The claustrum's proposed role in consciousness is supported by the effect and target localization of Salvia divinorum.
Klaus M Stiefel, Alistair Merrifield, Alex O Holcombe
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience 2014 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00020 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Κ-opioid receptor Claustrum consciousness Salvinorin a mechanism Kappa opioid receptors |
| Citations | 59 |
| Key points | Proposes that the claustrum serves as a conductor for certain aspects of higher-order integration of brain activity, while integration of auditory and visual signals relies more on coordination by other areas including parietal cortex and the pulvinar. |
Abstract
THIS ARTICLE BRINGS TOGETHER THREE FINDINGS AND IDEAS RELEVANT FOR THE UNDERSTANDING OF HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS: (I) Crick's and Koch's theory that the claustrum is a "conductor of consciousness" crucial for subjective conscious experience. (II) Subjective reports of the consciousness-altering effects the plant Salvia divinorum, whose primary active ingredient is salvinorin A, a κ-opioid receptor agonist. (III) The high density of κ-opioid receptors in the claustrum. Fact III suggests that the consciousness-altering effects of S. divinorum/salvinorin A (II) are due to a κ-opioid receptor mediated inhibition of primarily the claustrum and, additionally, the deep layers of the cortex, mainly in prefrontal areas. Consistent with Crick and Koch's theory that the claustrum plays a key role in consciousness (I), the subjective effects of S. divinorum indicate that salvia disrupts certain facets of consciousness much more than the largely serotonergic hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Based on this data and on the relevant literature, we suggest that the claustrum does indeed serve as a conductor for certain aspects of higher-order integration of brain activity, while integration of auditory and visual signals relies more on coordination by other areas including parietal cortex and the pulvinar.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on salvia divinorum, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total synthesis of the hallucinogenic neoclerodane diterpenoid salvinorin A. | 2008 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Total Synthesis of (-)-Salvinorin A. | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Scalable and modular synthesis enables pharmacological diversification of salvinorins | 2026 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Title: DMT, Salvinorin A, and Stress Regulation: An Exploratory Neuropharmacological Research Proposal | 2026 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Salvia Divinorum: entrSalvia divinorum: Entre la prohibición y la construcción de su conocimientoe a proibição e a construção do seu saber | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 22
- Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology October 21, 2022
- Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution Frontiers in Human Neuroscience May 23, 2017
- Models of psychedelic drug action: modulation of cortical-subcortical circuits Brain October 22, 2021
- An algorithmic information theory of consciousness Neuroscience of Consciousness 2017
- Salvinorin-A Induces Intense Dissociative Effects, Blocking External Sensory Perception and Modulating Interoception and Sense of Body Ownership in Humans The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology June 5, 2015
and 17 more in the library
Cites 20
- Salvinorin A: a potent naturally occurring nonnitrogenous kappa opioid selective agonist. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences September 3, 2002
- Psychometric Evaluation of the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (OAV) PLoS One August 31, 2010
- Dose-Response Study of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in Humans Archives of General Psychiatry February 1, 1994
- Opioid receptors and legal highs:Salvia divinorumand Kratom Clinical Toxicology 2008
- 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
and 15 more in the library