Health Effects & Risks of Kratom, Opioids & Other Natural Occurring Medicines | Dr. Chris McCurdy

Overview

This episode explores the pharmacology, benefits, and risks of kratom, a plant-derived compound with diverse effects ranging from pain relief and mood enhancement to potential addiction. Dr. Chris McCurdy provides a nuanced perspective on kratom's traditional use versus its modern commercial forms, its interaction with the opioid system, and its broader implications for public health and medicine. The discussion also delves into the chemistry of plant-based compounds and their historical and modern medicinal applications.

Notable Quotes

- Kratom is not just one thing—it’s a pharmaceutical shotgun targeting multiple systems in the body. - Dr. Chris McCurdy, on kratom's complex pharmacology.

- The poison is in the dose. What might be benign in one form can become dangerous in another. - Dr. Chris McCurdy, on the risks of kratom extracts and isolates.

- For every disease that presents itself on this planet, there’s likely a solution in nature. - Dr. Chris McCurdy, on the potential of natural products in medicine.

🌿 Traditional Use vs. Modern Kratom Products

- Kratom, derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia for energy, pain relief, and mood elevation.

- Traditional use involves chewing fresh leaves or brewing them into tea, which provides mild stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at higher doses.

- Modern commercial kratom products, such as capsules, powders, and extracts, are often highly processed, leading to stronger and less predictable effects.

- Dr. McCurdy emphasizes that these modern products differ significantly from traditional preparations, with isolates and derivatives posing higher risks of addiction and adverse effects.

🧪 Kratom’s Pharmacology and Risks

- Kratom contains 20-40 alkaloids, including mitragynine, which interacts with opioid, serotonergic, and adrenergic systems. This multi-target action makes it unique for pain relief and mood enhancement.

- At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant; at higher doses, it mimics opioids, potentially leading to dependence.

- Semi-synthetic derivatives like 7-hydroxymitragynine are pure opioids and can cause respiratory depression comparable to traditional opioids.

- Dr. McCurdy warns that serving size and product labeling are critical, as many users unknowingly consume dangerously high doses.

🚸 Safety Concerns for Youth and General Use

- Kratom use is not recommended for individuals under 18 (or even 25) due to potential impacts on brain development.

- Adults using kratom for energy or mild pain relief should adhere to low doses and avoid highly concentrated products.

- Physical dependence can develop with regular use, with withdrawal symptoms resembling those of caffeine or opioids, depending on the dose and product type.

- Dr. McCurdy highlights the importance of medical supervision for those attempting to quit kratom, especially if they are using it to manage opioid withdrawal.

🌱 Broader Discussion on Plant-Based Medicines

- The conversation expands to other plant-derived compounds like coca leaf, cacao, and opium poppy.

- Coca leaf, while criminalized due to its association with cocaine, has nutritional and medicinal potential, including use in Coca-Cola’s flavoring.

- Cacao contains theobromine, a stimulant related to caffeine, and compounds that enhance mood and cognitive function.

- Dr. McCurdy underscores the historical role of plants in medicine, noting that many modern drugs are derived from or inspired by natural products.

⚖️ Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

- The lack of clear regulations around kratom products in the U.S. creates confusion and risks for consumers.

- Advocacy groups are pushing for standardized labeling, serving sizes, and restrictions on isolates and derivatives.

- Dr. McCurdy calls for more research and public education to balance kratom’s potential benefits with its risks, emphasizing the need for nuanced policies rather than blanket bans.