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:

  • Alkaloid concentrations (Mitragynine, 7-OH, etc.)

  • Absence of heavy metals and microbial contamination

  • 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

  • Batch number: Must match what’s on your product

  • Date of test: Should be recent (within 6–12 months)

  • Lab name & credentials: Look for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs


✅ 2. Alkaloid Content

This is where you’ll find:

  • Mitragynine (%) — Typically 0.5–2% in raw powder

  • 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine (%) — Often 0.01–0.07% in powder; higher in extracts

  • 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

  • Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury

  • Look for results well below USP <233> limits

Ideal status: PASS
Red flag: Any level approaching regulatory thresholds


✅ 4. Microbial Contaminants

Test includes:

  • Total aerobic count

  • Yeast and mold

  • Salmonella

  • 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:

  • It should show ethanol, hexane, or other solvent levels

  • 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

  • ❌ No lab name or test date

  • ❌ 7-OH levels not reported (or “proprietary blend” language)

  • ❌ Missing batch number

  • ❌ Lab not ISO-accredited or verifiable online

  • ❌ High heavy metals close to limit

  • ❌ 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:

  • Compare supplier quality

  • Verify extract strength before stocking

  • Display transparency to consumers

  • Train retail staff on key selling points

If a vendor doesn’t provide clean, detailed, recent COAs, we don’t carry their products.