A search for biosynthetic precursors of salvinorin A (1) led to the isolation of a new neoclerodane diterpenoid hemiacetal mixture, salvinorins J (2), from the chloroform extract of Salvia divinorum. A leaf surface extraction method was used on S. divinorum, affording a chlorophyll-free extract containing predominantly neoclerodane diterpenoids, including the new salvinorins J (2) and 14 known...
Salvinorin A is the major active ingredient of Salvia divinorum, a plant used by the Mazatec Indians of Mexico for spiritual and medical purposes. Different preparations from S. divinorum are also used in traditional healing practices to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea. The recent extensive research on salvinorin A and other neoclerodane diterpenoids derived from S....