A Review of Salvinorin Analogs and their Kappa-Opioid Receptor Activity

Salvinorin A, a plant metabolite, is a potent and selective agonist of the human kappa-opioid receptor, which is being investigated as a target for new painkillers. This review examines analogs of the salvinorin chemotype and how modifications affect their selectivity, affinity, and potency. Extensive modifications to the periphery of the molecule, using isolated salvinorin A, have provided a wealth of structure-activity relationship (SAR) data. Recent advances in chemical synthesis now enable more fundamental changes to the core structure.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The plant metabolite salvinorin A potently and selectively agonizes the human kappa-opioid receptor, an emerging target for next-generation analgesics. Here we review analogs of the salvinorin chemotype and their effects on selectivity, affinity and potency. Extensive peripheral modifications using isolated salvinorin A have delivered a trove of SAR information. More deep-seated changes are now possible by advances in chemical synthesis.