We are a joint laboratory of the Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds and of the Department of Organic Chemistry.
Our aim is analysis and synthesis of various biologically active substances.
Invitation to a lecture about Impact of Kratom 29.4.2025
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You can find more about her working group HERE. |
We invite you to a lecture Evaluation of the impact of kratom Prof. Dr. Zurina Hassan April 29 at 4:00 PM in the building B, BII auditorium Zurina Hassan Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and its primary alkaloid, mitragynine, have gained global attention as plant-derived psychoactive substances with stimulant and opioid-like properties. Traditionally used in Southeast Asia for medicinal purposes and as a stimulant among manual laborers, kratom has more recently emerged in Western contexts as a recreational "herbal high" and alternative to opioids. Despite its long-standing cultural use, concerns about its potential for misuse, particularly among adolescents seeking euphoric effects, have intensified. This presentation explores the evolving perception of kratom use, from a benign traditional remedy to a substance warranting regulatory scrutiny. Drawing from both human and animal research conducted by the Centre for Drug Research, this talk highlights recent findings on kratom’s abuse liability and its cognitive impacts. While local communities may still view kratom as harmless, emerging scientific evidence underscores its capacity to impair cognitive function and contribute to dependence, raising important questions for public health, regulation, and future research. |
Do you have a respect to kratom?
You can listen to the entire interview on the topic of kratom with Martin Kuchař in the DVTV.
Interview starts at 37th minute.
Martin Kuchař also answered other questions during the interview.
Bronislav Jurásek received an award from the French Embassy for his work
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Laureates of the scientific awards of the Embassy of France in the Czech Republic for the year 2022 |
On June 23, 2022, the award ceremony of the French Embassy took place. Prizes were awarded annually to talented young scientists in seven categories. Bronislav Jurásek took 3rd place in the Sanofi Prize 2022 (the pharmacy category) with his work: Analogs and Metabolites of New Psychoactive Substances.. Congratulations! |
TIAFT 2022
5-9 September 2022, the 59th meeting of the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists took place.
We successfully presented our research at this long-awaited TIAFT conference in Versailles, France!
Our researchers presented new analytical approaches, syntheses, as well as clinical and forensic toxicology cases.
You can find more about the conference itself HERE.
Expedition Neuron 2016 wild cardDepression treatment with antidepressants is successfull only in part of patients. Therefore, there is a need to find different ways of treatment. Very strong antidepressant effect has been discovered in relation to some psychedelics. The goal of the expedition lead by Dr. Tomáš Páleníček is to answer the question, if there is an antidepressant potential of ritual use of psychedelic ayahuasca from both clinical and neurobiological point of view and if these findingds can be successfully aplied in depression treatment.
You can watch a video about the expedition HERE.
Group for medical use of psychoactive substances and plantsIng. Martin Kuchař Ph.D. was appointed a member of expert group working on medical potential of psychoactive substances and plants as a part of Government Council for Drug Policy Coordination.
Our research mentioned in the mediaAre hormonal levels of ice-hockey players related to their performance and situations during the play? You may find the answer in sports chapter of periodic Blesk. Full article (in czech) is available HERE.
TIAFT 2015Several posters regarding our research were presented at the 53rd TIAFT meeting 2015 in Firenze.