COAs
Certificate of Analysis (COA) Testing Dashboard
Every batch of kratom undergoes rigorous third-party laboratory testing to ensure safety and quality. Our comprehensive testing program includes thorough analysis of microbial content, heavy metals, and alkaloid profiles. Below you will find available testing results for all current batches in our inventory.
Microbial Testing
Ensures product safety by screening for harmful microorganisms using AOAC standard methods:
- Total Plate Count (APC): < 100,000 - 500,000 CFU/g
- Yeast & Mold Count: < 10,000 - 100,000 CFU/g (except for fermented strains which can be higher)
- Coliform Count: 15,000 - < 50,000 CFU/g (higher limit applies to fermented strains)
- E. coli & Salmonella screening: Negative for STEC & Salmonella spp.
Understanding Microbial Limits
Microbial limits are established to ensure product safety while acknowledging the natural presence of microorganisms in botanical materials:
- Total Plate Count: Measures overall bacterial presence. Higher counts don't necessarily indicate harmful bacteria but may affect product stability.
- Yeast & Mold: Some strains, particularly fermented varieties, may show elevated levels due to processing methods while remaining safe for consumption.
- Coliforms: Environmental bacteria that serve as indicators of overall sanitation practices.
- Pathogens: Strict zero-tolerance for harmful bacteria like E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella species.
| Test | Industry Standard | Our Premium Limit | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | < 500,000 CFU/g | < 100,000 CFU/g | Low-Medium |
| Yeast & Mold | < 100,000 CFU/g | < 10,000 CFU/g* | Low-Medium |
| Total Coliforms | < 50,000 CFU/g | < 15,000 CFU/g* | Medium |
| E. coli (pathogenic) | Absent | Absent | High |
| Salmonella | Absent | Absent | High |
* Except for fermented strains where higher levels are expected and acceptable
Sources for Microbial Limits
- Total Plate Count: Based on AHPA (American Herbal Products Association) "Microbial Guidelines for Botanical Materials" (2016) and USP <2023> recommendations for botanical ingredients[1]
- Yeast & Mold: Following USP <2021> guidelines for non-sterile products and AHPA guidelines for dried botanicals[2]
- Coliforms: Aligned with FDA BAM (Bacteriological Analytical Manual) Ch. 4 recommendations and European Pharmacopoeia limits[3]
- Pathogen Absence: In accordance with FDA guidelines for botanical products and dietary supplements (21 CFR Part 111)[4]
- Fermented Strain Limits: Based on risk assessment principles outlined in European Pharmacopoeia 5.1.8 for herbal products where standard limits cannot be met[5]
Our premium limits are set more conservatively than industry standards to ensure the highest quality products. For fermented strains like Gold Bali, higher yeast and mold counts are expected and acceptable due to the natural fermentation process, which is recognized by the AHPA guidelines for certain botanical preparations.
Special Note on Fermented Strains
Certain kratom varieties, including Gold Bali, undergo a controlled fermentation process as part of traditional processing methods. This natural fermentation enhances the alkaloid profile and creates the distinctive "gold" characteristics, but also results in naturally higher yeast, mold, and bacterial counts compared to non-fermented strains.
The European Pharmacopoeia 5.1.8 recognizes that "for some herbal medicinal products and extracts used in their preparation the criteria given above for TAMC, TYMC and bile-tolerant gram-negative bacteria cannot be met because of the typical level of microbial contamination. Less-stringent acceptance criteria may be applied on the basis of a risk assessment." This applies to fermented botanical products, which naturally exhibit elevated microbial levels while remaining safe for consumption, similar to other fermented products like kombucha, yogurt, or certain aged teas.
For fermented strains, we apply modified limits based on risk assessment principles outlined in European Pharmacopoeia 5.1.8 and considering the natural fermentation process:
- Total Plate Count: < 500,000 CFU/g
- Yeast & Mold: < 100,000 CFU/g
- Total Coliforms: < 50,000 CFU/g
These limits align with European Pharmacopoeia Category C criteria for herbal products where processing methods do not sufficiently reduce microbial levels. Critical safety parameters remain unchanged, with zero tolerance for pathogenic organisms like E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella species.
Heavy Metals Analysis
Uses ICP-MS technology to detect trace amounts of heavy metals:
- Arsenic (As): < 1.0 mg/kg
- Cadmium (Cd): < 0.41 mg/kg
- Lead (Pb): < 1.5 mg/kg
- Mercury (Hg): < 0.20 mg/kg
Alkaloid Content
Measures % of active alkaloids using HPLC analysis:
- Mitragynine
- 7-OH-Mitragynine
Ensures consistent potency and quality across batches.
Understanding Alkaloid Content
Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds that give kratom its unique properties. Our testing measures the percentage of active alkaloids using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) analysis:
- Mitragynine: The primary alkaloid in kratom, typically ranging from 0.5% to 2.0% in most strains.
- 7-OH-Mitragynine: Present in much smaller amounts, usually less than 0.05% but contributes to the overall alkaloid profile.
- Other Alkaloids: Includes paynantheine, speciogynine, and speciociliatine which contribute to the full spectrum of effects.
| Alkaloid | Typical Range | Testing Method | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitragynine | 0.5% - 2.0% | HPLC | Primary active compound |
| 7-OH-Mitragynine | 0.001% - 0.05% | HPLC | Secondary active compound |
| Total Alkaloids | 1.0% - 2.5% | HPLC | Measure of overall potency |
Alkaloid Variation: The alkaloid content can vary naturally due to several factors:
- Harvest Time: Mature leaves typically contain higher alkaloid concentrations
- Growing Region: Soil conditions and climate affect alkaloid development
- Strain Type: Different varieties (red, green, white) have characteristic alkaloid profiles
- Processing Method: Drying and curing techniques influence the final alkaloid ratios
Our testing ensures consistent potency and quality across all batches, allowing customers to reliably gauge appropriate serving sizes.
Sources for Alkaloid Testing
- Testing Methodology: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis following validated methods published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology and Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis[1]
- Mitragynine Levels: Typical concentrations based on peer-reviewed research by Kruegel & Grundmann (2018) and Cinosi et al. (2015) showing natural variation of 0.5% to 2.0%[2]
- 7-OH-Mitragynine: Concentration ranges established from analytical studies by Sharma et al. (2019) documenting natural occurrence at 0.001% to 0.05%[3]
- Alkaloid Profiles: Comprehensive alkaloid profiling methods based on pharmacognostic studies and analytical standards from the scientific literature[4]
Our alkaloid testing program follows scientifically validated methods for botanical analysis. While there are no official regulatory limits for kratom alkaloids, our testing ensures consistency and accurate labeling to help consumers gauge appropriate serving sizes.
