48508
document
Human psychopharmacology and dose-effects of salvinorin A , a kappa opioid agonist hallucinogen present in the plant Salvia divinorum . 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 μg/kg to 21 μg/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 .
48509
Intervention_Pharmacological
salvinorin A
48510
Intervention_Pharmacological
Salvinorin A
48511
Intervention_Control
placebo
48512
Intervention_Pharmacological
salvinorin A
48513
Intervention_Pharmacological
salvinorin A
48514
Intervention_Control
intermixed placebo
48515
Outcome_Other
inhalation
48516
Outcome_Physical
serotonergic ( 5-HT2 ( A ) ) hallucinogens ( Hallucinogen Rating Scale )
48517
Outcome_Physical
blood pressure
48518
Participant_Sample-size
4
48519
Participant_Condition
healthy hallucinogen-using
48520
Participant_Age
adults