Salvinorin A (Salvinorin A (Salvia divinorum))
The active compound in the Salvia divinorum plant and one of the most potent natural psychedelics known. It produces a very short but intensely disorienting experience and works through a completely different pathway than classic psychedelics.
How it works
Activates kappa-opioid receptors (not serotonin receptors), which makes its effects unlike LSD or psilocybin.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 432.46 g/mol
- Half-life: Very short
- Bioavailability: Oral
- Storage: Research/reference only.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: Varies by individual and setting
- Frequency: Occasional
- Duration: Acute effects last 5-20 minutes
- Route: Smoked, vaporized or held in the mouth
Protocol notes
- Smoked or vaporized for a very short (5-20 minute) but intense, disorienting effect.
- Always used sitting or lying down with a sober sitter because people lose awareness of their surroundings.
- Traditionally the leaves are chewed or drunk as a quid for a milder, longer effect.
Reported benefits
- Unique kappa-opioid mechanism
- Very short experience
- Long traditional Mazatec use
- Of interest for depression research
Possible side effects
- Intense disorientation
- Loss of awareness of surroundings (fall risk)
- Anxiety or fear
- Brief but overwhelming
Compare Salvinorin A
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.