Tag: Botany

For centuries, various cultures have utilized the medicinal properties found in tree bark to alleviate pain and reduce fever. This historical practice is linked to the presence of compounds that the body can convert into salicylic acid, raising the question: what trees contain these valuable precursors?

While traditionally prepared by hand-kneading, modern enthusiasts often use a blender, leading to a common question: does blending kava make it stronger? The simple answer is yes, as mechanical blending can significantly increase the extraction efficiency of the active kavalactones from the root.

The tropical tree *Mitragyna speciosa*, or kratom, contains over 40 structurally related alkaloids in its leaves. When answering "What is the chemical name for kratom?" the focus is on its two main psychoactive components: mitragynine and the more potent 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Aloe vera gel contains over 75 active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Among this complex composition, the answer to the question, “Does aloe vera contain salicylic acid?” is a surprising yes, but the story doesn't end there.

Over 40 alkaloids have been isolated from the kratom plant, but mitragynine stands out as the most abundant, often accounting for up to 66% of the plant's total alkaloid content. This indole alkaloid is the primary psychoactive component responsible for kratom's dose-dependent effects.