A unique psychedelic shows promise for pain and stroke
An unusual psychedelic found in Salvia divinorum shows promise for treating pain, addiction, and stroke in animal models. However, anxiety-inducing side effects and a fleeting duration mean modified versions may be needed for human therapies.
A new review of animal studies suggests that a compound found in the plant Salvia divinorum, called salvinorin A, may offer potential benefits for treating pain, addiction, and stroke. Unlike other well-known psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD, which primarily affect serotonin signaling in the brain, salvinorin A acts through a different system called the kappa opioid receptor, which is involved in pain, mood, and consciousness.
While animal research has shown salvinorin A to reduce pain-related responses, inflammation, protect against brain injury, and decrease drug-seeking behavior, its effectiveness for depression is inconsistent. Side effects such as anxiety, movement, and cognitive issues have also been reported, as salvinorin A's effects are extremely short-lived, with brain concentrations peaking within seconds or minutes and eliminating from the blood within an hour.
Although the review identified 16 chemically modified relatives of salvinorin A that may address these limitations, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm the drug's potential and address safety concerns.
Written by urgent.news from PsyPost's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
