In the world of botanical-based wellness enhancers, Kratom has been leading the charge alongside popular substances like Cannabidiol (CBD) and other plant-derived powerhouses.
Every day, more and more people are learning about the powerful benefits of these natural substances. But, because of the variables that can be associated with trying something new (whether natural or not), consumers are right to do their research before introducing a new option into their daily regimens.
One substance, in particular, is quickly gaining popularity in ethnobotanical research: Akuamma powder. In fact, the benefits of Akuamma appear to be so closely related to the effects of Kratom that the two are sharing a lot of the same spotlight.
So, what is Akuamma? Where does it come from, and what can someone expect from it should they decide to use it as a natural supplement?
Kats Botanicals is here to help by sharing some fact-based information surrounding the roots of the Akuamma plant (pun intended), it’s cultural legacy, and some evidence that suggests Akuamma could have significant wellness-enhancing properties.
Akuamma Origins
As you may know, the Kratom tree (Mitragyna Speciosa) is native to the region of southeast Asia, where it has been growing wild for centuries in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.
In contrast, the Akuamma tree (Picralima Nitida) grows naturally in parts of tropical Africa. Similar to Kratom, botanical extracts made from the Akuamma tree—including its leaves, fruit, and seeds—have a longstanding cultural history of use by indigenous peoples in the region.
Traditionally, derivatives of the Akuamma tree have been used as an ethnomedicine for the treatment of numerous afflictions, including:
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Malaria
- Gastrointestinal issues
Some pharmacological studies of Akuamma-sourced botanical compounds have revealed very interesting results. A select, isolated phytochemical contained in Akuamma plant matter appears to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and even antitumorigenic properties.
[It’s important to note that Kats Botanicals makes no claims, neither expressed nor implied, about the health benefits associated with the use of Akuamma powder. Before trying any new nutritional supplement, we recommend conducting exhaustive research on your own and consulting your physician.]
Physically speaking, the Akuamma tree can grow to heights exceeding 100 feet, although it’s much more common to find mature Akuamma trees less than 12 feet tall. These shrub-like trees prefer tropical environments and are most commonly found alongside rivers and streams where hydration is readily available.
How Akuamma is Prepared and Consumed
Unlike Kratom, the Akuamma tree produces flowers and seed-bearing fruits throughout its life cycle. These flowers and fruits along with Akuamma bark and ground roots are all used for various reasons. This is in stark contrast to the common use of the Kratom tree, where the leaves of the plant are often harvested, dried, and crushed into a fine powder before consumption.
Seed Harvesting and Preparation
As the Akuamma tree matures, it starts to produce large, dense fruit that is initially dark green in color but turns brown as the tree ages.
At the peak of Akuamma fruit maturity, the fruit looks a lot like a coconut. However, unlike a coconut, opening a ripe Akuamma fruit reveals a seed pod packed with nutrient-rich seeds that resemble the seeds you might find in a large pumpkin or gourd.
While other parts of the Akuamma tree are used for numerous purposes (some not even related to human consumption), the powder resulting from grinding up dried Akuamma seeds is by far the most common use of the plant. This powder is bitter in taste and is often mixed into a carrier like a berry preserve, yogurt, or flavored beverage before consumption. Alternatively, the crushed Akuamma seed powder can be pressed into a pill or encased in a capsule for easier ingestion.
Akuamma Alkaloid Analysis vs Kratom
Akuammine is the principal alkaloid that is considered to be mostly responsible for the benefits of Akuamma seed powder. This alkaloid has been studied extensively, and its effects profile has been found to be very similar to that of Yohimbine, a plant alkaloid derived from the bark of another African tree, Pausinystalia Johimbe.
There are other phytochemicals contained in the Akuamma seed, including pseudo-akuammigine, picraline, akuammicine, and akuammiline. However, studies of the efficacy of these alkaloids, when isolated, haven’t yielded consistent results (see here for contrasting research).
So, not only is Akuammine the most prevalent indole alkaloid found in crushed Akuamma seed powder, but it also appears to be the most potent in its positive effects on the human body.
By comparison, leaves from the Kratom tree contain two powerful alkaloids celebrated for their incredible wellness-enhancing benefits: Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine. Both of these alkaloids are found in varying concentrations in most mature Kratom tree leaves, however Mitragynine is much more prevalent in a ratio of about 7:1 against 7-Hydroxymitragynine.
Effects of Akuamma Seed Powder
Like Kratom, the effects of Akuamma seed powder are at least somewhat subjective from user to user. For some, a small amount of Akuamma seed powder has noticeable effects on energy level, mood, and temporary relief of minor aches and pains. Larger servings can intensify these effects, but there may not be a direct correlation between serving size and magnitude of effect.
It has been reported by many users that Akuamma seed powder provides wellness-enhancing benefits that are closely enough related to Kratom that the two can be said to be in the same ethnobotanical category. For this reason, Akuamma seed powder is commonly used in geographic regions where Kratom is illegal.
Akuamma seed powder isn’t considered to be a stimulant, depressant, or any other easily categorizable supplement. Because of the indeterminate nature of its effects, it’s suggested that those new to Akuamma seed powder start low with their first serving size and gauge their response accordingly.
Use of Akuamma Seed Powder with Other Botanicals or Medications
At Kats Botanicals, we believe plants have immense power. As such, it’s understandable that people want an answer to the questions, “Can I use this with my other products or medications?” and, “Will Akuamma seed powder interact with something I’m already taking?”.
Others who are already established fans of natural options like Kratom and CBD rightly want to know if they can add Akuamma seed powder to their existing botanical regimen.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide any direction or suggestions, here. We advise that you consult with your physician before making any changes to your dietary or wellness regimens.
How to Find Akuamma for Sale Online
Kats Botanicals was founded in 2016 by Justin Kats, a passionate advocate for the responsible, informed use of botanicals to enhance wellness and support balance in everyday life.
Today, we’re proud to offer a full suite of plant-derived products including 30+ unique strains of Kratom as well as numerous other botanicals. We’re always growing our portfolio of available botanicals, and we believe in the powerful benefits provided by Akuamma seed powder.
If you need help at any point along your journey in learning more about Akuamma seed powder or any other product available on our website, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. Our team is committed to empowering you with the knowledge you need to get the most out of all of the botanical products we provide.
To start a conversation with us, head over to our contact page.
