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* Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer