April 10, 2025
How to Read a Kratom COA: 7-OH Edition
With the rise of 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine (7-OH) products, one thing is clear: lab testing matters more than ever. As demand increases, so do risks—counterfeits, mislabeled potency, and unsafe additives. That’s why every buyer (and especially retailers) should know how to read a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
This guide breaks down what to look for on a COA, how 7-OH is measured, and what to watch out for in 2025.
🔬 What Is a COA?
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a lab-generated report verifying the contents of a kratom product. A reliable COA confirms:
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Alkaloid concentrations (Mitragynine, 7-OH, etc.)
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Absence of heavy metals and microbial contamination
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Solvent residues (in extracts)
Every product sold on HydroxySeven.com includes a current COA—so you know exactly what you’re getting.
📊 Key Sections of a Kratom COA (and What They Mean)
✅ 1. Product Identification
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Batch number: Must match what’s on your product
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Date of test: Should be recent (within 6–12 months)
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Lab name & credentials: Look for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs
✅ 2. Alkaloid Content
This is where you’ll find:
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Mitragynine (%) — Typically 0.5–2% in raw powder
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7-Hydroxy Mitragynine (%) — Often 0.01–0.07% in powder; higher in extracts
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Total alkaloid profile — Useful for comparing products
Example Format:
Alkaloid | Result | Units |
---|---|---|
Mitragynine | 1.38 | % w/w |
7-OH Mitragynine | 0.062 | % w/w |
⚠️ In extracts, 7-OH may be listed in mg per serving instead of percentage.
Look for consistency with label claims (e.g., "20mg 7-OH" on the front label = should be supported by COA).
✅ 3. Heavy Metals
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Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury
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Look for results well below USP <233> limits
Ideal status: PASS
Red flag: Any level approaching regulatory thresholds
✅ 4. Microbial Contaminants
Test includes:
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Total aerobic count
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Yeast and mold
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Salmonella
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E. coli
You want these listed as "Not Detected" or below threshold limits.
✅ 5. Residual Solvents (For Extracts Only)
If the product is a tincture or enhanced extract:
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It should show ethanol, hexane, or other solvent levels
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Ideally “ND” (not detected), or below 50 ppm
🧠 How 7-OH Content Translates to Experience
Many users misunderstand 7-OH percentages. Here’s a breakdown:
7-OH % | Typical Product Type | Experience Level |
---|---|---|
0.01–0.03% | Powdered kratom | Mild to negligible 7-OH effects |
0.05–0.08% | Enhanced powder | Moderate relief, faster onset |
10–50 mg/serving | Extracts (liquid, capsules) | Strong sedation, analgesia |
Tip: A lower % doesn’t mean low potency—it depends on how much total product you consume.
🔎 COA Red Flags to Watch For
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❌ No lab name or test date
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❌ 7-OH levels not reported (or “proprietary blend” language)
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❌ Missing batch number
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❌ Lab not ISO-accredited or verifiable online
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❌ High heavy metals close to limit
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❌ Extremely high 7-OH % in powder (likely misrepresented)
🧪 Bonus: How HydroxySeven Uses COAs to Guide Inventory
We use COA data not just to vet products—but to:
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Compare supplier quality
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Verify extract strength before stocking
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Display transparency to consumers
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Train retail staff on key selling points
If a vendor doesn’t provide clean, detailed, recent COAs, we don’t carry their products.