Magic Mint
Science December 16, 2010 DOI: 10.1126/science.330.6011.1595-a (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key findings | The first human laboratory study of Salvia divinorum suggests that its active compound, salvinorin A, produces rapid but brief hallucinogenic effects, including mystical-type experiences in some participants. The authors propose that the drug may have therapeutic potential, but they indicate that more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy. |
Abstract
Salvia divinorum may be this generation's answer to magic mushrooms. A hallucinogenic member of the mint family, it has been used for centuries by Mexican shamans for spiritual purposes. Within the past decade it's become popular as a legal high—at least where its use hasn't been outlawed. Now researchers at Johns Hopkins University have conducted the first human laboratory study on the plant, published online 4 December in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.