Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A: new pharmacologic findings

J Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Jun;43(1):53-6. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(94)90116-3.

Abstract

The diterpene salvinorin A from Salvia divinorum (Epling and Jativa-M), in doses of 200-500 micrograms produces effects which are subjectively identical to those experienced when the whole herb is ingested. Salvinorin A is effectively deactivated by the gastrointestinal system, so alternative routes of absorption must be used to maintain its activity. Traditionally the herb is consumed either by chewing the fresh leaves or by drinking the juices of freshly crushed leaves. The effects of the herb when consumed this way depend on absorption of salvinorin A through the oral mucosa before the herb is swallowed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Abietanes
  • Absorption
  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Administration, Oral
  • Chromatography, Thin Layer
  • Digestive System / metabolism
  • Diterpenes / administration & dosage
  • Diterpenes / adverse effects*
  • Diterpenes / pharmacokinetics
  • Diterpenes, Clerodane
  • Growth Substances / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / drug effects
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Mouth Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacokinetics
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Psychotropic Drugs / administration & dosage
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / pharmacokinetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / drug effects

Substances

  • Abietanes
  • Diterpenes
  • Diterpenes, Clerodane
  • Growth Substances
  • Ion Channels
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
  • Plant Extracts
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter
  • salvin
  • salvinorin A