Journal of ethnopharmacology
February 3, 2014
Ivan Casselman, Catherine J Nock, Hans Wohlmuth et al.
54 citations
Over the past 50 years, Salvia divinorum has become globally recognized for its main active constituent, the diterpene salvinorin A, which is a kappa-opioid agonist and the first reported psychoactive diterpene. This review covers ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, taxonomy, systematics, genetics, chemistry, and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic research. Traditional Mazatec use is well documented, but modern ethnobotanical use is not. Botanical investigations are limited, and only one study has examined phylogenetic relationships. Chemistry research has focused on salvinorin A and related diterpenoids. Effects have primarily been studied in animal models. Published human studies report no harmful effects at doses of 0.375-21µg/kg, but more toxicology and safety data are needed before larger clinical trials.
Journal of ethnopharmacology
December 8, 2011
Ivan Casselman, Michael Heinrich
30 citations
A novel use pattern of Salvia divinorum has developed outside of Oaxaca, differing from traditional Mazatec use. Analyzing YouTube videos through unobtrusive observation and a custom web crawler, the study documented that the majority of videos presented indications of a positive experience with the plant, contradicting media reports. This methodology captures dynamic plant/human interactions on the World Wide Web, where global migration and online platforms amplify cultural change. The representation of Salvia divinorum on YouTube is a growing phenomenon, highlighting the need for ethnopharmacological research to move beyond traditional, decontextualized accounts.
Journal of ethnopharmacology
March 25, 2022
Ilana Berlowitz, David M O'Shaughnessy, Michael Heinrich et al.
26 citations
The Peruvian-Amazonian dieta is a retreat-like intervention involving lengthy social, behavioral, and alimentary restrictions while ingesting specially prepared plant substances, many of which are psychoactive. Based on interviews with 16 healers from Ucayali, San Martín, and Loreto provinces, the method is described as transformative, with multifaceted applications for treatment, prevention, and training. Benefits are attributed to teacher plants, dietary conditions, and the healer's skill. A detailed risk assessment revealed sophisticated safety measures. The dieta is a central therapeutic concept and a unique method for using psychoactive plants, warranting inclusion in current psychedelic research.