Acute and post-acute behavioral and psychological effects of salvinorin A in humans.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, thirty middle-aged, well-educated adults with prior hallucinogen experience smoked either an active dose (1,017 μg) or a very low dose (100 μg) of salvinorin A, the active compound in Salvia divinorum, two weeks apart. On the active dose, participants talked, laughed, and moved more, and all six clusters of the Hallucinogen Rating Scale were significantly elevated, indicating hallucinogenic experiences. No significant adverse events occurred during sessions or were reported after eight weeks. The results show both similarities and differences between salvinorin A and other hallucinogens, and as a selective kappa opioid receptor agonist, it may offer a novel way to study hallucinogenic states beyond serotonin mechanisms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Salvia divinorum has been used for centuries, and nontraditional use in modern societies is increasing. Inebriation and aftereffects of use are poorly documented in the scientific literature. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study analyzed subjective experiences of salvinorin A (SA) inebriation and consequences of use after 8 weeks. Thirty middle-aged, well-educated, hallucinogen-experienced participants smoked either 1,017 or 100 μg SA 2 weeks apart in counterbalanced order. Vital signs were recorded before and after inhalation. A researcher rated participants' behavior during sessions. Participants completed the Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS) assessing inebriation immediately after each session. Differences were analyzed between groups as functions of dose and time. After 8 weeks, participants were interviewed to determine reported consequences and aftereffects. Participants talked, laughed, and moved more often on an active dose. All six HRS clusters were significantly elevated on an active dose indicating hallucinogenic experiences. No significant adverse events were observed or reported by participants. The present results indicate similarities as well as differences between the subjective effects of S. divinorum and other hallucinogens. As a selective kappa opioid receptor agonist, SA may be useful for expanding understanding of the psychopharmacology and psychology of hallucinogenic states beyond serotonergic mechanisms.