(NewsNation) — The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is warning residents not to take the potentially fatal supplement 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH.

Health officials said the chemical compound is untested, unregulated and not safe for any use. However, it is sold in convenience stores without restriction.

“Both 7-OH and kratom have been marketed as ‘natural’ promoters of alertness and remedies for pain, anxiety, and/or opioid withdrawal," MDHSS said.

Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, there were 47 reports of exposure to 7-OH from kratom or other products in Missouri. This number nearly doubled compared to last year, which had 25 reports.

A compound extracted from the kratom plant, 7-OH is a synthetic opioid that can be more potent than morphine.

7-OH is found in

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