Salvinorin A

Colorless crystals from methanol

White powder

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions - Carbon oxides.

238-240 °C; also reported as 242-244 °C

Specific optical rotation: -45.3 deg at 22 °C/D ( c = 8.530 CHCl3); -41 °C at 25 °C/D ( c = 1 in CHCl3)

Colorless solid; [Merck Index] White film; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Stable under recommended storage conditions.

Warning

H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

P264, P270, P301+P317, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

May cause irritation; Targets the brain; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Acute Tox. 4 (100%)

Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature -20 °C. Light sensitive.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

SRP: Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains.

Precautions for safe handling: Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.

Appropriate engineering controls: General industrial hygiene practice.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

Eye/face protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).

Skin protection: Handle with gloves.

Body Protection: Choose body protection in relation to its type, to the concentration and amount of dangerous substances, and to the specific work-place.

Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection is not required. Where protection from nuisance levels of dusts are desired, use type N95 (US) or type P1 (EN 143) dust masks. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).

In the last 10 years, many analogs of narcotic substances have been widely distributed in Japan as easily available psychotropic substances and this has become a serious problem. ... As a countermeasure to prevent the abuse of these substances, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare amended the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in 2006 so that 31 non-controlled psychotropic substances (11 tryptamines, 11 phenethylamines, 6 alkyl nitrites, 2 piperazines and salvinorin A) and 1 plant (Salvia divinorum) are now controlled as "Designated Substances (Shitei-Yakubutsu)" as of April 2007. Five other compounds (4 phenethylamines and 1 piperazine) were also added to this category in January 2008. /Salvia divinorum/

Neither Salvia divinorum nor its active constituent Salvinorin A has an approved medical use in the United States. Salvia is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act. Salvia divinorum is, however, controlled by a number of states. Since Salvia is not controlled by the CSA, some online botanical companies and drug promotional sites have advertised Salvia as a legal alternative to other plant hallucinogens like mescaline.

The Monitoring the Future survey reports that in 2012, 1.4% of 8th graders, 2.5% of 10th graders, and 4.4% of 12th graders used "Salvia" in the past year(1).

Treatment for salvinorin A overdose would be similar to the treatments for hallucinogen intoxication. (A648)

Psychedelic-like changes in visual perception, mood, and body sensations (A645).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 3.1X10+4(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that salvinorin A is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of salvinorin A from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.6X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). Salvinorin A is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 7.9X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2017).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 3.1X10+4(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that salvinorin A is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.6X10-13 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 13(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 2.2(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2017).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), salvinorin A, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 7.9X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase salvinorin A may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Salvinorin A does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Ingestion (L1817) ; dermal (L1817)

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Salvinorin A forms colorless crystals or white powder. It is a traditional medicine used by the Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico. In traditional medicine, the leaves are used for divination and for treatment of anemia and excretory functions. Currently, neither Salvia divinorum nor any of its constituents, including salvinorin A, are controlled under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Neither Salvia divinorum nor its active constituent salvinorin A has an approved medical use in the U.S. However, both the plant and its preparations are becoming increasingly popular among non-traditional users. HUMAN STUDIES: Salvinorin A is a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist. The use of the parent plant Salvia divinorum may cause diuresis, nausea, and dysphoria. Smoking the extract was described as the preferred form of administration. Subjective effects were described as intense but short-lived, appearing in less than 1 min and lasting 15 min or less. They included psychedelic-like changes in visual perception, mood and somatic sensations, and importantly, a highly modified perception of external reality and the self, leading to a decreased ability to interact with oneself or with one's surroundings. ANIMAL STUDIES: Rats were anesthetized and administered salvinorin A at 1600 ug/kg or vehicle. Recordings were made of galvanic skin response, electrocardiogram, temperature, and pulse pressure for 100 minutes. No effects were seen on cardiac conduction, temperature, or galvanic skin response. A nonsignificant rise was seen in pulse pressure. In rats, salvinorin A (80-640 ug/kg) did not affect short-term memory, but it impaired spatial long-term memory. Episodic and aversive memories were impaired by salvinorin A (160-640 ug/kg). Overall, animal studies of salvinorin A show a rapid onset of action and short distribution and elimination half-lives as well as a lack of evidence of short- or long-term toxicity.

Salvinorin A, the active component of the hallucinogenic sage Salvia divinorum, is an apparently selective and highly potent kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist. Salvinorin A is unique among ligands for peptidergic G protein-coupled receptors in being nonnitrogenous and lipid-like in character (A647).

Salvinorin A is present in the seer sage plant (Salvia divinorum; Lamiaceae)(2). It has been detected in the dry leaves at concentrations of about 1-4 mg per gram of dry leaf(2).

Hallucinations or delusional episodes that mimic psychosis. ; emotional swings; feelings of detachment; and importantly, a highly modified perception of external reality and the self, which leads to a decreased ability to interact with one's surroundings (A645).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of salvinorin A can be estimated to be 3.1X10+4(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that salvinorin A is expected to be immobile in soil.

Salvinorin A is a chemical constituent of Salvia divinorum, commonly known as seer sage(1). Salvia divinorum is a perennial herb in the mint family native to certain areas of the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico; Salvinorin A is found primarily in the leaves, and to a lesser extent in the stems of the plant(2).

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Salvinorin A is a kappa opioid agonist and the principal psychoactive constituent of the Salvia divinorum plant, which has been used for hallucinogenic effects. Previous research on salvinorin A pharmacokinetics likely underestimated plasma levels typically resulting from the doses administered due to inefficient vaporization and not collecting samples during peak drug effects. Six healthy adults inhaled a single high dose of vaporized salvinorin A (n = 4, 21 ug/kg; n = 2, 18 ug/kg). Participant- and monitor-rated effects were assessed every 2 min for 60 min post-inhalation. Blood samples were collected at 13 time points up to 90 min post-inhalation. Drug levels peaked at 2 min and then rapidly decreased. Drug levels were significantly, positively correlated with participant and monitor drug effect ratings. Significant elevations in prolactin were observed beginning 5 min post-inhalation and peaking at 15 min post-inhalation. Cortisol showed inconsistent increases across participants. Hormonal responses were not well correlated with drug levels. This is the first study to demonstrate a direct relationship between changes in plasma levels of salvinorin A and drug effects in humans. The results confirm the efficacy of an inhalation technique for salvinorin A.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ This study examined the overall psychological effects of inebriation facilitated by the naturally-occurring plant hallucinogen Salvia divinorum using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty healthy individuals self-administered Salvia divinorum via combustion and inhalation in a quiet, comfortable research setting. Experimental sessions, post-session interviews, and 8-week follow-up meetings were audio recorded and transcribed to provide the primary qualitative material analyzed here. Additionally, post-session responses to the Hallucinogen Rating Scale provided a quantitative groundwork for mixed-methods discussion. Qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis, being coded independently by three researchers before being collaboratively integrated to provide the final results. Three main themes and 10 subthemes of acute intoxication emerged, encompassing the qualities of the experience, perceptual alterations, and cognitive-affective shifts. The experience was described as having rapid onset and being intense and unique. Participants reported marked changes in auditory, visual, and interoceptive sensory input; losing normal awareness of themselves and their surroundings; and an assortment of delusional phenomena. Additionally, the abuse potential of Salvia divinorum was examined post hoc. These findings are discussed in light of previous research, and provide an initial framework for greater understanding of the subjective effects of Salvia divinorum, an emerging drug of abuse. /Salvia divinorum/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Salvinorin A is a potent, selective nonnitrogenous kappa opioid agonist and the known psychoactive constituent of Salvia divinorum, a member of the mint family that has been used for centuries by Mazatec shamans of Mexico for divination and spiritual healing. S. divinorum has over the last several years gained increased popularity as a recreational drug. This is a double-blind, placebo controlled study of salvinorin A in 4 psychologically and physically healthy hallucinogen-using adults. Across sessions, participants inhaled 16 ascending doses of salvinorin A and 4 intermixed placebo doses under comfortable and supportive conditions. Doses ranged from 0.375 ug/kg to 21 ug/kg. Subject-rated drug strength was assessed every 2 min for 60 min after inhalation. Orderly time- and dose-related effects were observed. Drug strength ratings peaked at 2 min (first time point) and definite subjective effects were no longer present at approximately 20 min after inhalation. Dose-related increases were observed on questionnaire measures of mystical-type experience (Mysticism Scale) and subjective effects associated with classic serotonergic (5-HT2(A)) hallucinogens (Hallucinogen Rating Scale). Salvinorin A did not significantly increase heart rate or blood pressure. Participant narratives indicated intense experiences characterized by disruptions in vestibular and interoceptive signals (e.g., change in spatial orientation, pressure on the body) and unusual and sometimes recurring themes across sessions such as revisiting childhood memories, cartoon-like imagery, and contact with entities. Under these prepared and supportive conditions, salvinorin A occasioned a unique profile of subjective effects having similarities to classic hallucinogens, including mystical-type effects.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/Salvinorin A is a kappa opioid agonist and the principal psychoactive constituent of the plant Salvia divinorum, which has increased in popularity as a recreational drug over the past decade. Few human studies have examined salvinorin A. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the dose-related effects of inhaled salvinorin A in individuals with histories of hallucinogen use. Eight healthy hallucinogen-using adults inhaled up to 16 doses of salvinorin A (0.375-21 ug/kg) in ascending order. Physiological, behavioral, and subjective effects were assessed every 2 min for 60 min after administration. Qualitative subjective effects were assessed retrospectively via questionnaires at the end of sessions. Persisting effects were assessed 1 month later. Orderly dose-related effects peaked at 2 min and then rapidly dissipated, replicating previous findings. Subjective effects were intense, with maximal drug strength ratings or unresponsiveness frequently observed at high doses. Questionnaires assessing qualitative effects (Hallucinogen Rating Scale, Pharmacological Class Questionnaire) suggested some overlap with serotonergically mediated classic hallucinogens. Salvinorin A also produced dose-related dissociative effects and impairments in recall/recognition memory. At 1-month follow-up, there was no evidence of persisting adverse effects. Participants reported that salvinorin A effects were qualitatively different from other drugs. Salvinorin A produces a unique profile of subjective and cognitive effects, including strong dissociative effects and memory impairment, which only partially overlap with classic hallucinogen effects. Along with nonhuman studies of salvinorin A, these results are important for understanding the neurobiology of the kappa opioid system and may ultimately have important therapeutic applications.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Salvinorin A (19 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Salvinorin A's production, illicit use(1), and administration in traditional medicine(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Currently, neither Salvia divinorum nor any of its constituents, including salvinorin A, are controlled under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Neither Salvia divinorum nor its active constituent salvinorin A has an approved medical use in the U.S.; salvinorin A is a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist(1). According to DEA's National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) and System to Retrieve Information From Drug Evidence (STRIDE), federal, state and local law enforcement officials encountered 103 drug exhibits in 2011, 100 drug exhibits in 2012, and 40 exhibits in the first six months of 2013 identified as Salvia divinorum or salvinorin A(1).

Salvinorin A, the primary psychoactive derivative of the hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum, is a potent and highly selective kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist. Several recent studies, however, have suggested endocannabinoid system mediation of some of its effects. This study represents a systematic examination of this hypothesis. Salvinorin A was isolated from S. divinorum and was evaluated in a battery of in vitro and in vivo procedures designed to detect cannabinoid activity, including CB(1) receptor radioligand and [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding, calcium flux assay, in vivo cannabinoid screening tests, and drug discrimination. Salvinorin A did not bind to nor activate CB(1) receptors. In vivo salvinorin A produced pronounced hypolocomotion and antinociception (and to a lesser extent, hypothermia). These effects were blocked by the selective KOR antagonist, JDTic, but not by the CB(1) receptor antagonist rimonabant. Interestingly, however, rimonabant attenuated KOR activation stimulated by U69,593 in a [(35)S]GTPgammaS assay. Salvinorin A did not substitute for Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in mice trained to discriminate THC. These findings suggest that similarities in the pharmacological effects of salvinorin A and those of cannabinoids are mediated by its activation of KOR rather than by any direct action of salvinorin A on the endocannabinoid system. Further, the results suggest that rimonabant reversal of salvinorin A effects in previous studies may be explained in part by rimonabant attenuation of KOR activation.

Salvinorin A (SalA), a selective kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, produces dysphoria and pro-depressant like effects. These actions have been attributed to inhibition of striatal dopamine release. The dopamine transporter (DAT) regulates dopamine transmission via uptake of released neurotransmitter. KORs are apposed to DAT in dopamine nerve terminals suggesting an additional target by which SalA modulates dopamine transmission. SalA produced a concentration-dependent, nor-binaltorphimine (BNI)- and pertussis toxin-sensitive increase of ASP(+) accumulation in EM4 cells coexpressing myc-KOR and YFP-DAT, using live cell imaging and the fluorescent monoamine transporter substrate, trans 4-(4-(dimethylamino)-styryl)-N-methylpyridinium) (ASP(+)). Other KOR agonists also increased DAT activity that was abolished by BNI pretreatment. While SalA increased DAT activity, SalA treatment decreased serotonin transporter (SERT) activity and had no effect on norepinephrine transporter (NET) activity. In striatum, SalA increased the Vmax for DAT mediated DA transport and DAT surface expression. SalA up-regulation of DAT function is mediated by KOR activation and the KOR-linked extracellular signal regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation and BRET studies revealed that DAT and KOR exist in a complex. In live cells, DAT and KOR exhibited robust FRET signals under basal conditions. SalA exposure caused a rapid and significant increase of the FRET signal. This suggests that the formation of KOR and DAT complexes is promoted in response to KOR activation. Together, these data suggest that enhanced DA transport and decreased DA release resulting in decreased dopamine signaling may contribute to the dysphoric and pro-depressant like effects of SalA and other KOR agonists.

... Salvinorin A /has a/ half-life approximately 8 min in non-human primates ... .

Salvinorin A’s chemical structure suggests that it may be a substrate of CYP450 (oxidative metabolism), UGT (hydrolysis) or carboxylesterases (ChEs) (hydrolysis). In addition, as observed for CYP1A1, CPY2C18 and CYP2E1, Salvinorin A metabolism via UGTB27 appears to be saturable at higher concentrations.

Drugs capable of inducing illusions, hallucinations, delusions, paranoid ideations, and other alterations of mood and thinking. Despite the name, the feature that distinguishes these agents from other classes of drugs is their capacity to induce states of altered perception, thought, and feeling that are not experienced otherwise.

Salvinorin A (SA) is a highly selective kappa opioid receptor agonist and the putative psychoactive compound in Salvia divinorum (SD), an increasingly abused hallucinogenic plant. The objectives of this study were to characterize the physiological and subjective effects of SA versus placebo and measure drug and metabolite levels. Sublingual SA doses up to 4 mg were administered in dimethyl sulfoxide/polyethylene glycol 400 solution to eight SD-experienced subjects using a placebo-controlled ascending-dose design. No dose of SA produced significantly greater physiological or subjective effects than placebo. Furthermore, effects did not resemble reported "typical" effects of smoked SD. SA was detectable in plasma and urine, but was, in most cases, below the reliable limit of quantification (0.5 ng/mL). Our results suggest that the sublingual bioavailability of SA is low. Higher doses, alternate formulations, or alternate routes of administration will be necessary to study the effects of SA in humans.

Salvinorin A is a kappa opioid agonist and the principal psychoactive constituent of the Salvia divinorum plant, which has been used for hallucinogenic effects. Previous research on salvinorin A pharmacokinetics likely underestimated plasma levels typically resulting from the doses administered due to inefficient vaporization and not collecting samples during peak drug effects. Six healthy adults inhaled a single high dose of vaporized salvinorin A (n = 4, 21 ug/kg; n = 2, 18 ug/kg). Participant- and monitor-rated effects were assessed every 2 min for 60 min post-inhalation. Blood samples were collected at 13 time points up to 90 min post-inhalation. Drug levels peaked at 2 min and then rapidly decreased. Drug levels were significantly, positively correlated with participant and monitor drug effect ratings. Significant elevations in prolactin were observed beginning 5 min post-inhalation and peaking at 15 min post-inhalation. Cortisol showed inconsistent increases across participants. Hormonal responses were not well correlated with drug levels. This is the first study to demonstrate a direct relationship between changes in plasma levels of salvinorin A and drug effects in humans. The results confirm the efficacy of an inhalation technique for salvinorin A.

The diterpene salvinorin A from Salvia divinorum (Epling and Jativa-M), in doses of 200-500 ug 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.

One of the most powerful natural hallucinogens; The leaves are used in traditional medicine for divination and for treatment of anemia and excretory disorders; [Merck Index]

Traditional medicine used by the Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico. /Salvinorins/

In traditional medicine, the leaves are used for divination and for treatment of anemia and excretory functions.

Salvia divinorum has been used by the Mazatec Indians for its ritual divination and healing. The active constituent of Salvia divinorum has been identified as salvinorin A. Currently, neither Salvia divinorum nor any of its constituents, including salvinorin A, are controlled under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Neither Salvia divinorum nor its active constituent salvinorin A has an approved medical use in the U.S.; salvinorin A is a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist.

MEDICATION

Traditional medicine used by the Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico (A646).

There are no available estimates of Salvia abuse, but a recent increase in Salvia-related media reports and Internet traffic suggest the possibility of an increase in the level of Salvia abuse in the United States and Europe.

Salvia divinorum commonly known as diviner's sage, is an ethnomedicinal plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Salvia divinorum is rich in clerodane-type diterpenoids, which accumulate predominantly in leaf glandular trichomes. The main bioactive metabolite, salvinorin A, is the first non-nitrogenous natural compound known to function as an opioid-receptor agonist, and is undergoing clinical trials for potential use in treating neuropsychiatric diseases and drug addictions. We report here the discovery and functional characterization of two S. divinorum diterpene synthases (diTPSs), the ent-copalyl diphosphate (ent-CPP) synthase SdCPS1, and the clerodienyl diphosphate (CLPP) synthase SdCPS2. Mining of leaf- and trichome-specific transcriptomes revealed five diTPSs, two of which are class II diTPSs (SdCPS1-2) and three are class I enzymes (SdKSL1-3). Of the class II diTPSs, transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana identified SdCPS1 as an ent-CPP synthase, which is prevalent in roots and, together with SdKSL1, exhibits a possible dual role in general and specialized metabolism. In vivo co-expression and in vitro assays combined with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis identified SdCPS2 as a CLPP synthase. A role of SdCPS2 in catalyzing the committed step in salvinorin A biosynthesis is supported by its biochemical function, trichome-specific expression and absence of additional class II diTPSs in S. divinorum. Structure-guided mutagenesis revealed four catalytic residues that enabled the re-programming of SdCPS2 activity to afford four distinct products, thus advancing our understanding of how neo-functionalization events have shaped the array of different class II diTPS functions in plants, and may promote synthetic biology platforms for a broader spectrum of diterpenoid bioproducts.

Common street names include: Maria Pastora, Sally-D, and Salvia. /Salvia divinorum/

Salvia divinorum is a perennial herb in the mint family that is abused for its hallucinogenic effects. ... Salvia is native to certain areas of the Sierra Mazaleca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is one of several plants that are used by Mazatec Indians for ritual divination. /Salvia divinorum/

In the last 10 years, many analogs of narcotic substances have been widely distributed in Japan as easily available psychotropic substances and this has become a serious problem. ... As a countermeasure to prevent the abuse of these substances, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare amended the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in 2006 so that 31 non-controlled psychotropic substances (11 tryptamines, 11 phenethylamines, 6 alkyl nitrites, 2 piperazines and salvinorin A) and 1 plant (Salvia divinorum) are now controlled as "Designated Substances (Shitei-Yakubutsu)" as of April 2007. Five other compounds (4 phenethylamines and 1 piperazine) were also added to this category in January 2008. /Salvia divinorum/

One of the most potent natural hallucinogens known.