FDA warns about herbal drug kratom, used for pain relief: What to know about side effects

Millions of Americans have turned to kratom, an over-the-counter herbal drug extracted from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia, for relief of pain, anxiety and even withdrawal symptoms from opioids.

But the Food and Drug Administration has said kratom may be harmful. The agency has sought to restrict imports of the substance and recently seized a large shipment to an Oklahoma manufacturer.

Still, millions of users regularly buy kratom as pills, capsules or other forms at convenience stores and smoke shops.

Here’s what to know about kratom, its side effects, how it’s sold and its legality.

What is kratom?

Kratom is extracted from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Read the USA Today story at MSN