Akuamma Seeds vs. Kratom: Key Differences & Similarities

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is based on anecdotal reports and traditional use. Scientific research on both substances is limited, and neither should be considered a medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

Herbal medicines have been around for centuries, but now, they’re more popular than ever. The two natural botanical names gaining the most attention are kratom and akuamma, both used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine. 

However, while they share some similarities, they are derived from different plants, contain distinct alkaloids, and interact uniquely with the body and mind. 

This guide will explore the key differences and similarities between akuamma seeds and kratom, helping you determine which one might better fit your needs.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, mainly found in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The leaves contain alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with brain receptors, offering a range of effects.

Originally, kratom was consumed as raw leaves—chewed by farmers and laborers in Southeast Asia. Today, you can find kratom in many different forms, with the most popular being powder, capsules, and extracts.

Akuamma seeds come from the Picralima nitida tree, which is native to West Africa. These seeds have been traditionally used in African herbal practices.

Akuamma tree contains unique alkaloids—aukammine (the primary compound), ajmalicine, and pericine. Unlike kratom, akuamma’s alkaloids are less studied, and there is limited research on their effects.

While both kratom and akuamma are natural botanicals with a long history of traditional use, they differ significantly in their plant source, alkaloid strength, scientific research, and availability. Understanding these distinctions will help you make informed decisions about which plant best suits your needs.

The primary difference between kratom and akuamma is their botanical origin and the part of the plant used:

• Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) comes from the leaves of a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Kratom leaves contain a high concentration of active alkaloids, which contribute to its effects.
• Akuamma (Picralima nitida) comes from the seeds of a tree native to West Africa, primarily in Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire. These seeds are traditionally dried and ground into a powder for use.

Both plants derive their properties from alkaloids. However, each has a unique set of compounds that differ in strength and potency. 

Kratom Alkaloids: 

• The primary active compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
• These alkaloids interact strongly with opioid receptors in the body, which is why kratom is often compared to certain other natural substances.
• Kratom’s alkaloids provide stronger, more noticeable effects, depending on the strain and dosage.

Akuamma Alkaloids:

• Akuamma contains akuammine, pericine, and ajmalicine, which interact with the body differently than kratom’s alkaloids.
• While akuamma is sometimes considered an alternative to kratom, its effects are generally milder and may not be as long-lasting.

Scientific research and legal regulations differ significantly between the two plants. Kratom, for instance, has been the subject of ongoing scientific studies, legal debates, and policy discussions regarding its safety and potential effects.

And while it remains legal on the federal level in the U.S., it’s unregulated, meaning that each state and region has different approaches to kratom. 

Akuamma, on the other hand, is generally less researched, and its effects remain largely anecdotal. Still, unlike kratom, akuamma has not faced significant legal scrutiny, and it remains largely unregulated in most parts of the world.

Access to high-quality, tested products is a crucial factor when considering natural supplements—kratom and akuamma are not created equal here. 

Kratom is widely available online and in specialty shops, with vendors offering a range of strains, extracts, and capsules. Many reputable sellers provide third-party lab testing, ensuring product purity, potency, and safety.

On the other hand, akuamma is less widely available, and fewer vendors sell verified high-quality products. Since standardized lab testing is uncommon, it is difficult for consumers to verify purity and potency.

What about the effects of kratom and akuamma? As reported by most users, kratom is generally considered stronger and longer-lasting than akuamma. 

Its alkaloids—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—interact more directly with brain receptors resulting in more noticeable energy, mood enhancement, and relaxation. Akuamma, on the other hand, has milder, shorter-lived effects, with its alkaloids providing a subtle sense of calm but little stimulation or euphoria. 

In short, from user feedback, kratom’s effects usually last 4-6 hours, while akuamma typically wears off within 2-4 hours.

Kratom is also considered more versatile, with different strains offering energy (white vein), mood enhancement (green vein), or relaxation (red vein). Akuamma’s effects are less pronounced and not strain-dependent. 

However, kratom users may develop tolerance over time, requiring larger doses, whereas akuamma has little to no tolerance buildup. 

Ultimately, kratom is the stronger, more widely used option, while akuamma serves as a gentle, low-risk alternative.

Kratom and akuamma share some similarities as natural botanicals, but they also have distinct differences in their composition, effects, and availability.

While both plants have unique properties, kratom remains the more widely studied and accessible option due to its stronger alkaloid profile, broader availability, and better quality assurance. 

However, akuamma may still be of interest to those exploring alternative botanicals, though research on its effects remains limited.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on anecdotal reports and traditional use. There is limited scientific research on both kratom and akuamma, and neither should be considered a medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before use and verify local regulations.

• Isolation and Pharmacological Characterization of Six Opioidergic Picralima nitida Alkaloids - PMC
• Kratom Alkaloids: A Blueprint? - PMC