Mindscape Collective is now The Consciousness Library. Same library, new name. You may need to sign in again. About the change
Skip to content

Kavita M. Babu

2 papers in the library · 577 citations · publishing 2008-2012

Papers

Here today, gone tomorrow…and back again? A review of herbal marijuana alternatives (K2, Spice), synthetic cathinones (bath salts), kratom, Salvia divinorum, methoxetamine, and piperazines.

Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology March 1, 2012 Christopher D Rosenbaum, Stephanie P Carreiro, Kavita M. Babu 356 citations

Many new drugs of abuse available online remain unfamiliar to healthcare providers. Herbal marijuana alternatives like K2 or Spice contain synthetic cannabinoids mixed with plant matter. Synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") have caused nationwide emergency visits for severe agitation, sympathomimetic toxicity, and death. Kratom, from Mitragyna speciosa, has opioid-like effects and is used for chronic pain and opioid-withdrawal symptoms. Salvia divinorum is a hallucinogen with therapeutic potential but banned in many states due to psychiatric concerns. Methoxetamine is marketed as "legal ketamine." Piperazine derivatives (e.g., BZP, TMFPP) reemerge as "legal Ecstasy." These drugs are often perceived as safe but can cause life-threatening adverse effects. The paper covers background, pharmacology, clinical effects, detection, and management of these exposures.

DOI: 10.1007/s13181-011-0202-2 (opens in new tab) Full text (opens in new tab) Salvia divinorum New psychoactive substances Nps Novel psychoactive substances +36

Opioid receptors and legal highs:Salvia divinorumand Kratom

Clinical Toxicology January 1, 2008 Kavita M. Babu, Christopher R Mccurdy, Edward W Boyer 221 citations

Salvia divinorum and Kratom are unscheduled dietary supplements that activate opioid receptors and produce distinct psychoactive effects. Salvinorin A, from Salvia divinorum, is a highly selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist that causes visual hallucinations and synesthesia. Kratom's main alkaloid, mitragynine, acts as a partial opioid agonist with morphine-like effects, while its minor alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine is more potent than morphine. Both Kratom alkaloids activate supraspinal mu- and delta-opioid receptors, which explains their use by chronic narcotics users to ease opioid withdrawal. Despite widespread Internet availability, these substances elude traditional toxicologic monitoring, and the article aims to inform toxicologists and poison control specialists about them.

DOI: 10.1080/15563650701241795 (opens in new tab)