Akuamma Seeds: A Natural Pain Reliever and Anti-Inflammatory

Medically reviewed by — Research analysis by Alex Eriksson

Picralima Nitida or Akuamma is a plant that is native to West Africa. Akuamma seeds are dried and then ground into powder to use as treatment for various medical conditions. This has been the case for hundreds of years. Today, it’s often used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug.

Akuamma capsules were brought to the spotlight when a hospital in Ghana started manufacturing 250mg capsules of the powder, quickly becoming the go-to option for safe and effective pain relief. As a result, the scientific community started looking into the Akuamma’s unique properties.



Alkaloids in Akuamma

Like Kratom, Akuamma contains alkaloids which give various effects to the body. These are the alkaloids present in Akuamma:

  • Akuammidine
    Structurally, akuammidine is similar to yohimbine, the alkaloid from the Yohimbe tree that is used to reverse sedation in animals, and mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in kratom responsible for its analgesic and mood enhancing effects.
  • Akuammigine
    Akuammigine helps in lowering blood pressure. It slows down heart rate and relaxes blood vessels.
  • Akuammine
    Akuamma contains high amounts of akuammine. These compounds work in a similar manner as opiates, which is why Akuamma powder is a potent pain reliever. It also has anti-malaria properties.
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    Pseudo-akuammigine
    The pseudo-akuammigine gives the Akuamma its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. High doses of pseudo-akuammigine can modulate respiration and the central nervous system.

Other Alkaloids include Akuammicine, Burnamin, Desacetylakuammiline, Pericine, Picraline, Picraciine, Picraphylline, Picranitine, and many others.


Akuamma as a Kratom Alternative

Other alkaloids in Akuamma provide similar effects as Kratom. However, the effects are milder.

Kratom contains about 1,500 different kinds of alkaloids which is one of the reasons that it is more potent than Akuamma. But, many users prefer Akuamma’s milder, stable, and long-lasting effects.

Many consumers also prefer Akuamma because it’s legal in places where Kratom is illegal.

Other alkaloids in Akuamma provide similar effects as Kratom. However, its effects are milder than Kratom.

Kratom contains about 1,500 alkaloids which makes it more potent than Akuamma. But, many users prefer Akuamma’s milder, stable, and long-lasting effects.

Many consumers also prefer Akuamma because it’s legal in places where Kratom is illegal.


Man with back pain. Man rubbing his painful back close up. Pain relief concept

The Positive Effects of Akuamma Seeds

Relieves Pain

Because of its alkaloid content, Akuamma seeds are effective in relieving pain. It works on arthritis, migraine, and other chronic pain.

Many users prefer Akuamma seeds because unlike opiates, they’re not addictive. You would feel the effects under 30 minutes, but they aren’t as potent as Kratom.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

If you’re feeling stressed, you can take Akuamma seeds. They’re known to help reduce stress and anxiety.

It may calm your overall mental and physical state. Some users state that taking Akuamma seeds helped them through panic attacks.

Helps Treat Sleep Disorders

Akuamma seeds are effective for sedation. They can help ease insomnia and other sleeping issues.

Their sedative effects can calm your body and mind. The seeds can leave you stress-free which may help you get better sleep.

Can Treat Malaria

Studies found Akuamma seeds showing inhibitory activity from Plasmodium resistant strains like Falciparum. Alstonine, an indole alkaloid, and akuammine are important in malaria treatment.

Effective Treatment Against Parasites

One study suggests that Akuamma seeds are effective against a parasite called Trypanosoma. Akuamma’s trypanocidal effect may prevent diseases like Chagas diseases and Leishmaniasis.

May Help Prevent Diabetes

Akuamma seeds contain Akuammicine that encourages glucose absorption into the cells, reducing the levels of sugar in the bloodstream.


The Side Effects

Like any other drug, Akuamma has negative effects. Its side effects depend on the dosage and may range from mild up to moderate effects.

These side effects are not lethal. Also, these only happen when you would exceed your dose limit.

It may be safe to take less than 6 grams of Akuamma for beginners. Even if you’ve already tried it or something similar like Kratom, do not exceed 10 grams.

By using pregnenolone cream or pregnenolone supplements, the levels of the compound in the body increases, and this brings about various benefits such as fatigue relief, and delay of the aging process.

Dosage

Like Kratom, you can now get Akuamma seeds in various forms – powders, extracts, or capsules. You may also get them in their original seed form.

The recommended dosage of Akuamma for chronic pain is at 2-4 grams. Some users even reported that as little as 1.5 grams can already give wonderful effects.

Taking Akuamma in low doses can stimulate the central nervous system, while taking it in high doses can give opposite effects.

For a pain maintenance dose, you may start at 250 mg of powder or 1-2 pieces of seeds.

The duration of the effects may last for 4 to 5 hours. But, it may still vary on different body chemistries and dosages.

To start, you need to have a weighing scale to get accurate measurements of your Akuamma. Precise measurement will prevent harmful side effects.


Preparation

Akuamma has a bitter taste which many users can’t stand. It may cause some to vomit and feel nauseous. This is why akuamma is often mixed in with other foods or drinks. You can add it to almost any kind of liquid from teas to juice to avoid its bitterness.

There are also Akuamma capsules available on the market. Taking capsules is the best choice for beginners because of its controlled dosage.

You can also get dried seeds that you can grind using a coffee grinder yourself or take directly.

You may get them at a cheaper price compared to processed Akuamma products. But, preparing them can be tedious unless you have a lot of time to spare.


Where to Get Akuamma Seeds

People in West Africa, especially Ghana, may have easier access to Akuamma products. But even if you’re located outside the region, you can still get Akuamma from online vendors who also sell Kratom.

You can get an ounce up to a pound of Akuamma seed powder from Kratom Crazy. Its price may range from $12 to $144.

You may also get them in capsule form from KratomCapsules.com. It’s available for about $19 in a bottle with 50 capsules.

There are also other vendors who sell them in its original seed form or in extracts. But, only buy Akuamma seed products from reputable vendors and sources.


Conclusion

Locals in West African regions have been reaping health benefits of Akuamma seeds for hundreds of years. They’re not as potent as Kratom, but they do the job.

The seeds have their downsides, but the benefits outweigh the side effects. If you’re a responsible consumer, you’re not likely to experience side effects. Start at a low dose and gradually work your way up until you get your desired effects.

If you’re having problems using Kratom, you can switch to Akuamma seeds. They may give similar benefits but are milder and safer.


author
Alex Eriksson (Research Analysis)

Alex Eriksson is the founder of Epic Kratom, a blog dedicated to all Kratom lovers that provide honest and research-backed advice on how people can treat their chronic health problems using Kratom.

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