Although Conolidine is an analgesic alkaloid much like an opiate, it is not derived from the poppy plant, is non-addictive, and does not act directly on the GCP receptors. The literal definition of an opiate is: being derived from or relating to opium. Opium is derived from a singular plant called Papaver somniferum, or Opium Poppy. So, in a very strict sense, Conolidine is not an opiate as it is not derived from the Opium Poppy.
As serious concerns have been raised regarding the medical community’s current methodology of treating acute and chronic pain, scientists, practitioners, and consumers have begun to look for compounds that can treat pain but do not carry the possible nasty side effects generally associated with opiates.
The current state of The Opioid Crisis in the United States is a sad yet perfect example of these proposed negative effects. As opiates are generally very habit forming, we have seen plenty of effects as a result of addiction arise in the form of increased addiction treatment, overdoses, and even death.
Along with others, Conolidine is one of the compounds that has been pushed to the forefront in regard to safer methods of treating pain. Ideally, we would be able to treat acute, chronic, breakthrough, and moderate pain with a drug, compound, or phytochemical that is non-habit forming, does not put the patient at risk for overdose, and is generally regarded as safe (GRAS).
Although not an opiate, Conolidine alkaloids do interact with the neurochemistry associated with pain and pain relief. While opiates work directly on opiate receptors like GCPRs, Conolidine is a bit more complex. Working on the opioid peptides, Conolidine has been found to naturally assist in the regulation of pain signals. Additionally, a more recently discovered pain receptor known as ACKR3/CXCR7 has shown an affinity for the Conolidine alkaloid, meaning that it can potentially assist in the alleviation of pain in the very same manner as an opiate might without triggering other neurotransmitters that can accentuate issues like addiction and dependency.
In summation, no, Conolidine is not an opiate. With that said, many studies have been performed along with current studies that show Conolidine may be a fantastic replacement for opiates. The only correlation is that both relieve pain as we currently understand it on a neurological level.
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