Salvia divinorum: toxicological aspects and analysis in human biological specimens.
Bioanalysis July 1, 2016 Cláudia Margalho, Francisco Corte-Real, Manuel López-rivadulla et al.
The main psychoactive component of Salvia divinorum, salvinorin A, can be identified and quantified in biological specimens, which is important for forensic and clinical toxicology. Despite research efforts, uncontrolled abuse of the substance has increased, posing serious short- and long-term health risks. Alternative biological matrices, such as those used as complementary postmortem samples or when blood and urine are unavailable, can provide useful information about prior exposure. This article summarizes legal aspects of Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A, along with analytical methods for determining salvinorin A in biological matrices.