What is kratom? FDA targets dangerous 7-OH products in nationwide crackdown

"I started working on this over 20 years ago," said Christopher McCurdy, an internationally recognized kratom expert and professor of medicinal chemistry at University of Florida Health. Data from the National Poison Control Center shows reports related to kratom more than doubled in 2025. As a result, the company also had to strengthen labelling on the bottles, adding the product "may be habit-forming and harmful" and noting it's made for use by people aged 21 and older. Concentrated forms of it are increasingly blamed for addiction, health issues and even death. Under the Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (aka Sherman Law), CDPH has authority specific to adulterated or misbranded food, drug, medical device and cosmetics.

• In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking kratom.
• These bestsellers are the perfect way to experience both the energizing and soothing qualities of kratom.
• In 2024, poison control centers started tracking 7-OH, a synthetic kratom derivative.

Uses of the leaves

In a PNN survey of over 6,000 kratom users, about one in ten said they used kratom as a treatment for OUD or alcoholism, with over 90% saying it was “very effective.” Many said kratom reduced their cravings and helped ween them from drugs. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has approved an Investigational New Drug application to see if mitragynine – one of the many alkaloids in kratom – could be used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The FDA also has not approved kratom for us in drugs.

Herbal supplement Kratom linked to serious side effects, deaths: study

Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine function as partial agonists at the μ-opioid receptors and antagonists at the δ-opioid receptors. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. A Doctor's advice should be sought before using this and any supplemental dietary product. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications.

The designation implies that Kratom is a narcotic drug that is illegal to use, own, or transport in Australia. The AMA promotes the art and science of medicine and sids 2014 the betterment of public health. Get the latest medical news, policy updates and professional resources delivered directly to your inbox.

According to agency statements, natural kratom leaf products are not the focus of this action. New York state assembly member Phil Steck co-sponsored bipartisan legislation that passed this month – which the governor must still approve – would ban 7-OH but not so-called natural kratom products. The FDA then began studying the ingredient, concluding in 2018 that kratom contains many of the same chemicals as opioids, the addictive class of drugs that includes painkillers like OxyContin as well as heroin and fentanyl.

Another issue, according to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, is the synthetic versions hitting the streets. The main ingredient is 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is often marketed as an energy booster, relaxant and pain reliever. Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia and is sold in many forms, including pills, liquid and powders. The concern is so strong that the FDA recently issued a warning, citing risks including substance abuse, seizures, and even death.

But recently, public health officials have raised alarms about a component of the leaf called hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, an alkaloid that has the potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors in the body. Premium CBD, kratom, kava & mushroom products lab-tested, expert recommended, and backed by 5 stores of real-world wellness coaching. Products range from powdered leaf, which most closely resembles the traditional use of kratom, to isolated extracts of active ingredients in the plant. McCurdy said one issue is the various potencies of products that all call themselves kratom. Advocates for kratom say it has been a lifeline for many people who have struggled with chronic pain.

This product should be used only as directed on the label. This product is not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 18. When you log in with OHID, your privacy, data, and personal information are protected by federal and state digital security standards. This product is not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 21.