Kratom has long been used by some people seeking relief from addiction to prescription opioids or alcohol. It is increasingly being marketed as a wellness product said to boost energy, improve focus and enhance athletic performance. Some companies have handed out samples at gyms, sponsored sporting events or promoted kratom through influencers and wellness podcasts.
The substance comes from the leaves of a tropical tree and is commonly sold as drinks, powders and capsules. Health concerns include the potential for addiction, liver injury, seizures and, in some cases, fatal overdose. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom products for medical use.
Federal officials have moved to temporarily ban products containing high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, a synthetic form of kratom. They also announced plans to ban mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, or M.G.P.I., a semi-synthetic form, but agreed to allow it at certain levels after industry lobbying. M.G.P.I. is an opioid and has been linked to at least 48 fatal overdoses.
Doctors are particularly concerned about synthetic products, which can be much more potent than natural kratom. Even products labeled as natural or whole-leaf may contain compounds such as M.G.P.I. and carry addiction risks, experts said. Some states have banned kratom or limited sales to minors, but it remains widely available in many areas, including at gas stations, smoke shops and online.
Sources: The New York Times Health.