Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A: an update on pharmacology and analytical methodology.
Oliver Grundmann, Stephen M Phipps, Immo Zadezensky, Veronika Butterweck
Planta Medica August 1, 2007 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-981566 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Salvia divinorum extract Natural compound Plant-derived compound Novel compound Drug development Medicinal potential Innovative therapies New treatments Pharmaceutical potential Therapeutic applications Drug discovery Opioid receptors Receptor interaction Pharmacological target Mechanism of action Neurological disorders Brain illnesses Central nervous system Brain health Psychiatric conditions |
| Citations | 81 |
| Key findings | Salvinorin A is a selective kappa opioid receptor agonist with rapid action and no observed toxicity in animal studies, offering potential for treating CNS illnesses. |
Abstract
Salvia divinorum L. (Lamiaceae) has been used for centuries by the Mazatecan culture and has gained popularity as a recreational drug in recent years. Its potent hallucinogenic effects seen in case reports has triggered research and led to the discovery of the first highly selective non-nitrogenous kappa opioid receptor agonist salvinorin A. This review critically evaluates the reported pharmacological and toxicological properties of S. divinorum and one of its major compounds salvinorin A, its pharmacokinetic profile, and the analytical methods developed so far for its detection and quantification. Recent research puts a strong emphasis on salvinorin A , which has been shown to be a selective opioid antagonist and is believed to have further beneficial properties , rather than the leaf extract of S. divinorum. Currently animal studies show a rapid onset of action and short distribution and elimination half-lives as well as a lack of evidence of short- or long-term toxicity. Salvinorin A seems to be the most promising approach to new treatment options for a variety of CNS illnesses. However, many further investigations are necessary to fully understand and elucidate the various medicinal properties of the plant itself and to provide the legislative authorities with enough information to cast judgement on S. divinorum.
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 33
- Pharmacokinetics of the potent hallucinogen, salvinorin A in primates parallels the rapid onset and short duration of effects in humans. Neuroimage July 1, 2008
- Inhibitory effect of salvinorin A, from Salvia divinorum, on ileitis-induced hypermotility: cross-talk between kappa-opioid and cannabinoid CB(1) receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology November 1, 2008
- Use patterns and self-reported effects of Salvia divinorum: an internet-based survey. Drug and Alcohol Dependence October 1, 2010
- Evaluation of the transport, in vitro metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Salvinorin A, a potent hallucinogen. European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V June 1, 2009
- The claustrum's proposed role in consciousness is supported by the effect and target localization of Salvia divinorum. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience 2014
and 28 more in the library
Cites 16
- 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
- Salvinorin A: the "magic mint" hallucinogen finds a molecular target in the kappa opioid receptor. TIPS - Trends in Pharmacological Sciences March 1, 2003
- Psychopharmacology of the hallucinogenic sage Salvia divinorum. Life Sciences December 22, 2005
- Screening the receptorome to discover the molecular targets for plant-derived psychoactive compounds: a novel approach for CNS drug discovery. Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1, 2004
and 11 more in the library