Ciliaphylline is produced naturally by the Mitragyna speciosa tree, more commonly referred to as the “kratom tree.” This plant grows in Southeast Asia and has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide array of ailments. Some research suggests that this alkaloid is not in the kratom tree’s leaves, so it’s possible that this alkaloid plays no role in the effects kratom has on the body [1].

Which Kratom Strains Are Highest in Ciliaphylline?

As mentioned above, experts believe that ciliaphylline appears in parts of the kratom tree that humans don’t consume. As such, it’s unlikely that any kratom strains contain any significant concentration of ciliaphylline.

What Does Ciliaphylline Do & How Does It Work?

Very little is known about the effects of ciliaphylline, especially as it pertains to kratom, since consumable kratom comes from leaves that don’t contain this alkaloid.

However, some evidence suggests that ciliaphylline could play a role as an anticonvulsant, meaning it might be helpful for treating epilepsy and preventing seizures [2]. Additionally, it’s believed to be a natural antibacterial, so it might help treat certain infections. It’s important to note that these effects could be due to other compounds in Mitragyna inermis plants, which is the ciliaphylline-containing plant responsible for these effects.

Hopefully, with more research on kratom and its minor alkaloids, we will understand the role of ciliaphylline better in the future.

What Other Plants Contain Ciliaphylline?

Currently, only plants belonging to the Rubiaceae family and, more specifically, the Mitragyna genus appear to contain ciliaphylline. Even in these plants, it is considered a minor alkaloid and occurs in small concentrations.

Is Ciliaphylline an Opiate?

No, ciliaphylline is not an opiate. Although there is no substantial research to conclude the role of ciliaphylline in the human body, kratom is not an opiate, meaning its many alkaloids are not opiates.

Is Ciliaphylline Safe?

There is no research available to confirm whether or not ciliaphylline is safe to consume, although kratom, which contains trace amounts of this alkaloid, is generally considered safe. This is especially true for users who limit weekly consumption to five or six days and monthly consumption to three weeks.

Side Effects of Ciliaphylline

Despite kratom being relatively safe, some side effects come from the alkaloids contained within it, including ciliaphylline. Addiction is the most severe of these side effects, but you can limit the risk of dependency by taking tolerance breaks every week and longer ones every month, as mentioned above.

Some additional side effects are listed below:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Lethargy
  • Mental fog
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting

How Much Ciliaphylline Should I Take?

Ciliaphylline has been isolated from kratom plants, but it’s not sold as a standalone compound. Furthermore, ciliaphylline doesn’t appear in any substantial concentration in kratom leaves, which is the part of the plant that humans consume. As such, there is no recommended dose of ciliaphylline, and most kratom users likely won’t consume any.

That said, we’ll include some typical dosing recommendations for kratom powder below:

How Long Do the Effects of Ciliaphylline Last?

Unfortunately, we don’t yet know how ciliaphylline affects the human body, nor do we know how long it lasts. Kratom’s overall effects last between one and five hours in most cases, depending on the dose, but these are attributed to major alkaloids and not to ciliaphylline.

Wrapping Up: The Potential of Kratom Alkaloids Like Ciliaphylline

While we know very little about ciliaphylline and several other minor alkaloids contained within kratom, the overall effects of the plant, when consumed, are generally positive. The 50+ alkaloids in kratom powder combine to produce the total effect, but it’s unlikely that ciliaphylline plays any significant role in how kratom interacts with the body.

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