With time, an increasing percentage of people are shifting towards herbal remedies as substitutes to western medicine. Two of these herbal products include Kratom and Akuamma.
These two plants are the town talks in the world of potent herbs. Both these plants and their products are becoming significantly popular for their therapeutic effects everywhere. Their consumption is growing daily as they are being used for personal and professional uses. However, many still hesitate to buy and use these products due to a lack of knowledge and proven research.
The interesting part, however, is that both herbs have similar properties and compositions. Then, what exactly are the differences between the two? What makes one herb preferable over the other? It’s important to know the individual properties of Kratom and Akuamma and comprehend their similarities and their differences before you choose the one that’s best for you.
What is Kratom?
Also known as Mitragyna Speciosa in scientific terms, it is a herbal plant that originates in the tropical countries of Southeast Asia. It was first used as a common supplement for folk medicine in Southeast Asian countries but is now famous in western countries too because of its psychotherapeutic properties.
Traditionally, raw leaves of the plant were chewed on to derive their properties. Currently, you can find numerous products of this plant in the market, such as powder or ground form, capsules, and even tea.
Powder
A psychoactive herb that is made by powdering leaves from the Speciosa trees is called Kratom Powder. Recently, the power of the plant has earned fame and continues to be more and more popular day by day in the US, Canada, and Europe.
Capsules
In this shape, it is wrapped in gelatin capsules. These capsules are similar to the medicinal ones, which melt after they are consumed, and the internal material is easily assimilated inside.
Tea
This tea is used in the form of small whole leaves and the finer form. Tea enthusiasts generally prefer its loose-leaf tea because a stronger aroma and flavor are imparted to water using leaves.
What is Akuamma?
Once again, this is also a plant that grows in African countries’ tropical regions, including Ghana, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast. Native to African culture, this plant has been used for traditional medicinal purposes by the Africans for decades. For this reason, it is called native African folk medicine. The plant is scientifically known as Picralima Nitida.
While the whole plant, from the roots to the flower, is utilized in its originating regions; the seeds are the part of the plant that is particularly used in products outside Africa. Other than ingestion, natives also use the plant for the production of everyday products and poisons. This potent plant is directly consumed by eating seeds, or it is further processed into the ground or powdered form to ensure further ease of consumption.
This plant consists of alkaloids such as Akuammidine, Akuammicine, Pseudoakuammigine, Akuammigine, and Pericine. These chemical properties account for the relieving and antiparasitic properties, etc.
Kratom Vs. Akuamma: Key Differences
While both herbs have somewhat similar properties when ingested, they’re still primarily different from each other. Kratom and Akuamma differ from each other for all the following properties:
Derivatives of Plants
Akuamma and Kratom are different plants. But that’s not where their contrasts end. The entire Picralima plant, including the roots, stem, flowers, leaves, and seeds, is used in the processed therapeutic products as well as for other purposes. On the other hand, for the second one, only its leaves are utilized to tap out its full beneficial potential.
Effects
Mitragyna, with its three types, provides a range of benefits from its analgesic to energy-boosting properties. Alternatively, Akuamma might share similar benefits but it does not include all of the benefits of the Speciosa herb in its products. In other words, it has the same benefits as the red-vein type but lacks the beneficial elements of white-vein and green-vein types.
Dosage
The dosage of Kratom and Akuamma supplements depends on individual preference of usage. Although, a small dosage of the Southeast Asian potent herb concedes more effects than the same amount dosage of the potent African herb. As a result, this means that Akuamma has mild effects, and for increased results, a higher dosage is recommended while a relatively lesser dosage of the first plant can do the job by delivering the same potent effect.
Duration of Lasting Effects
There is yet to be concrete evidence on which herbal product has an increased tendency of long-term effects. Normally, it is said that the effects of Mitragyna products can last longer i.e., for several hours. Meanwhile, Nitida effects are known to be comparatively shorter in duration.
Legality
The Southeast Asian plant is not legal in several countries, including specific regions of the US and Canada. But, the African plant does not have to face legality issues and can easily be bought and used around the world in different countries.
However, it is important to note that kratom, as of now, is much more readily available in markets than Nitida. Consequently, this means that it is tested by third-party references which decreases the chances of false vendors and makes its products more reliable to consume.
Chemical Composition
The Kratom plant contains tons of alkaloids, the most well-known of which are 7-Hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine for their analgesic properties. The two active alkaloids of the Akuamma plant are Akuammine and Pericine. Akuammine is structurally similar to mitragynine, which can be why both herbs share similar therapeutic properties.
Types of Kratom
Furthermore, kratom is typically divided into three main types- red-vein, green-vein, and white-vein; according to the color of the veins, the stem of the leaves, and its primary usage. In general, red-vein products are the most common type, especially for those who are just starting with the plant. Let’s discuss the types in detail:
Red-Vein Kratom
This type is made from leaves that have red veins and stems. The color of this kind emanates due to an array of factors which include location, quality, method of harvesting exposure to sunlight, and others. Red-vein type is considered more popular among all strains because of its mind relaxation and mood-enhancing properties.
Consequently, it is also generally recommended for beginners who want to enjoy the benefits of kratom. Considering the harvesting and growing procedure of this type, the trees are grown for a limited period until they become mature. Afterward, the leaves are plucked and are dried according to the standard procedure. Lastly, they are powdered or ground for consumption.
Another dominating property of the red vein type is that it is not a stimulant. So, it is ideal for the consumption of those individuals who do not want an addiction as a consequence. This type is ideal for a good night’s sleep if a small dose is consumed. Also, this type has the properties of stopping or halting the ability of discomfort-sensing neurons. The Red-vein type could also be categorized into four more strains which include Red Indo, Red Sumatra, Red Bali, and Red Maeng Da.
White-Vein kratom
White-vein type is also an important strain, which helps in increasing energy levels, causing euphoria and enhancing motivation. Considering the growing or farming of this type, the trees in the South East Asian countries are grown. Afterward, the leaves are harvested and are dried for a small amount of time under sunlight to retain the iconic white color and the specifically distinct alkaloid level in the leaves. Lastly, they are ground into a fine powder.
Comparatively, this white-vein type is a stronger strain as compared to other strains which cause stimulation. The white-vein strain acts as a reliever and causes efficacy as it is also relatively more efficient to impart long-lasting effects.
Green-Vein kratom
The Green-vein type is also a mild strain that acts as a mood booster by smoothing the consumer’s thought process. By consuming a small dose of this green vein type, long-lasting effects could be felt and enjoyed.
Considering the manufacturing procedure of this type, it follows the standard steps but it is kept away from sunlight in storage rooms to retain its color and the specific alkaloid composition. Green Vein strain can be further categorized into more types which include Green Hulu Kapuas, Green Bali, Green Maeng Da, Green Malay, Green Brunei, and Green Sunda.
Types of Akuamma
Considering Akuamma, this plant’s derivative also comes in different forms with its increasing usage. Commonly, you’ll be able to find its seeds and powder readily available in markets. But those who are skeptical about the powder’s components could buy the seeds themselves and grind them to make the powder themselves at home.
Production Process For Kratom
The raw Kratom leaves are obtained naturally from the plant, but their conversion to the refined form involves a series of procedures. Not only this, but it undergoes different technical processes in different continents. After the final production, the end product is a completely new botanical substance with properties different from its raw form.
Initial Process: Growing or Farming of the Mitragyna Speciosa Tree
The Southeast Asian countries, which include Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are the ideal locations for the growth of Speciosa trees as humid tropical rainforests are present here. The trees grow in open and fertile soil where sunlight is in abundance to the height of more than 80 feet. It has large, green, and glossy leaves, which are processed after they had grown to a certain age and size.
Intermediate Process: Harvesting the Leaves
The leaves of this plant can have differences in color, size, and effectiveness, or potency. Due to variation in qualities of the leave, red, green, and white types are obtained post-processing. It is important to know that the time of harvest impacts the concentration of alkaloids in the herb’s leaves, responsible for the properties of the final product. Other than these factors, the amount of sunlight and genetics account for differences in color and characteristics.
Final Process: Purification, Drying, and Powdering
After the collection of leaves, farmers clean them under running water to dispose of the debris. This is a critical step because once leaves are powdered, tracing dirt and dust becomes cumbersome as it requires lab testing.
The leaves are then left for drying on large racks under direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight also determines the alkaloid concentration in the leaves.
After drying to pacify the farmer’s satisfaction, the leaves are ground to powder for direct consumption or are further filled in tablets for better ease of consumption.
Post Processing: Packaging
Since the processed product is an organic substance; it could degrade upon exposure to air. So, it is packed tightly to avoid any reduction in its properties and color.
Production Process For Akuamma
The world did not know about the distinctly effective properties of the Akuamma plant. It was indeed in use for centuries amongst African natives, but the global popularity is a recent phenomenon. It is said that this happened when a Ghanian hospital, based in tropical Africa, started using its powder as a reliever.
Then it became a subject of research and deliberation and subsequently became visible on the global scene. The Picralima tree grows in Africa. So, the production is also based there. The manufacturing steps have been summarised below:
Initial Process: Growing or Farming of the Picralima Nitida trees
The Picralima Nitida trees are grown or farmed by experienced native American farmers of the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Ghana in the Greenlands of these countries.
Intermediate Process: Harvesting the Fruit
After farming and growth of the trees for a suitable period, the farmers harvest them. The seeds from which the final products are made are actually inside pulpy fruit. Farmers harvest that fruit and remove the seeds from them.
Final Process: Drying and Grinding
The seeds which are still wet, are spread out by the farmers in broad sunlight. They are left for some days for drying such that the moisture is nearly or completely reduced. The final step entails the grinding or powdering of the seeds.
How Many Doses Should You Take?
The dosage of Kratom for each individual depends on several factors such as age, health condition, and preference of the individual as well as the type of strain and product you’re using. For beginners, it is suggested that they should start with 1-2 grams of its red-vein type product and gradually build it up according to their needs.
Meanwhile, for those who have experience in using the herb, 4 grams per day is the ideal dosage for benefitting without developing tolerance due to high dosage. For mild effects, red-vein kratom is the best option, while the white-vein type is used for stronger effects.
Green-vein products are seen as a combination of red-vein and white-vein both and should be taken in a medium dosage of 2-3 grams per day. Make sure you’re using a proper scale when measuring and intaking this plant for accurate dosage instead of spoons.
Akuamma comes in the form of raw seeds, powder, capsules, and tinctures. In general, one seed equals 3 grams of its powder, and the contents of one capsule are the same as one seed. For faster results but short-term results, tinctures are recommended. On the other hand, you’ll have to wait around 20-30 minutes for results when intaking seeds, capsules, and powder, but these effects typically last for a longer duration.
In terms of dosage, there is no exact statement on how much of this plant you should take per day. Although, the general amount ranges from 250 mg for mild effects to 6 grams for high dosage. Again, you should start with a small dosage and slowly increase the amount. But, anything higher than 6 grams is not safe for general use.
Why Consume Kratom?
This is a famous herb that consists of several compounds. The two most active ones are Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine. These compounds affect the body and the ability of neurons to perceive discomfort.
- By consuming small doses of the powder or tablets, you could increase your attention, energy, and focus.
- The powder or tablets help in weight loss as the plant has appetite-curbing properties.
- It is found to be an anti-drug addictive.
- Many people use the power of this plant as an alternative to caffeine and nicotine as daily supplement substitutes.
- Researches have also proved that this plant is an effective plant-based sexual enhancer.
- It is found to be an effective reliever.
- It has mood-enhancing effects.
Why Consume Akuamma?
This African herb has been in historical use to treat native diseases in the continent. After research, it is being used all over the world. The alkaloid composition of this plant is responsible for its disease-treating properties. Some other uses of this herb are:
- This herb can be used as a medicine to reduce or eradicate inflammation. If you suffer from inflammatory problems, then a supplement of this plant could solve this problem. Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory chemicals in the structure of this herb, it helps you to boost Your digestive system and prevent stomach-related problems.
- It has also been found to be effective in the prevention of virus spreading throughout the body. If you suffer from a virus-related fever, you could employ a good armor of this herb to avoid the extreme conditions of illness, Which would require antibiotics for treatment.
- It is also used as mild anesthesia because it has neuron relaxing properties. If consumed in a large quantity, it affects the movement of the body. It has also proven to be effective for curbing the discomfort of surgery, extreme cuts, and fire burns.
- This is also a quick and effective solution for diarrhea. If you are faced with such an unfortunate situation, you could consume this herb in a smaller proportion as a medicine for diarrhea.
- You may feel fatigued or tired due to oxidant radicals in the body. This plant consists of antioxidants that remove these free radicals from your body to boost and refresh your mood.
Which One Should You Choose?
In the end, it’s all up to you to decide which product you want to opt for. Although, it is possible to use Akuamma as a substitute for kratom if you either can’t get a hold of it or need a break from it. But, since the dosage of each varies i.e. if you’re taking 3g of the first plant, 3g of the second might not be enough for you; start small and increase the dosage until you hit it right.
Similarly, if you’re a beginner or you’re looking for mild effects, Akuamma is a better option. You can still choose Mitragyna, but at a lesser dosage, and ideally the red-vein strain. Alternatively, for experienced users, you’ll need a higher intake of the plant for the same potent effects as the first one. You can also experiment with both and then stick to the product that best suits your requirements.
The important thing is to understand the primary reasons you’re willing to buy a Kratom and Akuamma supplement, and then choose according to which one fits better on those conditions. Finally, whether you decide between the two options, what matters is ensuring you’re taking the daily dosage within safe limits and not overdosing, which can result in serious side effects.
Final Verdict
You can’t deny the trending rage of herbal alternatives, especially ones such as Kratom and Akuamma. With the popularity of these products increasing with each passing day, you might want to try them out for yourself.
Also, before you buy either product, double-check it to ensure you’re buying only the best quality. Know that what suits someone else does not confirm that it’ll suit you too. Hence, the best practice is to try out these products yourself. And don’t forget to start small and then build up!
Heather lives with her husband and two children in beautiful British Columbia. Her passion has always been to enhance the lives of others by helping them reach their own personal goals and accomplishments. Content management is her specialty, and writing is what she does best. Her love for helping others lead her to the cannabis and kratom scene, where she saw an immense gap between patients and medicine that can help them.
I have lymphatic, also known as microscopic colitis. Green Tusk powder helps, but 100%. Currently taking about 5 grams a day. Been thinking of doing it every other day. Would white be better? I am almost 70 years old.
I’ve never heard of Tusk Kratom before. White has more of an energetic feel. It’s similar to green but more energetic. Hope that helps!