How Are Akuamma and Kratom Similar and Different?

Akuamma and kratom share some similarities, but each has its differing potential benefit profile. Kratom is much more popular, but akuamma may be a good choice for some people who find kratom’s effects too strong or in populations where they can’t use kratom due to regulatory issues.
We will explore these two plants to help you better understand their effects by comparing their main uses, active compounds and potencies.
Akuamma and Kratom: Their Origins and Historical Uses
Akuamma, scientifically known as Picralima nitida, is a plant native to tropical Africa, particularly Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. The seeds of this plant have active ingredients that were used as a remedy in traditional African medicine. The seeds of akuamma are ground and consumed for their soothing properties.
Kratom, on the other hand, is indigenous to Southeast Asia and is mostly cultivated in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The scientific name for this plant is Mitragyna speciosa, and it has been used as a staple for centuries in local Southeast Asian medicine. The leaves of kratom were traditionally chewed by locals for energy, while at high doses, it was traditionally used for restlessness and encouraging relaxation.
Culturally, these two plants both played a role in traditional medicine in their respective areas. Today, as we strive to harness nature’s resources for modern wellness, kratom and akuamma have moved to a larger global popularity, with kratom being much more well known in modern times.
Properties and Effects of Both Plants
Both kratom and akuamma contain alkaloids as their main active compounds, and it is these alkaloids that largely determine their effects.
Kratom’s Primary Alkaloids and Effects
Kratom has over 40 alkaloids, but the two most active ones are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. When you consume kratom, it is these compounds that interact with your body’s receptors to produce various effects from energy, focus and motivation to soothing, relaxation, and sedation. These wide spectrum of potential effects are often determined by the dosage, strain and color variety of kratom taken.
Mitragynine is the most abundant active alkaloid in kratom. It is associated with energizing effects when taken in smaller amounts. 7-hydroxymitragynine, the second active alkaloid, is associated with calming and soothing properties, especially at higher doses. Kratom has the capability to offer various effects at different doses making it popular for supporting a wide range of potential uses.
Akuammas’ Primary Alkaloids and Effects
The 6 major alkaloids in akuamma ones include akuammine and pseudoakuammigine. These compounds have the ability to potentially promote mental and physical relaxation. The effects you might experience from akuamma are generally milder than kratom, making it generally less potent for relaxation than kratom.
Both akuamma and kratom share similarities in interacting with receptors in your body. However, they have completely different active alkaloids, which are responsible for their differing potencies and spectrum of effects.
Benefits and Uses of Akuamma and Kratom
Kratom Benefits
- It may support energy and focus.
- Depending on your dosage, kratom may offer both energizing and calming effects.
- It may help boost mood and feelings of well-being
- Some find certain strains boost sociability and motivation
Benefits and Use of Akuamma
- It may help induce mental and physical relaxation
- Often praised for its subtle effects on reducing restlessness
- May provide a subtle mood boost, albeit less so than kratom
- Unlike kratom, it does not boost energy, making it potentially better suited to those not preferring these types of effects.
Their similarities include potentially inducing relaxation and boosting mood. However, kratom is unique in that its effects are generally more potent, ranging from potential stimulation to sedative effects.
Comparing Consumption, and Dosage of Akuamma and Kratom
Kratom is available in a wide variety of different strains and vein color types. There are 3 major vein color types of kratom, and each has its unique properties. Red strains are known for their potential calming effects, white strains are popular for their potential energizing effects, and green strains offer a potential balance of both calming and energizing effects.
Kratom is prepared by harvesting the leaves of the plant, drying them, and then crushing them into powder or using them as whole leaves. As for akuamma, it is the seeds rather than leaves that are dried and ground into fine powder.
Dosage Guideline for Kratom and Akuamma
Kratom: If you are new to kratom, start with a small dose of 1-3 grams to assess your compatibility. For experienced users, they can increase to a maximum of 6 grams, depending on their experience, compatibility and desired effects.
Akuamma: The average recommended dosage for akuamma is between 250 mg and 500 mg, which is about 2/3rd of a teaspoon. You can take this quantity twice or three times daily.
Whichever of the two herbal products you choose to take, consider your tolerance level by starting with small doses. After observing your body’s response, you can gradually increase your dose. Also, avoid mixing either with other substances and speak with your doctor prior to use, especially if you are on medications or have a pre-existing health concern.
Methods of Consumption
Kratom and akuamma are consumed in similar ways.
- Toss-and-Wash: It involves swallowing the powder directly with water.
- Capsules: Capsules are convenient because it helps masks the bitter taste of kratom and akuamma.
- Tea: You can steep the powder in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
- Mixing with Drinks: You can take kratom and akuamma with drinks such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, etc.
Side Effects and Risks You Should Be Aware of
Both herbal products may be potentially beneficial to users, but they are not completely free of risks. The short-term effects of kratom may include dizziness, headaches, nausea, or a dry mouth, and long-term use can lead to dependency, with a range of more potentially severe side effects when not using kratom correctly. Akuamma may sometimes affect digestion and cause gastrointestinal side effects as its most common side effect.
You should be mindful of taking these products with other substances, as they may interact to cause severe effects. If you must take kratom or akuamma with other medications, only do so after consulting with your doctor. You can minimize risks by using them correctly.
Looking at Their Legal Status and Availability
Since kratom is more potent than akuamma, it has a higher chance of being misused by users. This has caused its legal status to vary across different countries. In the United States, states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have prohibited kratom use. Internationally, kratom is banned in some countries so it’s important to research the laws in your respective country prior to sourcing it.
Akuamma is less restricted but not as well known as kratom. However, as the quest for kratom alternatives becomes stronger, akuammas’ popularity is expected to grow.
Therefore, before you buy either kratom or akuamma, you should confirm their legal status in your location to avoid legal consequences. Also, make sure you purchase them from reputable sources to ensure quality and authenticity.
Akuamma Vs. Kratom: Comparative Summary
To round off this article, below is a summary of the similarities and differences between kratom and akuamma:
Aspect | Kratom | Akuamma | Similarities |
---|---|---|---|
Source | It is obtained from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. | It is obtained from the seeds of the Picralima nitida tree. | Both are derived from plants. |
Forms | You can find kratom in powder, capsules, tea, or extracts. | It is available in powder, capsules, extracts and tea. | Both are available in powder, tea, extract and capsule forms. |
Primary Uses | It offers a potential energy boost, relaxation, and boost in mood. | It offers potential relaxation and ease from restlessness | Both can be used for potential relaxation effects |
Dosage Range | 1-6 grams depending on your tolerance and the effects you are going for | 250 mg to 500 mg grams depending on your tolerance. | Dosage for both products depends on your tolerance and purpose of use. |
Short-Term Side Effects | Some users may experience nausea, dizziness, headaches or dry mouth as common side effects. | It may cause nausea and digestive discomfort as the most common side effects. | Both can induce nausea |
Dependency | Moderate to high if you use it excessively. | Low to moderate if you use it excessively. | For both products, dependency increases with overuse. |
Legality | It is unregulated, regulated, or prohibited, depending on the area. | It is widely unregulated | Legality depends on location and regulation. |
Availability | You can find kratom either in local stores or online. | Akuamma is mostly available online and less widely available | Both are available online. |