BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department is currently warning residents about the health risks of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a novel potent opioid found in kratom products sold at gas stations, and smoke shops.

7-OH is in kratom, which health officials state is marketed as an energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever, and remedy for symptoms of quitting opioids.

Kratom often is sold as a tablet, gummy, drink mix or shot.

Health officials state 7-OH can cause anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal distress, insomnia, seizures, addiction, and significant withdrawal symptoms, including restlessness, body aches, fatigue, irritability, and cold sweats.

Officials state there have also been rare cases of liver injury and death.

“We are seeing an increasing number of people in local emergency departments with symptoms related to 7-OH,” said Dr. Jonathan Beyer, BCHD’s medical director and an emergency room physician. “Since kratom and other products containing 7-OH are sold as herbal or natural supplements, many people do not realize these substances can act as opioids and may cause serious health issues and withdrawal symptoms if used regularly.”

Officials note that 7-OH occurs naturally in trace amounts in the kratom plant, but some products contain higher concentrations.

7-OH is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for any medical use and is not permitted as a dietary supplement or an ingredient in conventional foods due to it not meeting applicable safety standards.

Health officials state because kratom products are not regulated by the FDA, it's hard to determine the concentration of 7-OH or whether contaminants may be present.

Indiana and some other states have banned said products while 24 states have enacted some form of regulation.

Several have classified kratom as a controlled substance.

Heath officials added that legislation has been introduced in Michigan.

You can learn more about the potential risks of 7-OH on the FDA's website.