Danny Jones Podcast #344 - Top Chemist Just Discovered How to Hack the Brains Internal DMT Molecule | Chris McCurdy
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Oct 27, 2025 
Chris McCurdy, a pharmaceutical scientist and pharmacist from the University of Florida, dives deep into the mysteries of DMT and its potential role in our bodies. He discusses groundbreaking research on endogenous DMT and its links to consciousness and schizophrenia. The conversation also explores the fascinating world of kratom, its usage during the opioid crisis, and ongoing studies assessing its effects. Additionally, Chris shares insights about coca leaves, their historical use, and the challenges in researching them due to stringent regulations.
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Career Rooted In Natural Products
- Chris McCurdy traces his path from pharmacist to medicinal chemist focusing on natural psychoactive plants.
- His work links traditional ethnobotany to modern drug design and opioid research.
Salvinorin A Broke The Rules
- McCurdy describes studying Salvia divinorum and discovering salvinorin A's unusual kappa opioid activity.
- The compound lacked nitrogen yet targeted opioid receptors, which shocked chemists and shaped his research direction.
Endogenous DMT Inhibitor Exists
- A 1977 paper reported an endogenous peptide that inhibits the enzyme making DMT but wasn't characterized.
- McCurdy's team aims to replicate and identify that inhibitor to explore schizophrenia links and therapeutic leads.