There's growing concern about the safety of consuming a supplement known as kratom , derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia that has exploded in popularity in recent years.

Used in a variety of products — including drinks, pills, powders and brewed tea leaves — kratom is marketed as an energy booster, relaxant and pain reliever.

But it's increasingly blamed for addiction, seizures and in some instances deaths. Kratom is currently banned in six states and Washington, D.C., and at least 18 states have some form of regulation.

"There's a common misperception that because it's plant-based ... it's safe or non-addictive, but for kratom that's absolutely not true," said Matthew Rossheim, who researches intoxicating substances. He said he thinks kratom products ar

See Full Page