Journal Club with Dr. Jonathan Cachat

Journal Club #40: Dr. Jon’s 2010 Zebrafish Research

Kratom Science — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

For a special 40th episode, Dr. Jon revisits research he led out of Tulane University in 2010 on psychoactive substance effects in zebrafish. Out of 40+ published papers from this research, we look at one focusing on zebrafish symptoms when in withdrawal from ethanol, diazepam, morphine and caffeine. We also talk about living in New Orleans, the process of obtaining a DEA license, why caffeine was surprisingly highly toxic on fish, a popular film on substance use in the animal kingdom, and the upcoming event at the Cannabis Museum in Athens, Ohio on Sat. April 22nd: Community Hemp Fair. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp0kkZ4u0yo/

Reference: Cachat, J., Canavello, P., Elegante, M., Bartels, B., Hart, P., Bergner, C., Egan, R., Duncan, A., Tien, D., Chung, A., Wong, K., Goodspeed, J., Tan, J., Grimes, C., Elkhayat, S., Suciu, C., Rosenberg, M., Chung, K. M., Kadri, F., Roy, S., … Kalueff, A. V. (2010). Modeling withdrawal syndrome in zebrafish. Behavioural brain research, 208(2), 371–376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2009.12.004

Dr. Jonathan Cachat is on social media @jcachat and http://jcachat.com/ Kratom Science is on Facebook.com/kratomscience and Twitter @kratomscience Music: Captain Bigwheel "Moonrunner" Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com So far we don't do advertising or ask for donations, but please support the Kratom Science Journal Club and Like, Subscribe, Share, Rate, Review, and Comment wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you! Disclaimer: None of the content on this or any episode of Kratom Science Journal Club, Kratom Science Podcast, or on any of the pages of KratomScience.com constitutes or should be considered medical claims or medical advice.

Journal Club #39: Survey of Kratom Consumers with Psychiatric Conditions

Kratom Science — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jon Cachat and Brian look at a survey conducted from 2019-2020. The survey found the majority of the 2,296 respondents with psychiatric conditions reported improvement in their condition following the consumption of kratom. Recently published by the American Psychological Association, the survey was authored by five past Kratom Science Podcast guests: Drs. Oliver Grundmann, Kirsten Smith, Darshan Singh, Zach Walsh, and Marc Swogger.

References

Grundmann, O., Veltri, C. A., Morcos, S., Smith, K. E., Singh, D., Corazza, O., Cinosi, E., Martinotti, G., Walsh, Z., & Swogger, M. T. (2023, January 12). Correlations of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use Behavior and Psychiatric Conditions From a Cross-Sectional Survey. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology. Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pha0000632
Our summary of the above reference: https://www.kratomscience.com/2023/01/25/people-with-psychiatric-conditions-report-improvement-after-kratom-use-in-large-survey/

Journal Club #38: Mitragynine in Kratom Trees in Thailand

Kratom Science — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 19:57:36 +0000

Thailand has recently decriminalized kratom after 79 years of prohibition. In today's episode of Kratom Science Journal Club, Dr. Cachat and Brian look at a study funded in part by the Thai government that analyzed kratom trees growing in various regions of Thailand. The team measured mitragynine levels, accounting for variables in climate such as light, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. This information will be used to standardize a kratom product for future agriculture. In years to come, Thailand is set to be be a major exporter of kratom to the west, competing with Indonesia, where 95% of kratom imported into the United States comes from.

Reference

Leksungnoen, N., Andriyas, T., Ngernsaengsaruay, C., Uthairatsamee, S., Racharak, P., Sonjaroon, W., Kjelgren, R., Pearson, B. J., McCurdy, C. R., & Sharma, A. (2022). Variations in mitragynine content in the naturally growing Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) population of Thailand. Frontiers in plant science, 13, 1028547. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1028547
Summary by Kratom Science https://www.kratomscience.com/2022/11/30/scientists-study-mitragynine-levels-in-thai-kratom/
Interview with Drs. Chris McCurdy and Brian Pearson https://www.kratomscience.com/2022/06/07/interview-with-dr-christopher-mccurdy-and-dr-brian-pearson-on-the-history-and-future-of-kratom-plant-science-and-pharmacology/

Journal Club #37: Kratom and Diabetes Study from Thailand

Kratom Science — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jon starts off talking about the art show that took place in October 2022 at the new Cannabis Museum in Athens Ohio. Then we cover a study out of Thailand on kratom's effects on alpha-glucosidase and lipase, enzymes that are inhibited by medications for the treatment of diabetes. We see how kratom and mitragynine compare to standard prescription medications, and talk about the traditional use and possible advantages and disadvantages of developing mitragynine into a diabetes treatment drug in the future.

References:

Limcharoen, T., Pouyfung, P., Ngamdokmai, N., Prasopthum, A., Ahmad, A. R., Wisdawati, W., Prugsakij, W., & Warinhomhoun, S. (2022). Inhibition of α-Glucosidase and Pancreatic Lipase Properties of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. (Kratom) Leaves. Nutrients, 14(19), 3909. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193909
"Alpha-Glucosidase". https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/alpha-glucosidase
Carlson, D. (2022). "Kratom & Metformin". https://kratom.org/interactions/metformin/

Journal Club #36: Mitragynine for Chemotherapy-Induced Pain

Kratom Science — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jon and Brian look at a study (Farkas et al., 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.08.007) in mice out of Temple University exploring whether mitragynine can help attenuate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic (CIPN). The team used oxaliplatin, a chemotherapy drug, to induce this condition in an equal number of male and female mice. Mitragynine was also combined with four receptor agonists to reveal the compound's uniqueness - it's activity at not only opioid, but adrenergic receptors accounts for the analgesic effects of kratom's most abundant alkaloid.

We also talk about a company who filed a patent for a "deuterated" form of 7-hydroxymitragynine and whether that poses signficant risks.

Plus, Dr. Jon announces the first event being held at the new Cannabis Museum in Athens, Ohio. "The Cannabis Museum Gallery is presenting a special collection of psychedelic and visionary art for sale. From art nouveau to counterculture, the poster has chronicled the evolution of society. Beginning in San Francisco before the 'Summer of Love' a new genre of advertising art and graphics evolved into a movement. This art documents our time and has transcended the zeitgeist for future generations. The show features art created for the Grateful Dead and other performers. Artists include Stanley Mouse, Rick Griffin, Alex Grey, and many others. It includes artist-signed posters and original paintings. Join us Friday, October 14. For a night of Psychedelic Art and Refreshments. Doors open from 4:20 to 8 pm at the Cannabis Museum. 16050 Canaanville Road, Athens, Ohio 45701. Proceeds of all sales benefit the Cannabis Museum. Please help support the Cannabis Museum with your donations at the door, become a supporter of the Cannabis Museum with a minimum donation of $30 or buy your tickets in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cannabis-museum-psychedelic-art-opening-reception-tickets-425023044367?fbclid=IwAR3dVzXrubSI5-SJVL4lnxz8PeZBoeSApijiNA2bWg-VGhmtypQsX9RgjhI Cannabis Museum Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Cannabis-Museum-324989640958382/ CannabisMuseum.com

References

Brown TJ, Sedhom R, Gupta A. (2019). Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. JAMA Oncol. 5(5):750. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2726030
Farkas, D. J., Foss, J. D., Ward, S. J., & Rawls, S. M. (2022). Kratom alkaloid mitragynine: Inhibition of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice is dependent on sex and active adrenergic and opioid receptors. IBRO neuroscience reports, 13, 198–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.08.007
Gallagher, B. (2022). Is it a good idea to make a 7-hydroxymitragynine based drug? Kratom Science. https://www.kratomscience.com/2022/09/28/is-it-a-good-idea-to-make-a-7-hydroxymitragynine-based-drug/
Finnerup, N. B., Attal, N., Haroutounian, S., McNicol, E., Baron, R., Dworkin, R. H., Gilron, I., Haanpää, M., Hansson, P., Jensen, T. S., Kamerman, P. R., Lund, K., Moore, A., Raja, S. N., Rice, A. S., Rowbotham, M., Sena, E., Siddall, P., Smith, B. H., & Wallace, M. (2015). Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Neurology, 14(2), 162–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70251-0
Kratom Science Podcast #45 https://www.kratomscience.com/podcast/45-dr-abisheak-sharma-pharmacokineticist-and-kratom-researcher/

Journal Club #35: Feeding Kratom to Goats

Kratom Science — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jon and Brian explore a study out of Thailand where goats meat goats ate feed supplemented with dried kratom leaves. What effect did this have on the goats body weight, cholesterol, blood, and feed conversion ratio? Even if it does work, will farmers be able to afford kratom as a feed supplement, given the newly legal market in Thailand?

Also we look at a case of serotonin syndrome after a 63 year old man on multiple medications introduced kratom without consulting his doctor. Then we talk about Tom Segura and kratom.

References

Chanjula, P., Wungsintaweekul, J., Chiarawipa, R., Phesatcha, K., Suntara, C., Prachumchai, R., Pakdeechanuan, P., & Cherdthong, A. (2022). Effects of Supplementing Finishing Goats with Mitragyna speciosa (Korth) Havil Leaves Powder on Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 12(13), 1637. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12131637
Eudaley, S. T., Brooks, S. P., & Hamilton, L. A. (2022). Case Report: Possible Serotonin Syndrome in a Patient Taking Kratom and Multiple Serotonergic Agents. Journal of pharmacy practice, 8971900221116009. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/08971900221116009
https://www.kratomscience.com/2022/08/23/comedian-tom-segura-loves-kratom/

Journal Club #34: How to Change Your Mind Documentary

Kratom Science — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jon and Brian take a break from kratom to look at the recently released Netflix documentary series hosted by Michael Pollan, How to Change Your Mind.

In related good news: the DEA backed off its decision to schedule five psychedelics. Hamilton Morris tweets. "Today the DEA withdrew their plan to prohibit DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT, 5-MeO-MiPT, 5-MeO-DET, and 5-MeO-αMT. As opposition mounted, they decided to cancel the hearing. Kratom was the first time public opposition prevented the prohibition of a substance, now we have five more successes!" https://twitter.com/HamiltonMorris/status/1550593819086929921

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Journal Club #33: Kratom Scientists Pen Letter Questioning Case Report Review

Kratom Science — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Dr. Cachat and Brian look at a letter (Smith et al, 2022) authored by former Kratom Science Podcast guests Dr. Kirsten Smith, Dr. Oliver Grundmann, Dr. Chris McCurdy, Dr. Darshan Singh, and other experts in the kratom field. The letter questions a systematic review (Broyan et al, 2022) of kratom case reports that offers buprenorphine as a solution to "kratom use disorder". Kratom-related case reports typically originate with patients showing up to emergency rooms and physicians' offices with symptoms. In these case reports, kratom product samples are rarely if ever tested for adulterants or contamination. The strength of the kratom product and dose levels seem to nearly always go unreported or wildly misreported (for example, the Broyan et al. review the Smith et al. letter addresses here claims the patients consumed an average of 92 grams of kratom per day). Furthermore, history or current use of other drugs is often overlooked.

Dr. Jon also talks about his trouble getting public data on cannabis testing and use trends from the State of Ohio's Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting & Compliance (METRC) program.

References

Broyan, V. R., Brar, J. K., Allgaier Student, T., & Allgaier, J. T. (2022). Long-term buprenorphine treatment for kratom use disorder: A case series. Substance abuse, 43(1), 763–766. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2021.2010250
Smith, K. E., Dunn, K. E., Epstein, D. H., Feldman, J. D., Garcia-Romeu, A., Grundmann, O., Henningfield, J. E., McCurdy, C. R., Rogers, J. M., Schriefer, D., Singh, D., & Weiss, S. T. (2022). Need for clarity and context in case reports on kratom use, assessment, and intervention. Substance abuse, 43(1), 1221–1224. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2022.2074608
https://www.metrc.com/

Journal Club #32: Cannabis Strains, Cannabinoids, and Terpenes

Kratom Science — Thu, 26 May 2022 16:31:43 +0000

Today on Journal Club, Dr. Jon Cachat look at a study in 2021 out of University of Colorado, Boulder in cooperation with Leafly that examines nearly 90,000 cannabis samples. Does Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid really mean anything in terms of psychoactive effects? Are cannabis strains labelled consistently in terms of cannabinoid and terpene content? We also talk about an app Dr. Jon is working on where users report effects of different brands of cannabis matched with cannabinoids and terpenes, called The Cannabis Diary. Plus we talk briefly about a Spanish company, KREI, that is working on a patent for genetically tracking cannabis strains to their origin.

References

Smith, C. J., Vergara, D., Keegan, B., & Jikomes, N. (2022). The phytochemical diversity of commercial Cannabis in the United States. PloS one, 17(5), e0267498. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267498 Full text: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.05.451212v1
The Cannabis Diary, an app that helps consumers understand "what cannabinoids & terpenes profile (the entourage) works best for their desired effects" https://www.thecannabisdiary.co
KREI Method - company from Spain working on tracking cannabis genetics. See overview below...

Journal Club #31: A Kratom Guide for Healthcare Providers

Kratom Science — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Perhaps the most important paper Dr. Jon and Brian have covered so far, "Understanding Kratom: A Guide for Healthcare Providers" is a comprehensive introduction to kratom for those who provide direct care to kratom consumers, such as physicians or mental health specialists. In this paper spearheaded by past Kratom Science Podcast guest, Dr. Marc Swogger, reasons are listed for why people use kratom, what the possible risks and side effects are, and the damaging effects of drug hysteria and over-emphases in the medical literature on rare adverse events. Physicians then given recommendations for best practices, and urged to foster honesty by adopting a "non-stigmatizing and respectful" stance toward the patient. We consider this guide to be an important step toward eliminating one barrier to healthcare access, and to one day when every kratom consumer may say to their doctor, without fear of retribution, "I consume kratom".

References

The main paper discussed is free to access in its entirety https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.801855/full
Swogger, M. T., Smith, K. E., Garcia-Romeu, A., Grundmann, O., Veltri, C. A., Henningfield, J. E., & Busch, L. Y. (2022). Understanding Kratom Use: A Guide for Healthcare Providers. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 801855. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.801855
Relevant to this episode and Kratom Science Podcast #81: Dr. Kirsten Smith's "Afraid to Tell the Truth" about healthcare access as a former heroin user https://closler.org/lifelong-learning-in-clinical-excellence/afraid-to-tell-the-truth

Dr. Jon Cachat would like you to know about The Fentanyl Project, fentanylproject.org "Bringing test strips directly to the users most in need...Join us in our mission to reduce Fentanyl fatalities by distributing free fentanyl test kits, educating users about the dangers of mindless consumption patterns, and providing resources for those that are seeking help."

Dr. Jon would also like you to know about The Cannabis Museum, https://www.cannabismuseum.com/, opening soon in Athens, Ohio.

Journal Club #30: Can Light Therapy Relieve Opioid Craving?

Kratom Science — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:04:45 +0000

This week we look at very interesting study led by Fredric Schiffer based on this theory of Dual Brain Psychology (DBP). DBP "posits that one brain hemisphere tends to be relatively mature and healthy, while the other hemisphere may be more affected by past traumas and supports a personality that is more prone to immature and/or destructive beliefs and/or behaviors" (Schiffer, et al, 2020). Using a form of light therapy called transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM), where beams of Near Infrared Radiation light is carried at specific points over the scalp, in this study and others Schiffer has shown a significant lowering of opioid cravings in many of the test subjects.

REFERENCES

Main Study: Schiffer, F., Reichmann, W., Flynn, E., Hamblin, M. R., & McCormack, H. (2020). A Novel Treatment of Opioid Cravings With an Effect Size of .73 for Unilateral Transcranial Photobiomodulation Over Sham. Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 827. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00827

Definitions:

Anders, JJ. (2016). Photobiomodulation. American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc. https://www.aslms.org/for-the-public/treatments-using-lasers-and-energy-based-devices/photobiomodulation
Askalsky, P., & Iosifescu, D. V. (2019). Transcranial Photobiomodulation For The Management Of Depression: Current Perspectives. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 15, 3255–3272. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S188906

The Fentanyl Project https://www.instagram.com/thefentanylproject/ Cannabis Museum https://www.cannabismuseum.com/

REPOST* Journal Club #29: Kratom Toxicity and Medicolegal Issues, Cannabis Museum

Kratom Science — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 14:40:45 +0000

REPOST info: Yesterday I accidentally posted last week's episode with this week's information. I corrected this mistake 45 minutes after posting. Since the change is reflected on some listening apps and not others, I'm posting the episode again. Sorry!

For #29 of Kratom Science Journal Club, JC and Brian look at a 2019 report on toxicological events having to do with mitragynine. Does mitragynine increase the effects of other drugs? How toxic is kratom on its own? Other alkaloids have commonly been counted as mitragynine, so what are the ramifications? All this and other “medicolegal” issues.

Plus, we talk about the Cannabis Museum in Athens Ohio. When will it open? Probably not on 4/20, but close enough.

References

Papsun, D. M., Chan-Hosokawa, A., Friederich, L., Brower, J., Graf, K., & Logan, B. (2019). The Trouble With Kratom: Analytical and Interpretative Issues Involving Mitragynine. Journal of analytical toxicology, 43(8), 615–629. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkz064
Takayama H. (2004). Chemistry and pharmacology of analgesic indole alkaloids from the rubiaceous plant, Mitragyna speciosa. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin, 52(8), 916–928. https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.52.916
Quote from Dr. Abhisheak Sharma from Episode #45 of the Kratom Science Podcast https://www.kratomscience.com/podcast/45-dr-abisheak-sharma-pharmacokineticist-and-kratom-researcher/

Dr. Jonathan Cachat is on social media @jcachat and http://jcachat.com/ Kratom Science is on Facebook.com/kratomscience and Twitter @kratomscience Music: Captain Bigwheel “Moonrunner” Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com So far we don’t do advertising or ask for donations, but please support the Kratom Science Journal Club and Like, Subscribe, Share, Rate, Review, and Comment wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you! Disclaimer: None of the content on this or any episode of Kratom Science Journal Club, Kratom Science Podcast, or on any of the pages of KratomScience.com constitutes or should be considered medical claims or medical advice.

Journal Club #29: Kratom Toxicity and Medicolegal Issues, and the Cannabis Museum

Kratom Science — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Plus, we talk about the Cannabis Museum in Athens Ohio. When will it open? Probably not on 4/20, but close enough.

References

Papsun, D. M., Chan-Hosokawa, A., Friederich, L., Brower, J., Graf, K., & Logan, B. (2019). The Trouble With Kratom: Analytical and Interpretative Issues Involving Mitragynine. Journal of analytical toxicology, 43(8), 615–629. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkz064
Takayama H. (2004). Chemistry and pharmacology of analgesic indole alkaloids from the rubiaceous plant, Mitragyna speciosa. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin, 52(8), 916–928. https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.52.916
Quote from Dr. Abhisheak Sharma from Episode #45 of the Kratom Science Podcast https://www.kratomscience.com/podcast/45-dr-abisheak-sharma-pharmacokineticist-and-kratom-researcher/

Journal Club #28: Mitragynine Does Not Rely on 7-hydroxymitragynine for Pain Relief Effects

Kratom Science — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:10:45 +0000

Dr. Cachat and host Brian Gallagher look at a groundbreaking study from University of Florida School of Pharmacy showing mitragynine has pain relieving effects independent of its metabolism into 7-hydroxymitragynine. This could be revolutionary in the study of kratom as a safer pain medicine. We go on to talk about the cannabis testing lab that Dr. Cachat is helping to develop in Columbus, Ohio, the phenomenon of "THC inflation" and "lab shopping", and what kratom alkaloid testing labs might look like in the future. We also talk about a recent article on cannabis compounds and SARS viruses.

Articles cited in this podcast:

Berthold, E. C., Kamble, S. H., Raju, K. S., Kuntz, M. A., Senetra, A. S., Mottinelli, M., León, F., Restrepo, L. F., Patel, A., Ho, N. P., Hiranita, T., Sharma, A., McMahon, L. R., & McCurdy, C. R. (2022). The Lack of Contribution of 7-Hydroxymitragynine to the Antinociceptive Effects of Mitragynine in Mice: A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study. Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals, 50(2), 158–167. https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.121.000640 https://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/50/2/158.long
Blog post summarizing the study above https://www.kratomscience.com/2021/12/29/study-mitragynine-does-not-rely-on-its-metabolism-into-7-hydroxymitragynine-to-produce-pain-relieving-effects/
Forbes article on cannabis compounds and COVID https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2022/01/11/study-finds-cannabis-compounds-prevent-infection-by-covid-19-virus/?sh=505f76c17537

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner" Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

None of the content of this or any episode of Kratom Science Journal Club, Kratom Science Podcast, or on any page of KratomScience.com are intended nor should be taken as medical claims or medical advice. Please consult a medical professional, less is more, and be safe.

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Journal Club #27: Does Kratom Kill…E-coli and Streptococcus Pneumoniae?

Kratom Science — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Spoiler alert: kinda, but its more the quercetin in kratom, which is available in many food plants and as a dietary supplement on its own.

This study comes to us from a team at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (UNUSA) in Surabaya, Indonesia, on the island of Java, south of the island of Kalimantan, where most of the kratom sold in the United States is grown. In this in vitro study, researchers applied a methanol extract of kratom to analogues of e-coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacteria that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. The kratom extract has been shown to eliminate the bacteria in both samples, however this may not be due to properties unique to kratom itself.

Plus, Brian checks on the sources for yet another claim in the introduction to this paper that kratom is "smoked", and we talk about false claims about kratom's healing properties at the beginning of COVID.

Study cited: Salim, Hotimah & Puspitarini, Marinda & Setiwati, Yuani & Shimabukuro, Michio. (2021). Antibacterial mechanism of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) methanol extract on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Eschericia coli bacteria. Biomolecular and Health Science Journal. 4. 98. 10.20473/bhsj.v4i2.28933. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355850347_Antibacterial_mechanism_of_Kratom_Mitragyna_speciosa_methanol_extract_on_Streptococcus_pneumoniae_and_Eschericia_coli_bacteria

Dr. Jonathan Cachat is on social media @jcachat and http://jcachat.com/ Kratom Science is on Facebook.com/kratomscience and Twitter @kratomscience Music: Captain Bigwheel "Moonrunner" Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.comSo far we don't do advertising or ask for donations, but please support the Kratom Science Journal Club and Like, Subscribe, Rate, Review, and Comment wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you! Disclaimer: None of the content on this or any episode of Kratom Science Journal Club, Kratom Science Podcast, or on any of the pages of KratomScience.com constitutes or should be considered medical claims or medical advice.

Journal Club #26: High Dose Mitragynine Causes Cognitive Impairment in Mice

Kratom Science — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Dr. JC and Brian look at a study out of University of Science, Malaysia. The comprehensive and detailed study in mice from University of Science, Malaysia revealed mitragynine in very high doses is an agonist (binds to and activates) cannabinoid receptor Type 1 (CB1). Mice administered with high-dose mitragynine demonstrated similar reward-seeking behavior and cognitive impairment as mice administered with morphine and THC. Mice that received high-dose mitragynine, morphine, and THC with a CB1 antagonist (a compound that binds to a deactivates the CB1 receptor), did not exhibit similar cognitive impairment, nor did mice that received low-dose mitragynine.

Study referenced in this podcast Iman, I. N., Ahmad, N., Mohd Yusof, N. A., Talib, U. N., Norazit, A., Kumar, J., Mehat, M. Z., Hassan, Z., Müller, C. P., & Muzaimi, M. (2021). Mitragynine (Kratom)-Induced Cognitive Impairments in Mice Resemble Δ9-THC and Morphine Effects: Reversal by Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Antagonism. Frontiers in pharmacology, 12, 708055. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.708055

Study summary https://www.kratomscience.com/2021/10/26/study-high-dose-mitragynine-interacts-with-cannabinoid-receptor-to-impair-cognitive-functioning/

Follow Dr. Jonathan Cachat on social media @jcachat Follow Kratom Science on Twitter @kratomscience and Facebook.com/kratomscience Music: Captain Bigwheel "Moonrunner" Kratom Science Journal Club is written and produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Disclaimer: None of the content on this or any episode of the Kratom Science Podcast, Kratom Science Journal Club, or any of the pages of Kratomscience.com should be considered as medical claims or medical advice.

Journal Club #25: Dopamine Response to Mitragynine in Rats

Kratom Science — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jon Cachat and host Brian Gallagher look at a study that examined dopamine levels with an electrochemical sensor in rats administered with various levels of mitragynine. Dopamine release was detected as significant levels after a high dose of mitragynine after 4 days. Questions explored in this episode include: Does this accurately measure the kratom experience, since an isolated alkaloid is not the same as the entourage effect of several alkaloids in kratom? Since many of the alkaloids produce effects only after being metabolized, does kratom as a whole effect dopamine differently? Is this the proper use of the term "addiction" when the study seems to be about physical dependence?

Study examined in this episode: Effendy, M. A., Yunusa, S., Zain, Z. M., & Hassan, Z. (2021). Real time monitoring of dopamine release evoked by mitragynine (Kratom): An insight through electrochemical sensor. Neuroscience letters, 763, 136183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136183

Thus far this podcast does not ask listeners for monetary contributions, nor do we run advertisements. But we humbly ask you to support us by rating, reviewing, liking, and subscribing on your favorite podcast platform.

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner" Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Disclaimer: None of the content on this or any episode of Kratom Science Journal Club or Kratom Science Podcast, nor on any of the pages of KratomScience.com should be taken as medical claims or medical advice.

Journal Club #24: Kratom-Induced Psychosis? A Case Report

Kratom Science — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 03:52:45 +0000

Dr. Jonathan Cachat and host Brian Gallagher look at a case report of a supposed kratom-induced psychosis out of a student team from West Virginia University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, advised by MDs Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler.

A 43 year old man combat veteran with six tours of duty, traumatic brain injury, adrenal insufficiency, and post-traumatic stress disorder arrives at the ER with signs of psychosis. Prior to this, he hadn't slept in a week and ceased all medications including adderall, hormone pills, an antidepressant, and a weekly testosterone injection. He'd also been taking powder kratom and had ingested a bottle of liquid extract a week prior to going to the hospital. Could kratom have actually induced psychosis given all these elements combined, including prolonged insomnia? Could kratom have even contributed to his condition? If not, why does kratom get the headline? We look at the meat of the report, Dr. Jon goes off on why eye-catching titles for case reports can be damaging to science, and during the recording Brian finds another article about "Kratom-Induced Seizures", by a team of medical students, advised by the same two doctors as the original report, Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler.

Study covered in this podcast: Cutlip, H. A., Bushman, E., Thottumari, L., Mogallapu, R., & Ang-Rabanes, M. (2021). A Case Report of Kratom-Induced Psychosis. Cureus, 13(6), e16073. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.16073 Other study referenced: Afzal, H., Esang, M., & Rahman, S. (2020). A Case of Kratom-induced Seizures. Cureus, 12(1), e6588. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6588

Follow Dr. Jonathan Cachat on social media @jcachat Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner" The Kratom Science Podcast is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Disclaimer: There is no content on the Kratom Science Podcast nor on KratomScience.com that in any way constitutes medical claims or medical advice. You should consult a medical professional for medical advice and we believe this sincerely. Take care.

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Journal Club #23: Kratom alkaloid combo shown to help chemotherapy drug in killing cancer cells, more research needed

Kratom Science — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 18:29:36 +0000

Please comment by August 9, 2021 to tell HHS/WHO to please keep kratom legal worldwide. Politely share your kratom story here, make sure you get a confirmation email and tracking number, and under "What are you commenting about?" Select "International Government - I0037" https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/07/23/2021-15685/international-drug-scheduling-convention-on-psychotropic-substances-single-convention-on-narcotic?fbclid=IwAR1jTz7JSte491H5eTQBwjrivN4Y60s1t-kIPc1iy9UvnjfY2kkwHNFuBvM

Disclaimer: None of the content on this podcast or on KratomScience.com constitutes medical advice, nor is it intended to be the *wink wink* kind of medical advice. Go to a doctor if you're sick. Do not refuse treatments that have been shown to be beneficial from years of hard work by scientists in the medical field. We're all adults here and we know that there's no evidence kratom is a cure for any disease, virus, infection, or any ailment.

Today Dr. Jon and Brian look at a study from University of Science in Malaysia, testing whether kratom alkaloids can be "chemosensitizers", in other words, help chemotherapy drugs in killing or slowing the proliferation of cancer cells. In this in vitro study on cancer cell lines, researchers found that a combination of the kratom alkaloids mitragynine and speciociliatine helped the chemo drug cisplatin in slowing and killing throat cancer cells. The research also showed that any combination of kratom alkaloids does NOT slow or kill cancer cells on its own. Plus, Dr. Jon talks about the latest on cancer and cannabis/cannabinoids. We end with talking about the HHS comment period and potential international controls on kratom in the future.

Study referenced in this podcast: Domnic, G., Jeng-Yeou Chear, N., Abdul Rahman, S. F., Ramanathan, S., Lo, K. W., Singh, D., & Mohana-Kumaran, N. (2021). Combinations of indole based alkaloids from Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) and cisplatin inhibit cell proliferation and migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 279, 114391. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114391

Follow Dr. Jonathan Cachat on Social Media @jcachat Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner" Kratom Science Journal club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #22: Accelerated Solvent Extracts of Kratom

Kratom Science — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Neuroscientist Dr. Jon Cachat and host Brian Gallagher look at a study from University of Science in Malaysia that studies kratom extracts using various solvents: water, methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate. The technique they use, accelerated solvent extracting, uses less time and a lower amount of solvent for a safer and more environmentally friendly extraction technique. This technique has been established in botanical extractions, but is not commonly used for commercial kratom extracts. Some large kratom suppliers have been accused of outsourcing their extractions to China, and products come back containing toxic levels of residual solvents like chloroform and methanol, which could have serious health consequences. Further discussion is included on regulation of extracts, the benefits of extracts, the availability of full spectrum extracts (vs. extracts containing a single or only a few alkaloids), and how a kratom ban would exacerbate risks and dangers of contamination and adulteration especially in extract products. Shout out to Drew Turner for his comment on Twitter

Study referenced in this episode: Goh, Y. S., Karunakaran, T., Murugaiyah, V., Santhanam, R., Abu Bakar, M. H., & Ramanathan, S. (2021). Accelerated Solvent Extractions (ASE) of Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (Kratom) Leaves: Evaluation of Its Cytotoxicity and Antinociceptive Activity. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(12), 3704. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123704

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, REVIEW, SHARE!

Catch Dr. Jonathan Cachat @jcachat on social media and CCVResearch.com Music: Captain Bigwheel “Moonrunner” @kratomscience on twitter Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #21: Heroin to Buprenorphine to Kratom in Appalachia

Kratom Science — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Study examined in this episode: Smith, K. E., Bunting, A. M., Walker, R., Hall, M. T., Grundmann, O., & Castillo, O. (2019). Non-Prescribed Buprenorphine Use Mediates the Relationship between Heroin Use and Kratom Use among a Sample of Polysubstance Users. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 51(4), 311–322. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1597224 Pubmed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30961450/

Link to all studies covered on Kratom Science Journal Club https://bit.ly/KratomSciPDFs

For #21 Brian and Dr. Jon Cachat look at a study of polysubstance users in Kentucky, most of whom were either currently incarcerated or had been incarcerated in the 7 years prior to the research. The study examines substance use trends of this sample of about 500 volunteers, licit vs. illicit opioid use, and why heroin users were 2.5 times more likely to use kratom than users of other substances. We talk about the motivations for why low income people may either prefer or are required by circumstance to turn to diverted buprenorphine (meaning obtained legally but sold illegally) or kratom instead of prescription drugs or Medication Assisted Treatment. The paper examines the scarcity of MAT resources in Kentucky. Dr. Jon also talks about the limitations of the study and his problem with one aspects of the study's conclusion.

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner" Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

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Journal Club #20: Cholesterol Study on Kratom Users in Thailand

Kratom Science — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

A new study from Thailand (La-up, 2021) found traditional users of kratom had elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) and low levels of triglycerides. In the largest recent study of its kind, researchers recruited 581 participants, half kratom consumers, and half who did not consume kratom as a control group. Though the consumers of traditional kratom (fresh leaves brewed or chewed) had higher instances of drinking and smoking, they showed healthier cholesterol levels than the control group. Many fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants also promote healthy cholesterol, and you'd expect that from a dark green leafy food like kratom.

La-Up, A., Saengow, U., & Aramrattana, A. (2021). High serum high-density lipoprotein and low serum triglycerides in Kratom users: A study of Kratom users in Thailand. Heliyon, 7(4), e06931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06931

Catch Dr. Jonathan Cachat on social media @jcachat

Music: Risey, "Memories of Thailand"

Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

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Journal Club #19: The FDA’s Bad Science on Kratom

Kratom Science — Thu, 27 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Neuroscientist Dr. Jonathan Cachat and host Brian Gallagher look at the blistering report by Jane Babin released in August 2018: "FDA Fails to Follow the Science on Kratom" (PDF available here https://t.co/G76TVsWdLY?amp=1 ). Babin demonstrates how FDA manipulated data to create a Schedule I justification based on what a former HHS Assistant Secretary of Health Brett Giroir called "embarrassingly poor evidence & data, and a failure to consider overall public health." FDA systematically omitted data, left out instances of polydrug consumption, failed to cite original case reports, and labelled suicides, homicides, and accidents as "kratom related deaths". Since 2012, FDA has REPEATEDLY cited this bad information as justification of import alerts, seizures, and their push to make kratom a Schedule 1 drug. We look at Dr. Babin's report in detail.

Find Dr. Jonathan Cachat on social media @jcachat Music: Captain Bigwheel "Moonrunner" The Kratom Science Podcast is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #18: Pineal Gland and DMT Facts and Myth

Kratom Science — Thu, 13 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In a departure from kratom science, Dr. Cachat and Brian look at a paper by a pioneering pharmacologist and researcher in the field of psychedelics, Dr. David E. Nichols. Dr. Nichols methodically lays out his case for why endogenous DMT produced in the pineal gland, brain, or other parts of the human body is not present at adequate enough doses to be psychoactive. Therefore there is not enough evidence that endogenous DMT explains out-of-body experiences or near-death experience. This is controversial in drug nerd world as evidence by YouTube comments on a related talk given by Dr. Nichols, and may run counter to Rick Strassman's arguments presented in his popular book and documentary The Spirit Molecule. Is endogenous DMT a neurotransmitter? If not what is it? If DMT doesn't explain near death experiences, what does?

References:

Breaking Convention. (2017, Jul. 9). David Nichols - DMT and the pineal gland: Facts vs fantasy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeeqHUiC8Io

Lokhorst, Gert-Jan, "Descartes and the Pineal Gland", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/pineal-gland/

Nichols D. E. (2018). N,N-dimethyltryptamine and the pineal gland: Separating fact from myth. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 32(1), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881117736919

Music: Captain Bigwheel “Moonrunner”

Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #17: Psychoactive plants in your backyard and around the world

Kratom Science — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

The subject of episode 17 of Kratom Science Journal Club Dr. Jon Cachat and Brian Gallagher talk about an article from Portuguese scientists about "new" psychoactive substances of natural origin, some of which have been consumed responsibly for centuries, some of which are best used if you want to murder someone via poisoning them. Oh, please don't take any portion of this podcast or any portion of KratomScience.com as medical advice, murdering advice, or any advice for any purpose. We talk about kratom, kava, mushrooms, datura, ayahuasca, khat, betel nut, jimson weed, mandrake, morning glory, and salvia divinorum.

Gonçalves, J., Luís, Â., Gallardo, E., & Duarte, A. P. (2021). Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(5), 1397. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051397 Full text open access https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7961374/

Check out Dr. Jon Cachat @jcachat on Twitter and elsewhere

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner"

Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

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Journal Club #16: Bioanalysis of 11 Alkaloids in Kratom Tea vs. Commercial Extract

Kratom Science — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Another study from University of Florida is the “first report that has simultaneously evaluated the systemic exposure of 11 kratom alkaloids following the administration of traditional and commercial kratom products” (Kamble, 2021). Researchers looked at the pharmacokinectics (how drugs move through the body and are metabolized) of alkaloids in rat plasma following the oral administration of both kratom tea and a commercial liquid extract.

This study lays the groundwork for future research into the difference between “natural” kratom and extracts, and how the alkaloids act in concert, or as Dr. Cachat calls, the “entourage effect”, versus how they act separately.

Special thanks to past Kratom Science Podcast guest Dr. Abhisheak Sharma, who worked on this study, for sharing the full text with me.

Dr. Jonathan Cachat can be reached @jcachat on Twitter and at ccvresearch.com

Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Work cited (full text soon to be available via open access).

Kamble, S. H., Berthold, E. C., King, T. I., Raju Kanumuri, S. R., Popa, R., Herting, J. R., León, F., Sharma, A., McMahon, L. R., Avery, B. A., & McCurdy, C. R. (2021). Pharmacokinetics of Eleven Kratom Alkaloids Following an Oral Dose of Either Traditional or Commercial Kratom Products in Rats. Journal of natural products, 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01163. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01163 Abstract and supporting information https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01163?goto=supporting-info&

Journal Club #15, Q&A Part 2: Kratom Legality, Kratom and Pharma, Dopamine Agonists, Libido, and Random Effects

Kratom Science — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Note: Nothing in this podcast or on KratomScience.com is intended to be medical advice, nor should it be taken as such. We’re not medical doctors. Please don’t listen to podcasts for advice on what you should or should not put in your body.

Dr. Cachat continues answering questions from February's r/kratom Ask Me Anything. This time we talk about whether kratom will follow the path of cannabis in terms of regulation, if kratom will be turned into a pharmaceutical drug, kratom and dopamine agonists, kratom and libido, and random weird effects that probably aren't caused by kratom.

Part 1 here https://www.kratomscience.com/podcast/14-journal-club-qa-part-1-kratom-and-liver-enzymes-alcohol-pain-management-and-serotonin/

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner"

Contact Dr. Cachat @jcachat on Twitter

Produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #14, Q&A Part 1: Kratom and Liver Enzymes, Alcohol, Pain Management, and Serotonin

Kratom Science — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Note: Nothing in this podcast or on KratomScience.com is intended to be medical advice, nor should it be taken as such. We're not medical doctors. Please don't listen to podcasts for advice on what you should or should not put in your body.

For episode #14, Dr. Jonathan Cachat answers half of the remaining question from our February 23rd r/kratom Reddit AMA. There were so many questions, we divided this into two episodes.

In Part 1 questions are answered about kratom and liver enzymes, kratom in combination with alcohol and other substances, kratom vs. classical opioids for pain management, and is there any evidence of neurotoxicity with long-term kratom use?

AMA thread https://www.reddit.com/r/kratom/comments/lmz1pe/live_ama_neuroscientist_answers_your_questions/

Dr. Cachat can be reached on Twitter @jcachat or at ccvresearch.com

Kratom Science Podcast is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Other podcast episodes mentioned: https://www.kratomscience.com/podcast/10-journal-club-kratom-and-alcohol/ https://www.kratomscience.com/podcast/13-journal-club-how-kratom-alkaloids-act-on-brain-receptors/

Studies cited in this episode:

Kamble, S. H., Sharma, A., King, T. I., León, F., McCurdy, C. R., & Avery, B. A. (2019). Metabolite profiling and identification of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of mitragynine, the major alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom). Xenobiotica; the fate of foreign compounds in biological systems, 49(11), 1279–1288. https://doi.org/10.1080/00498254.2018.1552819 Full Text https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00498254.2018.1552819?journalCode=ixen20

Johnson, L. E., Balyan, L., Magdalany, A., Saeed, F., Salinas, R., Wallace, S., Veltri, C. A., Swogger, M. T., Walsh, Z., & Grundmann, O. (2020). The Potential for Kratom as an Antidepressant and Antipsychotic. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 93(2), 283–289. Full Text https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7309668/

Singh, D., Ph.D, Narayanan, S., Ph.D, Müller, C. P., Ph.D, Vicknasingam, B., Ph.D, Yücel, M., Ph.D, Ho, E., Ph.D, Hassan, Z., Ph.D, & Mansor, S. M., Ph.D (2019). Long-Term Cognitive Effects of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 51(1), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2018.1555345

Journal Club #13: How Kratom Alkaloids Act on Brain Receptors

Kratom Science — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We all know the mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitraginine act on the mu-opioid receptor. But for episode #13 of Journal Club we talk about a study that looks closely at the binding affinity of various kratom alkaloids on the plethora of opioid and adrenergic receptors in the brain. How exactly does this work? How do different alkaloids lead to the multiple functional effects of kratom? Are we fish out of water when it comes to molecular chemistry? Guesses and possibly even answers, plus listener mail, in episode #13 of Kratom Science Journal Club.

Study cited in this episode:

Obeng, S., Kamble, S. H., Reeves, M. E., Restrepo, L. F., Patel, A., Behnke, M., Chear, N. J., Ramanathan, S., Sharma, A., León, F., Hiranita, T., Avery, B. A., McMahon, L. R., & McCurdy, C. R. (2020). Investigation of the Adrenergic and Opioid Binding Affinities, Metabolic Stability, Plasma Protein Binding Properties, and Functional Effects of Selected Indole-Based Kratom Alkaloids. Journal of medicinal chemistry, 63(1), 433–439. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01465 Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7676998/

Check out the upcoming AMA (Ask Me Anything) with Dr. Jonathan Cachat on https://www.reddit.com/r/kratom/

Contact Dr. Cachat: Twitter @jcachat ccvresearch.com cannabismuseum.com

Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #12: Kratom Cultivation Studied

Kratom Science — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

This time Dr. Jonathan Cachat and I look at a study where a team from University of Florida cultivated 68 kratom trees in a greenhouse, gave them varying levels of fertilizer, and measured for biomass, chlorophyll, and alkaloid content. Dr. Jon talks about similar studies he did with cannabis, and we go into what that would mean for a domestic kratom agriculture industry, home growers, and further science on the plant biology of kratom.

Article discussed in this episode: Zhang M, Sharma A, León F, et al. Effects of Nutrient Fertility on Growth and Alkaloidal Content in Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom). Front Plant Sci. 2020;11:597696. Published 2020 Dec 21. doi:10.3389/fpls.2020.597696

Full text https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7779599/

Contact Dr. Jonathan Cachat @jcachat on Twitter and at http://www.ccvresearch.com

Music: Captain Bigwheel "Moonrunner"

Produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #11: Pivotal Mental States, Psychedelics, and Bio-Psycho-Social Studies

Kratom Science — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

This great Journal of Psychopharmacology article on "Pivotal Mental States" led to a wide ranging discussion with Dr. Jonathan Cachat about the bio-psycho-social study of mental states, use of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting, spirituality and religion, the rapidly changing modern mental landscape, positive mental attitude, and why the immensity, plasticity, and adaptability of the human mind is reason to be optimistic.

Article discussed in this episode: Brouwer A, Carhart-Harris RL. Pivotal mental states. J Psychopharmacol. 2020 Nov 11:269881120959637. doi: 10.1177/0269881120959637. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33174492.

Full Text (open access) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269881120959637

Dr. Jonthan Cachat can be found on Twitter @jcachat and at ccvresearch.com

Music: Captain Bigwheel “Moonrunner”

Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #10: Kratom and Alcohol

Kratom Science — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 10:00:38 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving! The holidays after a rough year are always a great time to drink like a fish. In this episode we explore kratom and alcohol. Emerging testimony and research indicates kratom may be an effective harm reduction tool to cut down on alcohol consumption, withdrawal, and cravings. We read testimony from KratomScience.com commenters, then get into a study showing four isolated kratom alkaloids all decreased alcohol consumption in mice.

Article discussed in this episode: Gutridge AM, Robins MT, Cassell RJ, Uprety R, Mores KL, Ko MJ, Pasternak GW, Majumdar S, van Rijn RM. G protein-biased kratom-alkaloids and synthetic carfentanil-amide opioids as potential treatments for alcohol use disorder. Br J Pharmacol. 2020 Apr;177(7):1497-1513. doi: 10.1111/bph.14913. Epub 2020 Jan 24. PMID: 31705528; PMCID: PMC7060366. Full text (open access): https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/bph.14913

Dr. Jonthan Cachat can be found on Twitter @jcachat and at ccvresearch.com

Music: Captain Bigwheel “Moonrunner”

Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #9: Speciofoline, the Understudied Alkaloid

Kratom Science — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 10:00:23 +0000

A study on kratom’s chemical composition asks, what does the little-researched kratom alkaloid speciofoline do? And what are the implications for drug interactions and the differences in alkaloid content in kratom products?

The brand new study published last week in Scientific Reports examined the chemical composition of 53 kratom products and divided them into two categories: high-speciofoline and low-speciofoline. As in previous studies, the researchers found kratom may be a safer treatment alternative than classical opioids because of how it acts on the mu-opioid receptor, but can kratom create risks for drug interactions if it slows liver metabolism of other drugs? The study of the alkaloid speciofoline may bring us closer to understanding why different kratom products have slightly differing effects. Does the color code of kratom product varieties -- red (for bed), white (for flight), and green (in between) -- hold water?

Study discussed in this episode: Todd DA, Kellogg JJ, Wallace ED, Khin M, Flores-Bocanegra L, Tanna RS, McIntosh S, Raja HA, Graf TN, Hemby SE, Paine MF, Oberlies NH, Cech NB. Chemical composition and biological effects of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): In vitro studies with implications for efficacy and drug interactions.Scientific Reports.2020 Nov 5;10(1):19158. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-76119-w. PMID: 33154449.

Full text of study https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-76119-w

Dr. Jonthan Cachat can be found on Twitter @jcachat and at ccvresearch.com

Music: Captain Bigwheel "Moonrunner"

Kratom Science Journal Club is produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #8: Kratom Tea for Opioid Dependence in Mice

Kratom Science — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:00:31 +0000

This week we look at a study by a team from University of Florida called “Lyophilized Kratom Tea as a Therapeutic Option for Opioid Dependence”. The science is catching up with what thousands of kratom consumers are saying -- that kratom can be a safe and effective harm reduction tool for opioid withdrawal and dependence. In 2018 and 2019, University of Florida College of Pharmacy received close to $7 million in grants from the National Institutes on Drug Abuse to study kratom.

Study discussed in this episode: Wilson LL, Harris HM, Eans SO, Brice-Tutt AC, Cirino TJ, Stacy HM, Simons CA, León F, Sharma A, Boyer EW, Avery BA, McLaughlin JP, McCurdy CR. Lyophilized Kratom Tea as a Therapeutic Option for Opioid Dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2020 Sep 22;216:108310. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108310. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33017752.

Find Dr. Cachat on Twitter @jcachat or http://www.ccvresearch.com

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner"

Written and produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #7: Kratom Use and Mental Health w/ Dr. Marc Swogger and Dr. Jonathan Cachat

Kratom Science — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 09:00:35 +0000

Host Brian Gallagher and Dr. Jonathan Cachat welcome Dr. Marc Swogger, social scientist and clinical psychologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center to discuss his 2018 article published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence "Kratom Use and Mental Health: A Systematic Review". Along with co-author Zach Walsh, Dr. Swogger looked at all the literature published up to 2017 about mental health issues surrounding kratom consumption. We talk about why mostly men use kratom, cultural differences between Eastern and Western kratom consumption, the consistency of outcomes among careful kratom science vs. sloppy studies with foregone negative conclusions. Plus, Dr. Marc answers another Mark E. Smith question.

Article discussed in this episode:

Swogger MT, Walsh Z. Kratom use and mental health: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2018 Feb 1;183:134-140. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.10.012. Epub 2017 Dec 7. PMID: 29248691.

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner"

Written and produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club #6: 1972 Animal Study Shows the Promise of Mitragynine

Kratom Science — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:00:32 +0000

Citation: Macko E, Weisbach JA, Douglas B. Some observations on the pharmacology of mitragynine. Archives Internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Therapie. 1972 ;198(1):145-161.

We discuss this study from 1972 that tested the effects of mitragynine in rats, mice, cats, dogs, and monkeys. Dr. Jon talks about the difference between now and then in pharmacology labs. Similar conclusions about the effects of mitragynine and its relative safety in relation to opiates, but why was mitragynine never developed as a pain management drug, especially by the company that conducted this study, that would later merge into pharmaceutical giant Glaxo SmithKline? We examine how a mitragynine dose as high as 920 mg/kg in a mouse produced no evidence of toxicity. And a bit about mitragynine and metabolism.

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner"

Produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club w/ Dr. Jonathan Cachat #5: Mitragynine Study in Rats Leads to Interesting Conclusions

Kratom Science — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 09:00:08 +0000

Dr. Cachat and I talk about a study that tested rats with morphine, mitragynine, naloxone, buprenorphine, and rimonabant, and measured responses based on food-reinforcement training. The study concluded "The findings suggest that MG does not induce physiological dependence but can alleviate the physical symptoms associated with morphine withdrawal". We talk about how the rats are trained, what can be concluded from experiments based on responses alone, mitragynine extraction methods, extracted mitragynine vs. kratom methods of administration and effects, how cannabinoid and opioid receptors interact, and why studying kratom alkaloids might lead to the "holy grail" of pain management.

Journal article discussed in this episode:

Direct link to full text https://sci-hub.tw/10.1007/s00213-019-05418-6

Citation: Harun N, Johari IS, Mansor SM, Shoaib M. Assessing physiological dependence and withdrawal potential of mitragynine using schedule-controlled behaviour in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2020;237(3):855-867. doi:10.1007/s00213-019-05418-6

Summary of this study by Brian Gallagher https://www.kratomscience.com/2020/09/07/study-pure-mitragynine-does-not-induce-physiological-dependence-in-rats-treated-morphine-withdrawal-more-efficiently-than-buprenorphine/

How rats in these studies are trained (with video) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4354637/

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner"

Kratom Science Podcast is written and produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club w/ Dr. Jonathan Cachat #4: Human Evolution and Psychoactive Plants, Scratching the Surface of Kratom History, and Kratom Alkaloids

Kratom Science — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 09:00:11 +0000

This episode, Dr. Jon and I use the journal article "Following the Roots of Kratom" published in 2015 by BioMed Research International as a jumping off point to talk about kratom history, human evolution and psychoactive plants, Terence McKenna's "Stoned Ape" theory, and drug in religious cults . Plus, we answer listener mail about kratom alkaloids and use as an antidepressant.

References featured in this discussion:

Cinosi, E., Martinotti, G., Simonato, P., Singh, D., Demetrovics, Z., Roman-Urrestarazu, A., Bersani, F. S., Vicknasingam, B., Piazzon, G., Li, J. H., Yu, W. J., Kapitány-Fövény, M., Farkas, J., Di Giannantonio, M., & Corazza, O. (2015). Following "the Roots" of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): The Evolution of an Enhancer from a Traditional Use to Increase Work and Productivity in Southeast Asia to a Recreational Psychoactive Drug in Western Countries. BioMed research international, 2015, 968786. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/968786 Full Text Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657101/pdf/BMRI2015-968786.pdf

Raffa, R. B. (2015). Kratom and other mitragynines: The chemistry and pharmacology of opioids from a non-opium source. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Kratom-Other-Mitragynines-Chemistry-Pharmacology/dp/1482225182

Saingam D, Assanangkornchai S, Geater AF, Balthip Q. Pattern and consequences of krathom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) use among male villagers in southern Thailand: a qualitative study. Int J Drug Policy. 2013;24(4):351-358. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2012.09.004 Full Text Link: https://sci-hub.tw/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2012.09.004#

Terence McKenna talks about his "Stoned Ape Theory" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnEKoFrx1rI

Kratom Alkaloids list https://www.kratomscience.com/mitragyna-speciosa-kratom-alkaloids-effects/

The Kratom Science Podcast is Produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club with Dr Jonathan Cachat #3: Kratom Addiction, Listener Mail, and Elephants on LSD

Kratom Science — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 08:12:28 +0000

Dr. Jon Cachat and I talk about the article "Kratom instrumentalization for severe pain self-treatment resulting in addiction – A case report of acute and chronic subjective effects" - This is an open access article that you can read for free https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7378692/

Müller, E., Hillemacher, T., & Müller, C. P. (2020). Kratom instrumentalization for severe pain self-treatment resulting in addiction - A case report of acute and chronic subjective effects. Heliyon, 6(7), e04507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04507

We also talk about a report by Muller called "Drugs as instruments: A new framework for non-addictive psychoactive drug use". Müller CP, Schumann G. Drugs as instruments: a new framework for non-addictive psychoactive drug use. Behav Brain Sci. 2011;34(6):293-310. doi:10.1017/S0140525X11000057

We answer listener mail, including a question from Dr. Marc Swogger, and among other things we talk about an elephant who was given a lethal dose of LSD

Music: Captain Bigwheel, "Moonrunner"

Produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club with Dr. Jonathan Cachat #2: “The Potential for Kratom as an Antidepressant and Antipsychotic”

Kratom Science — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

This is the Kratom Science Journal Club with Dr. Jonathan Cachat, neuroscientist and expert in psychopharmacology. In each episode we discuss an article in a peer reviewed journal.

For episode 2 we discuss the article, “The Potential for Kratom as an Antidepressant and Antipsychotic” published in Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, edition 93, June 2020 and co-authored by Kratom Science Podcast guest Marc Swogger.

How do dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol work to affect psychosis and depression? What effect does mitragynine have on our brains? How is mitragynine metabolized? How does kratom work differently from opiates and psychedelics? And finally why were these substances made illegal, rendering these questions tough to answer even in the 21st century?

Full citation of article discussed: Johnson LE, Balyan L, Magdalany A, et al. The Potential for Kratom as an Antidepressant and Antipsychotic. Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):283-289. Published 2020 Jun 29.

Dr. Cachat’s website http://jcachat.com/

Music: "Moonrunner" by Captain Bigwheel

Produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

Journal Club with Dr. Jonathan Cachat #1

Kratom Science — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:00:48 +0000

Dr. Jonathan Cachat joins Kratom Science Podcast host Brian Gallagher to talk about kratom research. Each episode we pick a study about kratom published in a peer-reviewed journal.

This week we discuss "Patterns and Reasons for Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use among Current and Former Opioid Poly-Drug Users" published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology, March 2020.

Full citation and link: Singh D, Yeou Chear NJ, Narayanan S, et al. Patterns and reasons for kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) use among current and former opioid poly-drug users. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;249:112462. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112462 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874119331587?via%3Dihub

Dr. Cachat's website http://jcachat.com/

Music by

Produced by Brian Gallagher for KratomScience.com

28. The Importance of Public Policy with Neuroscientist, Dr. Jonathan Cachat

Kratom Science — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jonathan Cachat is a neuroscientist and expert in psychopharmacology, who has extensively studied the effects of psychoactive substances on zebrafish. Dr. Cachat was involved in pioneering the first ever cannabis lab technician program at Hocking College in Ohio. He is currently involved in digitizing pre-prohibition research for the Cannabis Museum in Cincinnati. Dr. Cachat is active in promoting sound public policy that would allow kratom, cannabis, and psychedelics to be studied and utilized to their full potential.

Twitter @jcachat jc@ccvresearch.com http://jcachat.com/ http://ccvresearch.com/ https://www.cannabismuseum.com/ https://www.hocking.edu/laboratory-sciences

Journal Club with Dr. Jonathan Cachat

Journal Club #40: Dr. Jon’s 2010 Zebrafish Research

Journal Club #39: Survey of Kratom Consumers with Psychiatric Conditions

Journal Club #38: Mitragynine in Kratom Trees in Thailand

Journal Club #37: Kratom and Diabetes Study from Thailand

Journal Club #36: Mitragynine for Chemotherapy-Induced Pain

Journal Club #35: Feeding Kratom to Goats

Journal Club #34: How to Change Your Mind Documentary

Journal Club #33: Kratom Scientists Pen Letter Questioning Case Report Review

Journal Club #32: Cannabis Strains, Cannabinoids, and Terpenes

Journal Club #31: A Kratom Guide for Healthcare Providers

Journal Club #30: Can Light Therapy Relieve Opioid Craving?

**REPOST*** Journal Club #29: Kratom Toxicity and Medicolegal Issues, Cannabis Museum

Journal Club #29: Kratom Toxicity and Medicolegal Issues, and the Cannabis Museum

Journal Club #28: Mitragynine Does Not Rely on 7-hydroxymitragynine for Pain Relief Effects

Journal Club #27: Does Kratom Kill…E-coli and Streptococcus Pneumoniae?

Journal Club #26: High Dose Mitragynine Causes Cognitive Impairment in Mice

Journal Club #25: Dopamine Response to Mitragynine in Rats

Journal Club #24: Kratom-Induced Psychosis? A Case Report

Journal Club #23: Kratom alkaloid combo shown to help chemotherapy drug in killing cancer cells, more research needed

Journal Club #22: Accelerated Solvent Extracts of Kratom

Journal Club #21: Heroin to Buprenorphine to Kratom in Appalachia

Journal Club #20: Cholesterol Study on Kratom Users in Thailand

Journal Club #19: The FDA’s Bad Science on Kratom

Journal Club #18: Pineal Gland and DMT Facts and Myth

Journal Club #17: Psychoactive plants in your backyard and around the world

Journal Club #16: Bioanalysis of 11 Alkaloids in Kratom Tea vs. Commercial Extract

Journal Club #15, Q&A Part 2: Kratom Legality, Kratom and Pharma, Dopamine Agonists, Libido, and Random Effects

Journal Club #14, Q&A Part 1: Kratom and Liver Enzymes, Alcohol, Pain Management, and Serotonin

Journal Club #13: How Kratom Alkaloids Act on Brain Receptors

Journal Club #12: Kratom Cultivation Studied

Journal Club #11: Pivotal Mental States, Psychedelics, and Bio-Psycho-Social Studies

Journal Club #10: Kratom and Alcohol

Journal Club #9: Speciofoline, the Understudied Alkaloid

Journal Club #8: Kratom Tea for Opioid Dependence in Mice

Journal Club #7: Kratom Use and Mental Health w/ Dr. Marc Swogger and Dr. Jonathan Cachat

Journal Club #6: 1972 Animal Study Shows the Promise of Mitragynine

Journal Club w/ Dr. Jonathan Cachat #5: Mitragynine Study in Rats Leads to Interesting Conclusions

Journal Club w/ Dr. Jonathan Cachat #4: Human Evolution and Psychoactive Plants, Scratching the Surface of Kratom History, and Kratom Alkaloids

Journal Club with Dr Jonathan Cachat #3: Kratom Addiction, Listener Mail, and Elephants on LSD

Journal Club with Dr. Jonathan Cachat #2: “The Potential for Kratom as an Antidepressant and Antipsychotic”

Journal Club with Dr. Jonathan Cachat #1

28. The Importance of Public Policy with Neuroscientist, Dr. Jonathan Cachat

REPOST* Journal Club #29: Kratom Toxicity and Medicolegal Issues, Cannabis Museum