UVA Health study raises concerns about kratom use in the United States

March 26, 2026 - 19:50

A recent study from UVA Health is casting a critical eye on the rising use of kratom across the United States, highlighting significant potential health risks associated with the unregulated herbal supplement. The substance, derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, is readily available in gas stations, smoke shops, and online despite increasing medical scrutiny.

Researchers express concern over kratom's psychoactive compounds, which act on the brain's opioid receptors. This action can lead to a range of adverse effects, including addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and severe health complications in some users. The study underscores that because kratom is not regulated by the FDA, product purity, strength, and safety are highly inconsistent, posing unknown dangers to consumers.

Public health officials note a troubling increase in kratom-related calls to poison control centers and emergency room visits. The research aims to fill a knowledge gap, as widespread availability has outpaced scientific understanding of the long-term consequences of its use. The findings advocate for greater public awareness and more rigorous investigation into the safety profile of this controversial botanical substance.