The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
Health Effects & Risks of Kratom, Opioids & Other Natural Occurring Medicines | Dr. Chris McCurdy
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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