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. Episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/uFp1jn2 *Thank you to our sponsors* AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman *Follow Huberman Lab* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hubermanlab X: https://twitter.com/hubermanlab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hubermanlab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-huberman Website: https://www.hubermanlab.com Newsletter: https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter *Dr. Chris McCurdy* University of Florida academic profile: https://pharmacy.ufl.edu/profile/mccurdy-christopher Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wxLykmcAAAAJ&hl=en Translational Drug Development Core (University of Florida): https://www.ctsi.ufl.edu/research/laboratory-services/translational-drug-development-core LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mccurdy-bsph-phd-faaps-9b20542 *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 Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer