Salvinorin A and Salvia divinorum: Toxicology, Pharmacological Profile, and Therapeutic Potential.
Sara Calado, Bruno Pires, Luana M. Rosendo, Tiago Rosado, Eugenia Gallardo, Ana Paula Duarte
International Journal of Molecular Sciences June 11, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26125588 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Natural compound Unique compound Psychoactive substance Therapeutic potential Medical applications Medicinal use Drug development Pharmacological promise Kappa-opioid receptors Brain receptors Receptor interaction Mechanism of action Neuropharmacology Pain relief Analgesia Pain management Addiction treatment Mood disorder treatment Psychiatric treatment |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Salvia divinorum presents both potential therapeutic applications and health risks, with its complex pharmacological profile warranting further research. |
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a psychoactive plant presenting a complex pharmacological profile, attracting significant scientific interest due to its potential therapeutic applications and associated health risks. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the toxic and therapeutic effects of S. divinorum, evaluating its potential medical applications while highlighting the risks associated with its consumption. Additionally, the review examines the plant’s recreational use, global consumption trends, and legal status. By synthesising current research, this article aims to clarify the implications of S. divinorum use and inform future studies on its pharmacological potential and regulatory considerations.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Concludes Salvia divinorum has both potential therapeutic applications and health risks, with a complex pharmacological profile warranting further research.
Synthesized
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
Cites 40
- Global Street Food: la cocina de la calle Diseño interior 2009
- Salvinorin, a new trans-neoclerodane diterpene from Salvia divinorum(Labiatae) Journal of the Chemical Society Perkin Transactions 1 1982
- Divinorin A, a psychotropic terpenoid, and divinorin B from the hallucinogenic Mexican mint, Salvia divinorum The Journal of Organic Chemistry November 1, 1984
- Positive expectations predict improved mental-health outcomes linked to psychedelic microdosing Scientific Reports January 21, 2021
- Motives and Side-Effects of Microdosing With Psychedelics Among Users The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology May 30, 2019
and 35 more in the library