Extract Guide
While typically not as well-rounded as the plain leaf in effects, kratom extracts can certainly serve a purpose for those with chronic pain or other debilitating conditions in which the plain leaf will not suffice.
There are a large variety of different types of extracts with varying effects, based upon both the method of extraction as well as the base plant material used to make them. Read below to learn about these different extract types.
Water-Based Extracts
Water-based kratom extracts are by far the most common variety. As the name implies, the extract is performed by: dissolving a portion of alkaloids into water, straining the powder, and evaporating the water. This process leaves a brownish, more alkaloid-concentrated version of the plain leaf behind.
Water extracts are commonly referred to with an ‘x’ (e.g. 10x, 25x), which implies how much plain leaf material was used to create the same weight of resulting extract. Sadly, these figures are nearly always incorrect due to vendor dishonesty.
Pros:
- More alkaloid-concentrated than plain leaf
- Can be used in addition to plain leaf to potentiate effects
- Relatively side-effect free in comparison to resin and full-spectrum extracts
- More stimulating than the plain-leaf base material
- Ability to dissolve in water
Cons:
- Must be taken in conjunction with some plain leaf for best effects
- Not a well-rounded extract in terms of effects (less pain-killing effect and sedation)
- High price per potency
- Can increase tolerance rapidly
Kratom Resin Extracts
In comparison to water-based extractions, kratom resin extractions have a much more well-rounded profile of effects. These extracts are typically performed by extracting kratom with both a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent; a simple example of this would be water and ethanol. Like the water extract, the powder is strained and the alkaloid saturated non-polar/polar solvent is left to dry.
Pros:
- Full-spectrum of effects
- Ease of use
- Easy storage
- High potency per weight
Cons:
- More expensive than plain leaf
- Side-effects to potency ratio comparable to plain leaf
- Temperature sensitive (melts in minor heat)