Salvia divinorum

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Salvia divinorum, how it works, and its possible side effects.
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What is it?

Salvia divinorum is a mind-altering herb that has major adverse effects. It is illegal in some states and recreational use should be discouraged.

The active component of Salvia divinorum is a compound known as Salvinorin A. This has been shown to act on the nervous system to produce altered mental states. In laboratory and animal studies, Salvinorin A has been shown to affect certain pain receptors in the nervous system.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • Mind-altering effects
    This use is only supported by anecdotal reports.
  • Depression
    There is one report of Salvia divinorum’s effectiveness in treatment-resistant depression. More studies are needed.
  • Drug addiction
    Based on the chemistry of Salvia divinorum, some scientists have suggested using it to treat addiction to other drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines. Clinical studies have yet to be conducted to support this use.
  • Stress management
    There is no evidence to support this claim.

What are the side effects?

  • Use of Salvia by itself or in combination with alcoholic beverages and other drugs can cause neurologic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal effects.
  • Psychosis
  • A 15-year-old man with a history of salvia and marijuana use needed emergency psychiatric service following acute onset of mental status changes characterized by paranoia, blunted affect, thought blocking and slow speech.
  • Smoking salvia has been implicated in the death of a 21-year-old man.
  • A systematic review of studies/case reports of individuals with severe mental illness reported psychotic symptoms, significant changes in behavior, including agitation, aggression and violence, following use of salvia.