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.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Chris McCurdy

00:02:51 Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Origin, Effects, Low vs High Doses

00:07:19 Sponsors: David Protein & Eight Sleep

00:10:07 Kratom, Traditional Use vs Commercial Kratom Products, Absorption

00:17:00 Kratom Products, Serving Size, Kids; Semi-Synthetics; Tool: Understand Kratom Product Labels

00:23:16 Kratom Products & Various Desired Effects; Physical Dependence

00:32:53 Different Kratom Usage Patterns, Opioid Dependence

00:36:59 Alkaloid Compounds, Nitrogen, Nicotine; Animals & Self-Experimentation

00:47:47 Sponsors: AG1 & ROKA

00:51:05 Medicine Development, Disconnection from Nature, Product Concentrations

00:59:00 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 Products

01:20:16 Sponsor: Function

01:22:04 Kratom Leaf vs Derivatives, FDA Regulations, Usage Guidelines

01:26:59 Kratom, Alcohol Consumption, Respiratory Failure?

01:29:09 Kratom Alkaloids, Mood & Stimulant Effects, Multiple Pathways for Pain Relief

01:38:17 Plant Alkaloids & Chemical Defense, Kratom & Antifungal Alkaloids; Geckos

01:44:35 White, Red & Brown Vein Kratom, Leaf Processing; Terpenes

01:51:08 Kratom as an Anti-Depressant?; Discontinuing Kratom Use, Opioid Use

01:58:03 Kratom, Drug Interactions & Seizure, Opioids

02:01:51 Cacao Beans, Chocolate

02:09:34 Coca-Cola, Coca Plant & Cocaine, History of Soft Drinks

02:19:49 Career Journey, Pharmacy, Chemistry & Education, Lobelia

02:28:44 Nicotine; Natural Products & Career Journey, Salvia divinorum, Kratom

02:40:22 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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