Acute and post-acute behavioral and psychological effects of salvinorin A in humans.
Psychopharmacology March 1, 2012 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2470-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Placebo-controlled Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Middle-aged, well-educated, hallucinogen-experienced adults |
| Intervention | Salvinorin A |
| Dose | 1,017 or 100 μg |
| Duration | 8-week follow-up |
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Unique compound Active doses Hallucinogens Hallucinogenic experiences Altered states Psychedelics Consciousness research Understanding consciousness Novel window Clinical trials Controlled trial 30 participants Drug safety No negative consequences |
| Citations | 71 |
| Key findings | Smoking an active dose of salvinorin A produced significant hallucinogenic effects without adverse events, offering a distinct pharmacological model for studying altered states. |
Abstract
Salvia divinorum has been used for centuries, and nontraditional use in modern societies is increasing. Inebriation and aftereffects of use are poorly documented in the scientific literature. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study analyzed subjective experiences of salvinorin A (SA) inebriation and consequences of use after 8 weeks. Thirty middle-aged, well-educated, hallucinogen-experienced participants smoked either 1,017 or 100 μg SA 2 weeks apart in counterbalanced order. Vital signs were recorded before and after inhalation. A researcher rated participants' behavior during sessions. Participants completed the Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS) assessing inebriation immediately after each session. Differences were analyzed between groups as functions of dose and time. After 8 weeks, participants were interviewed to determine reported consequences and aftereffects. Participants talked, laughed, and moved more often on an active dose. All six HRS clusters were significantly elevated on an active dose indicating hallucinogenic experiences. No significant adverse events were observed or reported by participants. The present results indicate similarities as well as differences between the subjective effects of S. divinorum and other hallucinogens. As a selective kappa opioid receptor agonist, SA may be useful for expanding understanding of the psychopharmacology and psychology of hallucinogenic states beyond serotonergic mechanisms.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on salvia divinorum, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 38
- Psilocybin-Occasioned Mystical Experiences in the Treatment of Tobacco Addiction Current Drug Abuse Reviews January 9, 2015
- Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution Frontiers in Human Neuroscience May 23, 2017
- Clinical applications of hallucinogens: A review. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology August 1, 2016
- Models of psychedelic drug action: modulation of cortical-subcortical circuits Brain October 22, 2021
- Current perspectives on psychedelic therapy: use of serotonergic hallucinogens in clinical interventions International Review of Psychiatry July 4, 2018
and 33 more in the library
Cites 29
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Salvinorin A: a potent naturally occurring nonnitrogenous kappa opioid selective agonist. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences September 3, 2002
- Dose-Response Study of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in Humans Archives of General Psychiatry February 1, 1994
- Psychedelic Effects of Ketamine in Healthy Volunteers Anesthesiology 1998
and 24 more in the library