SABER Issues Warning on the Public Health Risks of Synthetic 7-OH

CLEVELAND, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) is raising alarms about the rising public health threat posed by products labelled as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a dangerous synthetically produced product often falsely marketed as a kratom leaf extract. Unlike kratom leaves, which have been consumed traditionally for its mild energy and analgesic properties, these lab produced products contain predominately synthetic 7-OH which poses risks of addiction, toxicity, and misuse.

"Synthetic 7-OH is not kratom—it is a highly potent, unregulated chemical," says Professor Paula Brown of the BC Institute of Technology. "Consumers have a right to transparency, yet these products are often mislabeled and marketed deceptively as natural extracts, without proper quality and safety testing, they carry a significant risk of causing harm."

Key Concerns Highlighted by SABER

1. Potency and Abuse Potential:
   • Synthetic 7-OH is up to 30 times more potent than morphine at opioid receptors, significantly increasing the risk of dependence and overdose.
2. Masquerading as Natural Products:
   • These synthetic products are often deceptively marketed as "natural kratom extracts," misleading consumers who believe they are purchasing a safer, plant-based product.
3. Health Risks:
   • Due to the lack of clinical safety data, synthetic 7-OH products pose severe risks, including respiratory depression, toxicity, and addiction.
4. Regulatory Non-Compliance:
   • Synthetic 7-OH fails to meet FDA definitions of a food or dietary ingredient and is considered an unapproved drug. Many states, including Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, have enacted bans on synthetic 7-OH exceeding 2% of total alkaloid content in products. 

A Call for Consumer and Regulatory Action

SABER urges policymakers to enforce stricter regulations on synthetic 7-OH products and calls for penalties against unscrupulous manufacturers that mislead consumers. Comprehensive legislation aligned with Kratom Consumer Protection Acts is needed to protect the public and preserve access to safe, natural kratom products. It is imperative swift action is taken to close regulatory loopholes that allow dangerous synthetic 7-OH products to infiltrate the market. Consumers, health professionals, and legislators must unite to demand accountability and ensure safety.

About SABER

The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding, education, and regulation of botanicals. Through rigorous research, advocacy, and education, SABER promotes safe and informed use of plant-based products.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact [email protected]
Website: www.saberscience.org

SOURCE The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER)