What Is Speciogynine?
Speciogynine is an alkaloid found in kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). Alkaloids are an enormous class of molecules covering many common compounds like caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, and morphine. Alkaloids don’t typically share common chemical properties or pharmacological effects since the criteria for being an alkaloid are so lenient.
Specifically, speciogynine is a diastereoisomer of mitragynine, the most abundant psychoactive alkaloid in kratom.
Where Does Speciogynine Come From?
Speciogynine is naturally occurring in kratom, comprising approximately 6–8% of kratom’s alkaloid budget. It’s derived from mitragynine through the natural metabolic processes of the kratom plant.
Speciogynine is not well-studied, meaning its biological function in kratom is not well understood.
Which Kratom Strains Are Highest in Speciogynine?
Little is known about how speciogynine content differs between strains, but a general rule is that strains high in mitragynine are probably also high in speciogynine.
If you can’t find specific information about a strain’s mitragynine content, consider that mitragynine fuels kratom’s stimulative effects in low doses. Sticking to white-vein kratom and green-vein kratom is the best way to get strains with high concentrations of speciogynine.
Other primary kratom alkaloids include:
Related: Can Fertilizers Alter Kratom Alkaloids?
What Does Speciogynine Do?
Speciogynine is a minor constituent of kratom, making information about it scarce.
Scientists have only recently begun studying kratom’s alkaloid breakdown, and there are only a small number of studies that investigate its minor alkaloid pharmacology.
Pain Relief
Speciogynine is a weak opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it is partially responsible for kratom’s analgesic properties. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine are significantly more potent than speciogynine on their own, but speciogynine likely plays a significant role through its interaction with other kratom alkaloids.
Relaxant & Sleep-Supportive
Speciogynine also probably contributes to kratom’s relaxing properties.
Many kratom users report intense relaxation when taking kratom, especially in large doses and especially when taking red-vein strains. Kratom is used to relieve muscle tension, increasing its pain-relieving effectiveness and helping people sleep better.
Mild Stimulant
Kratom is stimulated in small doses, a property it primarily gets from mitragynine. Speciogynine is related to mitragynine, making it possible that speciogynine plays a small role in generating kratom’s stimulating effects.
This means speciogynine may contribute to the energy and focus enhancement benefits of kratom.
Is Speciogynine an Opiate?
Speciogynine is not an opiate, but it shares some important properties with opioids. Since speciogynine is an opioid receptor antagonist, it has pain-relieving effects resembling some opioids. This opioid-like activity is what makes kratom a popular alternative to opioid-based painkillers.
Another benefit of speciogynine is that its similarity to opioids makes kratom an effective treatment for opioid withdrawal. Kratom dulls the intense pain experienced by opioid users during withdrawal, making the symptoms more manageable and making it less likely that they will return to using opioids.
Is Speciogynine Safe?
Like most things, speciogynine is probably safe when used responsibly. Since people don’t take speciogynine by itself, using speciogynine safely comes down to taking kratom safely.
Experts recommend limiting weekly kratom use to fewer than four or five days to reduce the risk of dependence. Even though kratom is not an opioid, it has a similar potential for dependence. Taking extended breaks from kratom every one to two months is also recommended.
Side Effects of Speciogynine
The side effects of speciogynine are unknown, but most people take speciogynine via kratom, making kratom’s side effects relevant.
The most common side effects of kratom include dizziness, confusion, lethargy, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, and nausea.
Most kratom users say it is significantly more likely for someone to experience side effects when taking large doses, so limiting how much you take is the best way to avoid unpleasant side effects.
How Much Speciogynine Should I Take?
Again, since no one takes speciogynine isolates, proper dosing of speciogynine is unknown. People who are interested in taking speciogynine take kratom instead.
Most kratom users consider 1 to 3 grams to be a low dose. In this range, kratom is stimulating, with many users saying it provides a boost of energy, mental clarity, and improved cognition.
A moderate dose of kratom is between 3 and 5 grams for most strains. At this level, kratom is an even blend between stimulation and sedation. Many users find their sweet spot in this range, saying it makes them feel relaxed but not sleepy. Doses in this range are suitable for mild pain and general relaxation.
Even experienced kratom users consider anything above 6 grams to be a large dose, with few taking more than 10 grams of kratom at once. Kratom is intensely relaxing in large amounts, making these high doses suitable for treating severe pain and insomnia. Experienced users suggest only taking more than 6 grams of kratom at night since it is likely to make you tired.
How Long Do the Effects of Speciogynine Last?
Most kratom effects last from one to six hours, depending on the strain, dose, and individual metabolism. It is important to remember that kratom stays in your body at detectable levels for up to several days, even after no longer feeling any effects.
Also see: How Long Does it Take for Kratom to Kick In?
Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts On Speciogynine
Speciogynine is a minor alkaloid in kratom that likely plays a crucial role in creating kratom’s analgesic effects. Not much is known about speciogynine’s pharmacological properties, but research suggests a mild opioid receptor antagonist.
Taking speciogynine alone is not practical, so most people interested in experiencing its effects take kratom instead. Having a long-term healthy relationship with kratom depends on managing your dose and frequency to avoid addiction. Experienced users recommend taking regular breaks and limiting your weekly use.