Recent court filings in the investigation of the September 21 deaths of two University of Mississippi students show that tablets recovered at the scene contained three semisynthetic kratom‑related compounds: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM‑15 and 7‑OH. These substances are not the natural kratom leaf but concentrated, laboratory‑derived derivatives of the plant’s alkaloids.
What the compounds are
Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and MGM‑15 were placed on the federal Schedule I list in August on an emergency basis, joining heroin, LSD and cannabis as substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The third compound, 7‑OH, is a metabolite of the natural alkaloid mitragynine that becomes more potent when further processed.
Potential health risks
All three compounds bind to the brain’s mu‑opioid receptors, producing effects similar to heroin, oxycodone or fentanyl, though generally weaker. Researchers note that the binding can lead to respiratory depression, dependence and, in severe cases, overdose. Dr. Kim Aldy of the Toxicology Investigators Consortium warned that patients have presented with withdrawal syndromes comparable to those seen with heroin or fentanyl.
Symptoms of kratom or derivative poisoning can include high blood pressure, vomiting, heart attack, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, liver damage and rapid heart rate. These signs underscore the danger of unregulated products that are sold in gas stations, smoke shops and other retail outlets in states where they remain legal.
Regulatory landscape
While natural kratom is not federally regulated and is not lawfully marketed as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive, several states have taken action. Florida, Ohio, Kentucky and California have already restricted the semisynthetic compounds, and nine states—including Alabama, Connecticut, Louisiana and Vermont—have banned natural kratom outright.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that kratom is not approved for any medical use and that its safety profile remains uncertain. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s recent emergency scheduling reflects growing concern about the ease of access to these potent derivatives.
Ongoing investigation
Autopsy and toxicology reports for the Ole Miss students have not yet been released, so officials cannot confirm whether the semisynthetic kratom products contributed to the fatalities. Nonetheless, the presence of these Schedule I substances in a consumer product highlights a broader public‑health issue.
National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Dr. Nora Volkow expressed “very concerned” remarks about the accessibility of such opioid‑like substances, urging stronger oversight and public awareness.
What consumers should know
Because the market for kratom‑derived products is largely unregulated, consumers may encounter mislabeled or adulterated items. Health professionals advise individuals to avoid unverified supplements, especially those marketed in convenient retail locations without clear labeling.
Anyone experiencing symptoms after using kratom products should seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to local health authorities.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
