A new SYBR Green-based Real-Time PCR assay can quickly and simply quantify hallucinogenic plants in plant mixtures. Using Salvia divinorum as a test plant, the method was tested on seven mixtures ranging from 100% to 0% S. divinorum mixed with non-hallucinogenic Salvia officinalis. Total DNA was extracted with an internal standard of Arabidopsis thaliana DNA, and a new formula for interpreting Real-Time PCR data was developed. The calculated weights from the PCR assay showed an almost perfect correspondence with the actual weights, demonstrating the method's effectiveness for quantitative analysis of a given species in a plant mixture.
Interpreting postmortem MDMA concentrations is difficult because reported levels vary widely and toxicity can be idiosyncratic. A 34-year-old white European male was found dead at home; femoral blood contained 3800 µg/L MDMA and 170 µg/L methylenedioxyamphetamine. Pharmacogenetic analysis of his CYP2C19 gene revealed a *1/*17 genotype predictive of rapid metabolism, implying greater MDMA elimination. Two variants in the COMT gene (rs4633TT, rs4680AA) were also found; carriers of rs4680AA or rs4680GA genotypes have lower enzyme activity, associated with increased cardiovascular effects and risk of hyponatremia. However, too few studies exist to draw definitive conclusions, and a holistic genetic approach including pharmacological targets is needed.