Psychopharmacology of the hallucinogenic sage Salvia divinorum

Life Sci. 2005 Dec 22;78(5):527-31. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.09.008. Epub 2005 Oct 6.

Abstract

At present, the Mexican mint Salvia divinorum is an unregulated hallucinogen. This has resulted in various on-line botanical companies advertising and selling S. divinorum as a legal alternative to other regulated plant hallucinogens. It is predictable that its misuse will increase rapidly. The active ingredient in S. divinorum is the neoclerodane diterpene, salvinorin A (1a), which has been shown to be a kappa agonist both in vitro and in vivo. This review will cover the current state of research into the psychopharmacology of S. divinorum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hallucinogens / isolation & purification
  • Hallucinogens / pharmacology*
  • Hallucinogens / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa / agonists
  • Salvia / adverse effects*
  • Salvia / chemistry
  • Salvia / toxicity

Substances

  • Hallucinogens
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa