The Kentucky Health Department has issued a warning against products containing kratom and the psychoactive chemical it contains, 7-hydroxymitragynine, often shortened to 7-OH.

Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia and can be made into a variety of products, including teas, gummies, pills and other products. The two active ingredients in kratom, 7-OH and another chemical called mitragynine, bind to the same receptors in the brain as opioids. Kratom induces stimulant effects at low doses but sedative effects at higher doses. Synthetic versions of the chemicals are often more potent than their naturally occurring variants.

An estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

People use kratom for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms as well as chronic pain, diarrhea and anxiety. The FDA has not approved kratom and 7-OH for use in over-the-counter medication, dietary supplements or food.

Overuse of kratom can lead to seizures, liver problems and addiction, among other health issues. The FDA has also documented the presence of Salmonella bacteria and heavy metals in certain kratom products.

You can read the FDA’s full write-up on kratom, its active ingredients, and its known effects on the body at fda.gov.

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