Novel neoclerodane diterpene derivatives from the smoke of salvinorin A.

Salvinorin A, a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist, produces intense hallucinogenic effects when smoked. The smoke of salvinorin A contains at least eight neoclerodane diterpene derivatives, which were isolated and identified using spectroscopic methods. The major chemical transformations occurring during smoking include epimerizations, eliminations, and rearrangements, leading to these novel compounds.

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Abstract

Salvinorin A is a naturally-occurring potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist, and smoking salvinorin A produces the most intense hallucinogenic effects in human. Eight neoclerodane diterpene derivatives were isolated from the smoke of salvinorin A, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. The major structural changes include epimerizations, eliminations, and rearrangements.