Pharmacokinetics of the plant-derived kappa-opioid hallucinogen salvinorin A in nonhuman primates.
Synapse (New York, N.Y.) – December 01, 2005
Source: PubMed
Summary
A powerful plant hallucinogen, salvinorin A, is eliminated from the body remarkably fast. Researchers investigated how the body processes this compound, administering it to rhesus monkeys. Findings showed it was rapidly cleared, with a half-life under an hour. Crucially, its processing differed significantly between males and females, indicating potential sex-specific effects. A presumed metabolite was not detected, clarifying its in-body behavior.
Abstract
Salvinorin A, a potent hallucinogen isolated from the leaves of Salvia divinorum, has gained popularity among adolescents in the USA. No detailed study of the pharmacokinetics has been conducted in vivo. The present study investigates the in vivo pharmacokinetics of salvinorin A (0.032 mg/kg, i.v. bolus) in rhesus monkeys (n=4, 2 male, 2 female). The elimination t(1/2) was rapid (56.6+/-24.8 min) for all subjects. Pharmacokinetic differences (distribution t(1/2), elimination t(1/2), and AUC) were observed between males and females, suggesting potential sex differences in its pharmacologic effects. Salvinorin B, the presumed major metabolite, is observed to accumulate ex vivo; however, in this study it never reached the limit of detection.