Salvinorin-A Induces Intense Dissociative Effects, Blocking External Sensory Perception and Modulating Interoception and Sense of Body Ownership in Humans
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology June 5, 2015 Marta Valle, Montserrat Puntes, Jimena Coimbra et al. 75 citations
Salvinorin-A, a compound from the plant Salvia divinorum that activates kappa-opioid receptors, produces dose-dependent changes in perception and body awareness. In eight healthy volunteers with prior psychedelic experience, vaporized salvinorin-A at 0.25, 0.50, and 1 mg caused detachment from external reality, elaborate visions, and auditory phenomena. Lower doses increased bodily sensations, while the highest dose produced a complete loss of contact with the body. The effects on body awareness followed an inverted-U pattern, suggesting the kappa-opioid receptor plays a key role in regulating sensory perception, interoception, and the sense of body ownership.