The FDA spokeswoman is incorrect in saying the alkaloids are structurally similar to other opioids. Rather, mitragynine is an indole alkaloid similar to yohimbine. It has an entirely different structure from any other group of compounds that bind to opiate receptors and should be considered an "atypical opioid." "Opiate" is the term used for compounds with structural similarity to all or part of the morphine structure, while "opioids" is the term used for any compound that binds to the opiate receptors regardless of its structure or pharmacological effects. Other common opiates with morphine structural features include loperamide (Imodium AD) and dextromethorphan (OTC cough syrups).
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Well said @qiyi. They don't even bother to
try and make their lies believable anymore.
I think either the spokesperson is insufficiently versed in the subject matter and is parroting talking points, and/or the legislators are clueless and biased in scientific concepts.
I'm sure the big pharma lobbyists pass money to the legislators in whatever legal ways they can, and then casually bring up the topic of "the dangers of kratom". The whole system is just rotting from the inside out. As far as the spokesperson, her approach was clever, yet her tactics only really work on people who can't think critically. I've a feeling she knows more than she would have you believe.
I agree. After all, she is doing her job!