Psychopharmacology of the hallucinogenic sage Salvia divinorum.

Summary

A unique compound in the Mexican mint *Salvia divinorum* is a potent hallucinogen. Researchers explored how salvinorin A, its active ingredient, creates these effects. Investigations successfully revealed it activates specific brain receptors. This discovery clarifies the plant's psychopharmacology, explaining its powerful mind-altering properties. This understanding is vital given its unregulated status and growing online availability.

Abstract

At present, the Mexican mint Salvia divinorum is an unregulated hallucinogen. This has resulted in various on-line botanical companies advertising and selling S. divinorum as a legal alternative to other regulated plant hallucinogens. It is predictable that its misuse will increase rapidly. The active ingredient in S. divinorum is the neoclerodane diterpene, salvinorin A (1a), which has been shown to be a kappa agonist both in vitro and in vivo. This review will cover the current state of research into the psychopharmacology of S. divinorum.

Tags