While typically not as well-rounded as the plain leaf in effects, kratom extracts can certainly serve a purpose for those with chronic pain or other debilitating conditions in which the plain leaf will not suffice.

There are a large variety of different types of extracts with varying effects, based upon both the method of extraction as well as the base plant material used to make them. Read below to learn about these different extract types.

WATER-BASED EXTRACTS

Water-based kratom extracts are by far the most common variety. As the name implies, the extract is performed by: dissolving a portion of alkaloids into water, straining the powder, and evaporating the water. This process leaves a brownish, more alkaloid-concentrated version of the plain leaf behind.

Water extracts are commonly referred to with an ‘x’ (e.g. 10x, 25x), which implies how much plain leaf material was used to create the same weight of resulting extract. Sadly, these figures are nearly always incorrect due to vendor dishonesty.

PROS:

• More alkaloid-concentrated than plain leaf
• Can be used in addition to plain leaf to potentiate effects
• Relatively side-effect free in comparison to resin and full-spectrum extracts
• More stimulating than the plain-leaf base material
• Ability to dissolve in water

CONS:

• Typically, not very effective unless taken in conjunction with plain leaf
• Not a well-rounded extract in terms of effects (less pain-killing effect and sedation)
• High price per potency
• Can increase tolerance

KRATOM RESIN EXTRACTS

In comparison to water-based extractions, kratom resin extractions have a much more well-rounded profile of effects. These extracts are typically performed by extracting kratom with both a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent; a simple example of this would be water and ethanol. Like the water extract, the powder is strained and the alkaloid saturated non-polar/polar solvent is left to dry.

PROS:

• Full-spectrum of effects
• Ease of use
• Easy storage
• High potency per weight

CONS:

• More expensive than plain leaf
• Side-effects to potency ratio comparable to plain leaf
• Temperature sensitive (melts in minor heat)

KRATOM TINCTURES

Unlike the other forms of extracts, kratom tinctures can vary in their method of extraction and their potency; because of this, buying them from a disreputable source can leave one disappointed. On the other hand, when they are done well, they can be quite potent.

PROS:

• Ease of Use
• Fast-acting
• Convenience of storage

CONS:

• Typically expensive
• Variable Potency
• Rarely provide a full-spectrum of effects
• Rapid development of tolerance

ENHANCED LEAF

Enhanced leaf has become the go-to choice of many extract users due to its high potency and lack of side effects. Enhanced leaf is used by taking a highly potent kratom extract, dissolving it in a solution, soaking kratom leaves/powder in this solution and letting it dry. When done correctly, this method can create a highly potent leaf.

One of the most popular enhanced leaf blends of our era is known as UEI (Ultra Enhanced Indo).

PROS:

Very potent when done well
Lack of side-effects per potency
Typically well-rounded
Highly effective for pain

CONS:

• Rapid development of tolerance
• Can cause some withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation after prolonged use.
• Relatively expensive.