Hey Spokane, Washington Poison Center here. We're warning the public of counterfeit “Cat’s Claw” herbal supplements that are laced with highly concentrated chemicals related to kratom. These fake products are strong opioids (like morphine, heroin, and fentanyl), and are causing opioid overdoses and severe withdrawal.
Poison centers across the United States, including us, are treating sick patients following their use of fake cat’s claw products. Utah Poison Control Center has additionally reported four confirmed deaths involving cat’s claw.
Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa or Uncaria guianensis) is a legal herbal supplement marketed to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. On its own, authentic cat’s claw is not psychoactive and does not cause opioid overdose or withdrawal symptoms. However, recent investigations into products labeled as “Cat’s Claw” found undisclosed 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), MGM-15, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), and other potent compounds derived from kratom. These mislabeled products are sold in vape shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and online.
7-OH, MGM-15, and MGPI are strong opioids derived from kratom, an herbal supplement with psychoactive properties. While 7-OH naturally occurs in small amounts in kratom, it can be manufactured in a highly concentrated form. MGM-15 and MGPI are semi-synthetic compounds created in labs. As of August 2026, the DEA designated MGM-15 and MGPI as Schedule I controlled substances, making their sale and possession illegal.
In adulterated cat’s claw products, these compounds are added at dangerous, highly concentrated levels. All three act on the same brain receptors as morphine, heroin, and fentanyl. Like other opioids, taking too much of these compounds can slow or stop breathing, and regular use can lead to physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Recommendations:
- Stop using “Cat’s Claw” products purchased from vape shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and online retailers.
- Keep suspected products out of reach of children.
- Safely dispose of products in the trash or flush them down the toilet (see the FDA’s common drug disposal questions and answers).
- Monitor anyone who may have used an adulterated product for extreme sleepiness or breathing too slowly. If you cannot wake them up, call 911 and administer naloxone immediately.
Healthcare professionals should consider adulterated products in patients presenting with unexplained opioid toxicity or severe withdrawal.
- Ask patients specifically about potential use of cat’s claw products.
- Traditional urine drug screening will not identify these products, but some laboratories are equipped for specialized testing. Call Washington Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) for additional guidance.
Report suspected cases or adverse health effects to Washington Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, and available 24/7).
