If you have read all about Salvia divinorum, perhaps you would like to know the substance behind its effects - Salvinorin A. Salvinorin A is the psychoactive element that gives Salvia its hallucinogenic properties. It changes functions of the brain because it works on the central and peripheral nervous system. Salvia, reportedly, has other psychoactive substances but Salvinorin A is currently recognized to be the most potent psychotropic compound in the world.
Salvinorin A is the one responsible for producing visions and making Salvia an entheogen for the shamans of the Mazatec race. It is so powerful that advisable measurements of ingestion are in the microgram scale. Twenty five micrograms of Salvinorin A could already produce effects, what more of larger doses? Think of what doses in the milligrams could induce. Salvinorin is especially potent when Salvia leaves are smoked although chewing could also produce desired effect.
Isolated Salvinorin A is not recommended for ingestion due to the high risk of overdose. Although laboratory rats could survive doses much larger than those ever consumed by humans, you would not want to be the one who tests Salvinorin A’s extreme effects. Attempts for isolation by untrained individuals are also discouraged because of the necessity of specialized equipments for the process. Measuring the substance entails the use of scientific gears used by organic chemists and not just the ordinary tools you use for measuring Salvia leaves.
Salvinorin A is scientifically recognized as a type of neoclerodane diterpenoid which activates kappa opiate receptors. The effect of the substance is at the cellular level. A type of cellular protein, opioid receptors are located in the cell membranes constituting various bodily organs. The organs include those of the central and peripheral nervous systems which explains Salvinorin A’s effects on the brain. This is possible because opioid receptors recognize certain types of chemicals which trigger their activity. The chemicals are bound to the receptors and effects are carried out. Salvinorin A differs from opium, however, despite the fact that it activates opioid receptors. Since Salvinorin A is a diterpenoid, it is not an alkaloid like opium is. Meaning, it lacks nitrogen in its configuration and only contains oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. The importance of this fact in every day life is that Salvinorin A is untraceable in urine tests for opiate substances.
Although Salvinorin A is recognized as a strong substance, there has been no record of addiction to it before. Its mechanisms include inhibition of dopamine release - the brain substance which is responsible for addictive behavior. Synthesis of Salvinorin A is thought to be impossible not too long ago but it has recently (2007) been accomplished by Evans et. al. from the American Chemical Society.