Biography
Erin C. Berthold, PhD is a pharmaceutical scientist specializing in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacology of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and its alkaloids. She earned her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Florida, where her dissertation work focused on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, including the pharmacokinetic interactions between kratom alkaloids and cannabidiol.
Dr. Berthold's peer-reviewed publications include foundational work on the oral pharmacokinetics and antinociceptive activity of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 2022), kratom-cannabidiol pharmacokinetic interactions (Pharmaceutics, 2024), and the analytical characterization of US commercial kratom products (2025, n=341 product analysis). She has co-authored research with the University of Florida College of Pharmacy on kratom alkaloid receptor activity, alkaloid pharmacokinetics, and analytical method development for quantifying kratom alkaloids in commercial products.
She is the founder of Planted in Science, an independent scientific consultancy supporting evidence-based product development, regulatory analysis, and editorial review in the botanical and dietary supplement industries.
At Amazing Botanicals, Dr. Berthold serves as scientific co-author and reviewer for educational content covering kratom pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and alkaloid chemistry.
Credentials
- PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences — University of Florida
- Founder — Planted in Science Consulting, LLC
Selected publications
- Berthold, E.C., Kamble, S.H., Raju, K.S., Kuntz, M.A., Senetra, A.S., Mottinelli, M., et al. (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.
- Berthold, E.C., Kamble, S.H., Kanumuri, S.R.R., Kuntz, M.A., Senetra, A.S., Chiang, Y.H., et al. (2024). Pharmacokinetic Interaction of Kratom and Cannabidiol in Male Rats. Pharmaceutics.
- Sharma, A., Smith, K.E., Kuntz, M.A., Berthold, E.C., et al. (2025). Chemical Analysis and Alkaloid Intake for Kratom Products Available in the United States. Drug Testing and Analysis.
- Berthold, E.C., Kamble, S.H., Raju, K.S., King, T.I., Popa, R., Sharma, A., et al. (2021). Preclinical pharmacokinetic study of speciociliatine, a kratom alkaloid, in rats using an UPLC-MS/MS method. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis.