Health officials warn that it is possible that the potential lethal danger of synthetic Kratom compound is associated with three recent fatal overdoses in Los Angeles County.
A compound called 7-hydroxymethylaniline (7-OH) was ruled to cause death in three healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 40, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Alcohol was also found in all three.
kratom originated from mitragyna speciosa, A tree in Southeast Asia. 7-OH is a psychoactive component of those leaves, which its supporters see as a cure for chronic pain, anxiety and opioid diseases, and also helps increase alertness and energy.
A synthetic concentrated version of 7-OH is also used in products sold at gas stations and tobacco stores across Los Angeles County and across the country. These products come in the form of concentrated lenses of tablets, tea, gummy and alcohol, all of which public health departments warn that they increase the risk of adverse reactions.
The department urges residents to look for products with labels such as “plant alkaloids” or “alkali”, as they may contain 7-OH.
“At low doses, 7-OH can have a irritating effect and have opioid-like effects at higher doses,” the department said in a statement. “High doses of 7-OH and/or [co-use] Use of alcohol or other sedatives can lead to severe respiratory depression and death. ”
The ministry warns residents to avoid using the compound and most importantly avoid mixing it with other drugs. The department also recommends carrying naloxone, which can reverse the toxicity of 7-OH and opioid overdose.
Although kratom is not an opioid per se, it has a similar effect, and high doses of synthetic 7-OH can work like traditional opioids.
In July, the Food and Drug Administration Issue a warning It is illegal to add compounds to dietary supplements or to advertise products containing it.
“Consumers using 7-OH products are exposing themselves to products that are not proven to be safe or effective,” the FDA said.
Some states, including Arizona, Minnesota and Texas, banned the sale of products to minors with 7-OH.
Orange County Supervisory Board A ban was recently passed About the sale or ownership of synthetic Kratom products. Similar restrictions exist Newport Beach,,,,, Santiago and Oceanside.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health did not respond to a request for comment Friday night, whether the agency would support similar restrictions in light of the recent overdose.
However, a spokesperson told the Times last month that the department is reviewing the OC Ordinance and is committed to raising public awareness of the dangers associated with Kratom.
Last year, California lawmakers put aside a bill that would enforce regulations on Kratom products in the event of conflict between advocacy groups. The bill attempts to prohibit the sale of Kratom products to anyone under the age of 21, requires clear labeling and prohibits the sale of synthetic Kratom compounds.
Times worker Karen Garcia and former staff writer Emily Alpert Reyes contributed to the report.
