Laboratory Test Results

Laboratory research into kratom is specialist work. The measured values can differ from laboratory to laboratory due to the analytical method used, sample preparation, equipment, calibration and processing of the measurement data.

That is why we have had samples from the same batch investigated by several specialised laboratories. When selecting a laboratory, we do not look at the highest reported result, but primarily at the consistency, transparency and repeatability of the measurements.

A higher result does not automatically mean that an analysis is more accurate. For us, it is more important that individual substances are correctly distinguished from one another and that results are determined in a reliable and consistent manner.

Kratom contains several natural alkaloids. Mitragynine is usually the most common alkaloid and is therefore often used to compare different batches chemically.

We have the following alkaloids investigated:

• mitragynine
• 7-hydroxymitragynine
• paynantheine
• speciogynine
• speciociliatine

These alkaloids are measured and reported separately. The values of the other measured alkaloids may not be added to the measured amount of mitragynine and then presented as a single mitragynine percentage.

When a report states 1.33% mitragynine, for example, the mitragynine content remains 1.33%. The other values provide additional information about the broader alkaloid profile of the batch.

The mitragynine content of plant material can vary naturally. Origin, season, harvest time, storage, drying and further processing can all influence the final composition. A colour name such as red, green, white or yellow does not automatically guarantee a particular mitragynine percentage.

7-Hydroxymitragynine can occur in very low concentrations and can also arise or increase through oxidation and certain forms of processing and storage. Its presence therefore cannot be attributed solely to fermentation.

Why a higher percentage is sometimes reported

The five tested alkaloids are chemically distinct substances. Only actually measured mitragynine should be reported as the mitragynine content.

First, individual alkaloids may be incorrectly added together by a seller or producer. For example, when 1.33% mitragynine and 0.26% paynantheine are combined, a total of 1.59% is created. It is incorrect to then present this as 1.59% mitragynine. The actual mitragynine content in this example remains 1.33%.

Chromatographic co-elution can also play a role: when measurement peaks of substances with similar properties overlap, part of another substance is unintentionally counted as mitragynine. This can be caused by the analytical method, equipment, sample preparation or data processing, and does not have to be intentional.

We do not assess a batch solely on the basis of the mitragynine percentage. A good assessment requires more context.

That is why we look at, among other things:

• the measured mitragynine content
• the profile of the other alkaloids investigated
• the analytical method used
• the detection and quantification limits
• the separation of individual alkaloids
• the repeatability of the measurement
• the representativeness of the sample tested
• the results of additional quality studies

A laboratory value is an objective measurement of the chemical composition of the sample tested. However, the value does not fully predict how a product is experienced subjectively. The broader alkaloid profile, homogeneity, fineness, freshness and storage conditions can also play a role.

We only communicate values that actually appear in the analysis report for the batch in question.

The plant matrix of kratom is complex. Different compounds can be close to each other during analysis or be measured partly at the same time. When these substances are not properly separated from each other, a result can unintentionally turn out too high or too low.

Possible causes of differences include:

• variation within the sampled batch
• weighing or dilution differences
• differences in sample preparation
• reference standards used
• settings and maintenance of the equipment
• insufficient separation of individual substances
• degradation of standards
• contamination or carry-over effects in the analysis system
• differences in calculation and reporting

For this reason, it is not responsible to compare laboratories solely on the basis of the highest result. Consistent measurement results and a clear separation of the different alkaloids are more important to us.

Plants can absorb metals from the soil and water. The concentrations found can therefore differ per region, farm and batch.

Depending on the chosen analysis package, the following can be investigated:

• arsenic (As)
• cadmium (Cd)
• lead (Pb)
• mercury (Hg)
• manganese (Mn)

When assessing a report, we distinguish between:

• not detected: the substance was not found above the detection limit
• below the limit of quantification: the amount cannot be reliably determined
• detected and quantified: the concentration could be reliably measured
• meets the product specification: the measured value falls within the predefined assessment limit

“Not determined” means that no result is available for that substance. This must not be interpreted as “not present”.

A result below the limit of quantification is also not automatically the same as a general safety assessment. For that, the measured value must be assessed against a predefined and applicable product specification.

When assessing suppliers and origins, research into pesticide residues can be carried out. The testing frequency is adjusted according to origin, previous results, known risks and the reliability of the supplier.

When a supplier achieves consistent results over a longer period, risk-based monitoring can be introduced. This may consist of periodic studies and random checks.

When a deviation is found, this may lead to additional research, blocking of the batch and a new assessment of the supplier.

We only state that a specific batch has been investigated for pesticides when a corresponding analysis report is available.

Plant-based powders can become microbiologically contaminated during harvesting, drying, processing, storage or packaging. Depending on the chosen analysis package, the following can therefore be investigated:

• Salmonella
• Listeria monocytogenes
• yeasts and moulds
• coliform bacteria
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• total plate count

Salmonella is an important point of attention for plant-based products. When Salmonella is detected in a tested batch, the batch in question is blocked and not released.

For microbiological results, we do not only look at “detected” or “not detected”, but also at the method used, the amount of sample material tested and the reporting limit of the test.

We only report microbiological results that have actually been reported by the laboratory for the batch in question.

Our goal is not to be able to state the highest possible percentage. We want to use analysis results to compare batches honestly and to monitor quality as consistently as possible.

That is why we critically examine the method, the individual measured values and the coherence between the different results. A strikingly high result is not automatically seen as positive, but can be precisely the reason to check the analysis or the batch in question more closely.

Transparency is paramount. We only adopt measured values that appear in the original analysis report and do not alter or combine results to create a more favourable percentage.