🎧 Kratom with Dr. Christopher McCurdy
In this episode, Dr. Chris McCurdy shares the latest science on the popular herb, Kratom.
An estimated three million Americans use kratom products for recreational purposes, for self-treatment of opioid addiction, and for pain management. Despite its widespread use, our scientific understanding of its safety, efficacy, and potential for addiction remains limited. However, as new data emerge each year, researchers are beginning to develop a more comprehensive view of the risks and benefits associated with this Southeast Asian medicinal herb. Our guest this week, Dr. Christopher McCurdy, is an internationally recognized authority on kratom. Dr. McCurdy serves as a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and is also the Director of the UF Translational Drug Development Core.
In this discussion, we address questions such as:
What is kratom, and where does it originate? How does its traditional use differ from its consumption patterns in the United States?
What are the major active compounds found in kratom, and how much variation exists among different products?
What are the side effects associated with chronic and acute use of kratom?
Are there any medications that should be avoided when taking kratom?
About Chris
Dr. Christopher McCurdy holds the positions of Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Professor in the Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. He also serves as The Frank A. Duckworth Eminent Scholar Chair in Drug Research and Development and is the Director of the UF Translational Drug Development Core.
Dr. McCurdy began his educational journey at Ohio Northern University, where he completed his pharmacy training. He then earned his Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the University of Georgia and completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota. In 2001, he launched his academic career at the University of Mississippi, where he eventually attained the rank of full professor with tenure. He transitioned to the University of Florida in January 2017.
As a multidisciplinary pharmaceutical scientist and pharmacist, Dr. McCurdy's research centers on the design, synthesis, and development of drugs to address pain, anxiety, and substance use disorders. He is an internationally recognized expert on kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and has developed a PET/MR imaging diagnostic agent aimed at visualizing the origins of chronic neuropathic pain. His work has progressed to Phase 1 and 2 human clinical trials. Dr. McCurdy has published over 190 manuscripts and holds eight patents. His research is currently funded by multiple NIH grants and the Florida Department of Health.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. McCurdy serves as a consultant to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. He has also served as President of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).
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Yours in health, Dr. Quave
Cassandra L. Quave, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, speaker, podcast host, wife, mother, explorer, and professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She teaches college courses and leads a group of research scientists studying medicinal plants to find new life-saving drugs from nature. She hosts the Foodie Pharmacology podcast and writes the Nature’s Pharmacy newsletter to share the science behind natural medicines. To support her effort, consider a paid or founding subscription, with founding members receiving an autographed 1st edition hardcover copy of her book, The Plant Hunter.
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