(no subject)
Derived from Salvia divinorum, salvinorin A is a delightfully strange molecule for a number of reasons:
- Unlike all other known natural hallucinogens, salvinorin A binds to the kappa opioid receptor. Most other hallucinogens mediated their activity through serotonin, NMDA and cannabinoid receptors
- Naturally, since it binds to a different receptor, salvinorin A's structure is also completely different. While most plant-derived hallucinogens and opioids are alkaloids (meaning that they contain a nitrogen group), salvinorin A is a terpenoid (meaning it contains several isoprene subunits). This may provide a novel backbone on which to base new therapeutic medications targeting the opioid receptors.
- Equally awesome is the potency of this drug: in humans the effective dose between 0.2-0.7 mg smoked. This psychotropic potency is owed to the tightness with which it binds to the receptor, with a Ki in the low nanomolar range.