(AP photo)WASHINGTON: US health authorities say an herbal supplement promoted as an alternative pain remedy contains the same chemicals found in opioids, the addictive family of drugs at the centre of a national addiction crisis. The Food and Drug Administration analysis, published Tuesday, makes it more likely that the supplement, kratom, could be banned by the federal government. The FDA also said it has identified 44 reports of death involving kratom since 2011, up from 36 reported in November. Sold in various capsules and powders, kratom has gained popularity in the US as a treatment for pain, anxiety and drug dependence. FDA scientists analysed the 25 most common chemical compounds in kratom and concluded that they behave like those found in opioids including morphine.

Source: Bangkok Post February 07, 2018 00:11 UTC