SALT LAKE CITY — Utah health officials are warning the public after four deaths were linked to high-potency, illegal chemical compounds found in certain herbal products, including products marketed as kratom and “cat’s claw.”
The Utah Poison Control Center urges people not to buy or use products labeled “cat’s claw,” marked “adults only” or “21+,” or any nonprescription product marketed as legal while promising psychoactive effects.
Although the products are illegal to sell in Utah, health officials say they have been found in local retail stores, smoke shops, gas stations and online.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food identified two dangerous semi-synthetic kratom compounds in the products: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI) and dihydro-7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as MGM-15.
The products are often sold under brand names such as “Buzzers” and may be labeled as containing “cat’s claw,” also known by its scientific name, Uncaria tomentosa. Health officials say laboratory testing has found that some of these products actually contain MGPI and MGM-15.
Natural cat’s claw itself is not considered harmful by Utah health officials. The concern is with products falsely labeled as cat’s claw that contain the illegal kratom-related compounds.
In August, the Drug Enforcement Administration classified MGPI, MGM-15, and related chemicals as Schedule I controlled substances.
Utah health officials say the compounds act as powerful opioids and can carry risks including addiction, dangerous withdrawal, overdose and death. Under Utah law, only pure, natural leaf kratom products may be legally sold. Products containing kratom extracts or semi-synthetic kratom compounds are illegal. Because the substances act on opioid receptors, naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, can be used to reverse an overdose.
Utah is not the only state warning about products marketed as “cat’s claw.” The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has also warned that some products sold under that name may contain MGM-15.
Health officials are urging parents to be aware of products their children may encounter and to talk with them about the risks of these substances.
Kratom has also been linked to recent investigations in Mississippi. Two University of Mississippi students died last month, and authorities said packaged kratom purchased from a retail store was found during both investigations.
