Salvia divinorum: toxicological aspects and analysis in human biological specimens.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The identification and quantitation of the main psychoactive component of Salvia divinorum (salvinorin A) in biological specimens are crucial in forensic and clinical toxicology. Despite all the efforts made, its uncontrolled abuse has increased quickly, exposing its users' health to serious risks both in the short and long term. The use of alternative biological matrices in toxicological analyzes can be advantageous as complementary postmortem samples, or in situations when neither blood nor urine can be collected; they may be useful tools in those determinations, providing important information about prior exposure. The aim of this article is to present a brief summary of legal aspects of Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A, including the methods used for the determination of the latter in biological matrices.