Understanding Natural Kratom

Zion Herbals' Guide From the Leaf's Origins to the Testing Behind the Finished Product

RICHMOND, VA / ACCESS Newswire / September 29, 2026 / What is Natural Kratom?

Kratom is a botanical derived from the leaves of the tropical Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia. These leaves contain more than 40 identified alkaloids, with the four most abundant being:

• Mitragynine: the principal alkaloid, often accounting for 40-60% of the leaf's total alkaloid content
• Paynantheine: generally considered one of the most abundant secondary alkaloids
• Speciogynine: another prominent alkaloid with a similar structure to Mitragynine
• Speciociliatine: a minor alkaloid in Kratom leaves, though frequently measured

Recent articles are widely discussing the presence of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). It is not one of the leaf's main alkaloids. It is typically present at trace or sometimes undetectable levels in unprocessed leaves. Concentrated 7-OH products are therefore chemically different from traditional whole-leaf Kratom.

Precise alkaloid composition can vary with the plant's genetics, growing environment, maturity, harvesting practices, and processing conditions.

Because the alkaloid composition of a botanical product can vary from one batch to another, laboratory analysis can help identify and measure key compounds in the finished material.

How are Kratom Leaves Processed

Commonly harvested by hand, mature Kratom leaves are picked straight from the trees by local farmers then sorted, cleaned, and dried to prepare for milling. Dried leaves are then ground into powder and sifted to remove fibrous material, coarse stems, and veins. From there, the powder may be blended into various separate production groups - with each receiving a unique batch or lot number. This allows the company to trace a product back to information such as when the raw Kratom leaves were obtained, when it was processed or packaged, and which laboratory sample and Certificate of Analysis it belongs to.

Laboratory Testing

A sample is sent to a qualified independent laboratory. Depending on the product and testing program, the laboratory may evaluate:

Alkaloid composition: this measures the compounds such as Mitragyine and 7-hydroxymitragnine. Every state has their own specific regulations on the amount of 7-oh allowed in the product. Zion Herbals is compliant with all states and localities where Kratom is legal.

Microbiological contaminants: this screens for organisms such as Salmonella and E. Coli, along with yeast, mold, and total microbial counts.

Heavy metals: this measures the presence of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.

Pesticide residues: this checks for selected chemicals used agriculturally when included in the testing panel.

Residual solvents: this scan is particularly relevant to Kratom extracts manufactured using solvents.

Botanical identity/adulteration: this helps confirm the material's identity and detect certain undeclared ingredients, depending on the method used.

To measure compounds such a Mitragynine and 7-OH, a technician weighs a very small amount of the sample and mixes it with a laboratory solvent. This prep may include:

• a vortex mixer to shake and combine the sample
• a sonicator which uses high frequency sound waves that release compounds into the solvent. It helps the solvent extract alkaloids from the material which can then be filtered and analyzed using specialized instruments - (typically a liquid chromatography such as an HPLC, UPLC, and LC-MS/MS)

At Zion Herbals, we conduct third party testing on each batch of our products.

Reviewing the Results

The Certificate of Analysis (or COA) contains the lab's screening results. We then compare these results with its specifications before releasing the batch.

As stated earlier, COAs identify the product tested and the batch/lot number. As well as:

• Testing Date
• Laboratory Name
• Methods/Testing Panels
• Measured Alkaloid Results
• Contaminant Results
• Applicable Detection Limits or Specifications

Manufacturing and Packaging

After the individual batch gets the green light from the manufacturer, the powder may be packaged as whole-leaf or it can be incorporated into Kratom capsules, Kratom tablets, Kratom drink mixes, Kratom liquid extracts, or other permitted formats.

The Important Distinction of Natural Kratom

Natural Kratom products are not limited to traditional leaf powder. All Kratom extracts that are considered natural Kratom must be derived from the Mitragyna speciosa leaf and must not be fortified with isolated, synthesized, or chemically concentrated 7-OH.

Whole-leaf dried Kratom: raw leaves are dried then ground into powder with its naturally occurring alkaloid profile.

Kratom extract: Kratom leaf material is processed to concentrate selected naturally occurring compounds with Mitragynine being the most common

Enhanced 7-OH: this product contains added, isolated, synthesized or unusually concentrated 7-OH.

Zion Herbals specializes specifically in natural Kratom. Our Kratom extracts at Zion Herbals are derived from the Mitragyna speciosa leaf and do not contain ANY added or synthesized 7-OH. Trace levels of 7-OH may occur naturally or develop during processing. Therefore, laboratory testing is used to measure the alkaloid composition of each finished batch.

What Does Zion Herbals Sell?

Our website carries a wide array of Kratom products in a variety of forms. Those looking for a pop of sweetness will enjoy our Kratom Gummies selection, while those who would prefer to quench their thirst alongside their Kratom have a selection of 26 different KRATOMade Kratom Drink Mixes. Zion Herbals also carries premium Kratom Drinks and Kratom Shots.

Zion Herbals' signature Kratom lines: Gold Reserve, 65Salt, Lucky80, and Lucky90 range from 45% to 90% MIT, and are available in tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, and soft gels.

Our website also contains other big hitters in the botanical realm like Kava and Kanna, while those looking to shop high quality herbal capsules can explore our Nine Mile Botanicals. This line includes well known supplements such as Turmeric and Ashwagandha, as well as more exclusive options like Moringa and Blue Lotus.

FAQ

Does Zion Herbals ship to my area?

We ship to all states where Kratom is legal.

As of September 2026, Kratom is currently legal in the following states and their ordinances:
Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Monta, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming

Natural Kratom is currently subject to a statewide ban or statewide retail prohibition in these 11 states:

Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin

Massachusetts: August 2026- an emergency order was placed on all forms of Kratom in Schedule I, making possession and sale unlawful without appropriate controlled-substance authorization.

North Dakota: September 2026- a proposed total ban was rejected. The enacted law instead permits regulated natural-leaf Kratom and restricts chemically manipulated derivatives (such as concentrated 7-OH).

Please note: there are still local bans in effect even when Kratom is permitted statewide. New York, Illinois, and California are a few that have bans in specific ordinances.

Are Zion Herbals' extracts fortified with added or synthesized 7-OH?
No. Zion Herbals specializes in natural Kratom products. Our extracts contain only trace amounts of naturally occurring 7-OH, and most labels boast 0mg of 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Does Zion Herbals Offer Rewards?

Absolutely! In addition to running weekly specials, being a member of Zion Herbals earns you rewards points on every order that convert to savings on future orders. Plus, we'll give you 150 rewards points just for signing up.

Got a friend interested in trying out our products? We'll hook you up with a percentage of points for referring a friend. You earn 10%, your buddy earns 5%.

Finally, let's talk about AUTOSHIP. Premium botanicals are delivered straight to your door - without the hassle of logging in again and again. Monthly subscriptions save you 5%, bi-weekly saves you 7%, and weekly subscriptions save you 10%.

Sign up for free and enjoy 150 rewards points on us.

Does Zion Herbals do Wholesale?

We do. Explore our online portal here: https://wholesale.zionherbals.com/
Call us directly at 1-800-882-0878
Or shoot us an email at [email protected]

SOURCE: Botanaway