FDA Warns Of Deadly Risks Related To Herbal Supplement Kratom

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning the public about reports of injury, addiction and death associated with the use of kratom, an herbal supplement billed as an alternative to opioid painkillers and other prescription drugs.

Kratom is made from a plant native to Southeast Asia — in countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea — and has gained popularity in the U.S. as a treatment for pain, anxiety and drug dependence. Users have opposed efforts to regulate the plant, saying it could be a safer alternative to opioid pain pills.

But the FDA on Tuesday said in a release on Tuesday kratom carries similar risks, including addiction and death, and the agency is working to block shipments.

"There is no reliable evidence to support the use of kratom as a treatment for opioid use disorder," the agency said.

The FDA said it knows of 36 deaths involving products made with kratom and hundreds of calls to poison control centers.

"Given all these considerations, we must ask ourselves whether the use of kratom – for recreation, pain or other reasons – could expand the opioid epidemic," the agency said.

By MATTHEW PERRONE, AP Health Writer

Photo credit: Mary Esch/Associated Press