Evolution and origins of the Mazatec hallucinogenic sage, Salvia divinorum (Lamiaceae): a molecular phylogenetic approach.
Aaron A Jenks, Jay B Walker, Seung-Chul Kim
Journal of plant research September 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-010-0394-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Phylogenetic analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 58 |
| Population | Salvia species (52 species of subgenus Calosphace and 6 accessions of Salvia divinorum) |
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Unique plant Psychoactive plant New genetic analysis Sequencing dna Plant evolution Origins Evolutionary history Plant classification Reclassified its lineage |
| Citations | 35 |
| Key points | Salvia divinorum is not a hybrid and its closest known relative is Salvia venulosa. |
Abstract
Salvia divinorum Epl. & Játiva-M. (Lamiaceae) is a potent hallucinogenic plant that is classified within Salvia subgenus Calosphace, section Dusenostachys, and hypothesized to be an interspecific hybrid. It is of ethnobotanical significance due to its employment in traditional healing ceremonies by the Mazatecs of Oaxaca, Mexico, and due to its unique pharmacology-a highly selective, non-nitrogenous, κ-opioid receptor agonist. In order to test its phylogenetic position and putative hybridity, we sequenced multiple DNA regions (ITS, trnL-trnF, and psbA-trnH) of 52 species-representing the major lineages of subgenus Calosphace-and six accessions of S. divinorum. Our molecular phylogenetic results suggest that S. divinorum should not be classified within Dusenostachys and that it is not a hybrid. Additionally, we determine that the closest known relative of this psychoactive Mexican sage is S. venulosa, a rare endemic of Colombia.