Overdose deaths involving the herbal supplement kratom are more common than previously reported, according to U.S. health officials. A government report released Thursday said kratom was a cause in 91 overdose deaths in 27 states. Officials previously said they knew of 44 nationally.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the numbers after combing through death certificates and toxicology reports from an 18-month period.
Most who died had also taken heroin, fentanyl or other drugs. But kratom was the only substance detected in seven of the deaths.
Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia. It is sold as kratom capsules and powders with claims that it helps ease pain, anxiety and drug dependence. But kratom is not regulated by the FDA and health officials have expressed concerns about its safety.
Read more at CBS News.