Pattern of use and subjective effects of Salvia divinorum among recreational users.
Débora González, Jordi Riba, José Carlos Bouso, Gregorio Gómez-jarabo, Manel J. Barbanoj
Drug and Alcohol Dependence November 8, 2006 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2006.04.001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | Recreational users of salvia and other psychedelics |
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Salvinorin-a Psychoactive effects Altered reality Derealization Psychedelic effects Hallucinogenic effects Altered self-perception Visual changes Intense effects Mind-altering Recreational drug use Substance use Recreational users Smoking extracts Drug administration Plant use Neuropharmacology Brain receptor activation Mechanism of action Receptor binding Drug duration Short-lived effects Rapid effects Potent experiences Onset Pharmacokinetics |
| Citations | 163 |
| Key findings | Salvia divinorum produces intense, short-lived psychedelic-like effects with marked derealization and impairment, supporting kappa-opioid receptor activation as the pharmacologic mechanism. |
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a member of the Lamiaceae family and contains the psychotropic diterpene and kappa-opioid receptor agonist salvinorin-A. Originally a shamanic inebriant used by the Mexican Mazatec Indians, the plant and its preparations are becoming increasingly popular among non-traditional users. Demographic data and information on pattern of use and subjective effects were obtained by means of self-report questionnaires from a sample of 32 recreational users of salvia and other psychedelics. Involvement with salvia appeared to be a recent phenomenon. Smoking the extract was the preferred form of administration. Subjective effects were described as intense but short-lived, appearing in less than 1 min and lasting 15 min or less. They included psychedelic-like changes in visual perception, mood and somatic sensations, and importantly, a highly modified perception of external reality and the self, leading to a decreased ability to interact with oneself or with one's surroundings. Although some aspects of the subjective effects reported were similar to high doses of classical psychedelics with serotonin-2A receptor agonist activity, the intense derealization and impairment reported appear to be a characteristic of salvia. The observed simultaneous high scores on the LSD and PCAG subscales of the Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI) have been previously reported for other kappa-opioid agonists, and support kappa receptor activation as the probable pharmacologic mechanism underlying the modified state of awareness induced by salvia.