Utah links four deaths to kratom chemicals in 'cat's claw' products
Utah health officials say four people died after using products laced with powerful lab-made kratom chemicals. The products were often labeled as the herbal supplement cat's claw and sold under names like Buzzers. Officials warn people not to buy them and say naloxone can reverse an overdose.
Utah health officials are warning people to stay away from some herbal products after four deaths were linked to potent chemicals made from kratom.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services said the deaths involved two semi-synthetic kratom compounds, MGPI and MGM-15, KSL reported. Both act on the body's opioid receptors. They were classified as Schedule I drugs, the strictest federal category, in August. Both are illegal to sell in Utah.
State testing found the chemicals in products sold online and in Utah smoke shops and gas stations. Many were labeled as "cat's claw" or its scientific name, Uncaria tomentosa. They were often sold under brand names like "Buzzers."
Natural cat's claw comes from a South American vine and is generally safe, NBC News reported. But the labels on these products often claim they are legal and kratom-free, while warning they are for "adults only/21+" or cause strong effects.
"These cat's claw products contain dangerous opioids derived from kratom," said Dr. Michael Moss, medical director of the Utah Poison Control Center. "No one should take these products, retailers should not sell them, and healthcare providers should be aware of potential for addiction, withdrawal, and overdose."
Utah poison control has been getting calls about cat's claw products causing symptoms that look like opioid overdoses, NBC reported. Exo Club, which makes Buzzers, did not immediately respond to NBC. Its website says the product does not contain kratom.
Because the chemicals work like opioids, the overdose drug naloxone, or Narcan, can treat an overdose, the health department said. People going through withdrawal should get medical care. The Utah Poison Control Center can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
Other states are seeing the same problem. Tennessee issued a warning in September after finding MGM-15 in cat's claw products. A Virginia poison center has also gotten calls. Kratom is banned in at least 10 states.
Kratom itself is used for pain, depression and opioid withdrawal, but it is highly addictive, NBC reported. A CDC report linked 233 deaths to kratom from 2015 to 2025.
What we know: Four Utah deaths are tied to MGPI and MGM-15 found in cat's claw products.
What we don't: How widely the products have been sold outside Utah.
Where outlets agree NBC News and KSL both report the deaths involved MGPI and MGM-15 found in products labeled as cat's claw, often sold under the Buzzers name.
Where they differ State officials say lab tests found kratom-derived opioids in the products, while the maker of Buzzers says on its website that its product contains no kratom.