Salvinorin A

Salvinorin A is a naturally occurring trans-neoclerodane diterpenoid and the principal psychoactive compound found in the plant Salvia divinorum. It is unique among hallucinogens as it is not an alkaloid and lacks a basic nitrogen atom. Salvinorin A acts as a highly potent and selective agonist of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), with activity at doses as low as 200 micrograms. Unlike classical psychedelics, it does not act on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors but has been shown to have some effect on dopamine D2 receptor (partial agonist) and cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Its effects are characterized by intense but short-lived hallucinations, dissociation, sedation, dysphoria, and alterations in perception. Due to rapid metabolism—primarily hydrolysis to inactive salvinorin B—and poor oral bioavailability, its psychoactive effects are brief when administered via non-oral routes such as smoking or buccal absorption. Research has explored potential therapeutic applications for salvinorin A in neuropsychiatric disorders (such as depression), addiction treatment, acute brain injury (including ischemic stroke), and neuroprotection due to its ability to modulate abnormal neuronal activity patterns[1][3][5][6].

Other names

SalvinorinSA