Health Effects & Risks of Kratom, Opioids & Other Natural Occurring Medicines

<p>My guest is <a href="https://pharmacy.ufl.edu/profile/mccurdy-christopher/">Dr. Chris McCurdy, PhD, FAAP</a>S, 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.</p>
<p>Read the episode show notes at <a href="https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/health-effects-and-risks-of-kratom-opioids-and-other-natural-occurring-medicines-dr-chris-mccurdy">hubermanlab.com</a>.</p>
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<p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p>
<p>00:00:00 Chris McCurdy</p>
<p>00:02:51 Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Origin, Effects, Low vs High Doses</p>
<p>00:07:19 Sponsors: David Protein &amp; Eight Sleep</p>
<p>00:10:07 Kratom, Traditional Use vs Commercial Kratom Products, Absorption</p>
<p>00:17:00 Kratom Products, Serving Size, Kids; Semi-Synthetics; Tool: Understand Kratom Product Labels</p>
<p>00:23:16 Kratom Products &amp; Various Desired Effects; Physical Dependence</p>
<p>00:32:53 Different Kratom Usage Patterns, Opioid Dependence</p>
<p>00:36:59 Alkaloid Compounds, Nitrogen, Nicotine; Animals &amp; Self-Experimentation</p>
<p>00:47:47 Sponsors: AG1 &amp; ROKA</p>
<p>00:51:05 Medicine Development, Disconnection from Nature, Product Concentrations</p>
<p>00:59:00 Alkaloids &amp; Natural Products, Opium Poppy, Coca Leaf, Tool: Kratom Leaf vs Extracts (Kratom-Derived/Kratom Isolates)</p>
<p>01:09:06 Is It Safe for Kids to Consume Kratom Products?</p>
<p>01:12:19 Kratom, Energy, Mood &amp; Pain Management, Dose; Caffeine </p>
<p>01:16:56 Respiratory Depression &amp; Kratom Products</p>
<p>01:20:16 Sponsor: Function</p>
<p>01:22:04 Kratom Leaf vs Derivatives, FDA Regulations, Usage Guidelines</p>
<p>01:26:59 Kratom, Alcohol Consumption, Respiratory Failure?</p>
<p>01:29:09 Kratom Alkaloids, Mood &amp; Stimulant Effects, Multiple Pathways for Pain Relief</p>
<p>01:38:17 Plant Alkaloids &amp; Chemical Defense, Kratom &amp; Antifungal Alkaloids; Geckos</p>
<p>01:44:35 White, Red &amp; Brown Vein Kratom, Leaf Processing; Terpenes</p>
<p>01:51:08 Kratom as an Anti-Depressant?; Discontinuing Kratom Use, Opioid Use</p>
<p>01:58:03 Kratom, Drug Interactions &amp; Seizure, Opioids</p>
<p>02:01:51 Cacao Beans, Chocolate</p>
<p>02:09:34 Coca-Cola, Coca Plant &amp; Cocaine, History of Soft Drinks</p>
<p>02:19:49 Career Journey, Pharmacy, Chemistry &amp; Education, Lobelia</p>
<p>02:28:44 Nicotine; Natural Products &amp; Career Journey, Salvia divinorum, Kratom</p>
<p>02:40:22 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify &amp; Apple Follow &amp; Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter</p>
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