My guest is Dr. Chris McCurdy, PhD, FAAPS, professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Florida and a world expert on the pharmacology of kratom and other plant-derived medicinal compounds. We discuss kratom’s wide-ranging effects, including its use for boosting energy, enhancing mood, managing pain and as a potential opioid substitute, while also explaining its critical safety concerns and addictive potential, especially for kratom-derived/isolate products. We also discuss plant-based compounds more generally for their potential benefits and risks. Dr. McCurdy offers a balanced perspective on kratom and other plant-based and naturally occurring medicinal compounds, highlighting and contrasting their promise for human health with potential serious risks.Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.Thank you to our sponsorsAG1: https://drinkag1.com/hubermanDavid Protein: https://davidprotein.com/hubermanEight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/hubermanROKA: https://roka.com/hubermanFunction: https://functionhealth.com/hubermanTimestamps00:00:00 Chris McCurdy00:02:51 Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Origin, Effects, Low vs High Doses00:07:19 Sponsors: David Protein & Eight Sleep00:10:07 Kratom, Traditional Use vs Commercial Kratom Products, Absorption00:17:00 Kratom Products, Serving Size, Kids; Semi-Synthetics; Tool: Understand Kratom Product Labels00:23:16 Kratom Products & Various Desired Effects; Physical Dependence00:32:53 Different Kratom Usage Patterns, Opioid Dependence00:36:59 Alkaloid Compounds, Nitrogen, Nicotine; Animals & Self-Experimentation00:47:47 Sponsors: AG1 & ROKA00:51:05 Medicine Development, Disconnection from Nature, Product Concentrations00:59:00 Alkaloids & Natural Products, Opium Poppy, Coca Leaf, Tool: Kratom Leaf vs Extracts (Kratom-Derived/Kratom Isolates)01:09:06 Is It Safe for Kids to Consume Kratom Products?01:12:19 Kratom, Energy, Mood & Pain Management, Dose; Caffeine 01:16:56 Respiratory Depression & Kratom Products01:20:16 Sponsor: Function01:22:04 Kratom Leaf vs Derivatives, FDA Regulations, Usage Guidelines01:26:59 Kratom, Alcohol Consumption, Respiratory Failure?01:29:09 Kratom Alkaloids, Mood & Stimulant Effects, Multiple Pathways for Pain Relief01:38:17 Plant Alkaloids & Chemical Defense, Kratom & Antifungal Alkaloids; Geckos01:44:35 White, Red & Brown Vein Kratom, Leaf Processing; Terpenes01:51:08 Kratom as an Anti-Depressant?; Discontinuing Kratom Use, Opioid Use01:58:03 Kratom, Drug Interactions & Seizure, Opioids02:01:51 Cacao Beans, Chocolate02:09:34 Coca-Cola, Coca Plant & Cocaine, History of Soft Drinks02:19:49 Career Journey, Pharmacy, Chemistry & Education, Lobelia02:28:44 Nicotine; Natural Products & Career Journey, Salvia divinorum, Kratom02:40:22 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network NewsletterDisclaimer & DisclosuresLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
