Pharmacological activity of salvinorin A, the major component of Salvia divinorum.
Joanna Listos, Alicja Merska, Sylwia Fidecka
Pharmacological Reports 2011 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(11)70694-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Animals |
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Active compound Magic mint compound Hallucinogen Therapeutic potential Pain relief Antidepressant properties Positive behavioral effects Medicinal uses Treatment Pharmacology Mechanisms of action Pharmacological profile Drug action Animal studies Plant source |
| Citations | 52 |
| Key findings | Salvinorin A produces hallucinogenic, antinociceptive, antidepressant-like, and addictive behavioral effects in animals, though its mechanisms of action are not well understood. |
Abstract
The hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum (i.e., "magic mint") is a member of the Sage family that has been historically used for divination and shamanism by the Mazatecs. Today, S. divinorum has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug for its hallucinogenic effects. The non-nitrogenous diterpene, salvinorin A, the major active component of S. divinorum, is responsible for the hallucinogenic effect of this plant. Here, we described the behavioral effects of salvinorin A in animals including the addictive, antinociception and antidepressant properties of the drug. The present paper also demonstrates the not well recognized (or unclear) mechanisms of action of salvinorin A. The last part of the paper presents information about the legal status of S. divinorum and its derivatives. Taking into account the increasing popularity and consumption of salvinorin A and S. divinorum today, it is important to collect all data on the pharmacological profile of this plant and its products.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on salvia divinorum, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. General (review of novel psychoactive substances) | 2012 | Review | |
| Opioid receptors and legal highs:Salvia divinorumand Kratom | 2008 | Review | |
| Salvinorin A: the "magic mint" hallucinogen finds a molecular target in the kappa opioid receptor. | 2003 | Review | |
| Salvia divinorum and the unique diterpene hallucinogen, Salvinorin (divinorin) A. | 1994 | Review | |
| Drug models of schizophrenia. General (review of drug models of schizophrenia) | 2015 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 18
- The claustrum's proposed role in consciousness is supported by the effect and target localization of Salvia divinorum. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience 2014
- A unique natural selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist, salvinorin A, and its roles in human therapeutics. Phytochemistry May 1, 2017
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Salvinorin A and Salvia divinorum: Clinical and Forensic Aspects Pharmaceuticals February 3, 2021
- Effects of the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist volinanserin on head-twitch response and intracranial self-stimulation depression induced by different structural classes of psychedelics in rodents. Psychopharmacology June 1, 2022
- Understanding Central Nervous System Effects of Deliriant Hallucinogenic Drugs through Experimental Animal Models ACS Chemical Neuroscience September 25, 2018
and 13 more in the library
Cites 21
- Salvinorin A: a potent naturally occurring nonnitrogenous kappa opioid selective agonist. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences September 3, 2002
- Salvinorin A, an active component of the hallucinogenic sage salvia divinorum is a highly efficacious kappa-opioid receptor agonist: structural and functional considerations. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics March 1, 2004
- Hallucinogens and dissociative agents naturally growing in the United States. Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1, 2004
- Effects of the plant-derived hallucinogen salvinorin A on basal dopamine levels in the caudate putamen and in a conditioned place aversion assay in mice: agonist actions at kappa opioid receptors. Psychopharmacology May 1, 2005
- Ethnopharmacology of ska María Pastora (Salvia divinorum, Epling and Játiva-M.). Journal of Ethnopharmacology May 1, 1983
and 16 more in the library