The Major roles as a psychoactive drug and entheogen

1. Salvia divinorum The Major roles as a psychoactive drug and entheogen

2. Toxic Plants • Many plants contain alkaloids for their own protection. • Many of these alkaloids have been adapted for human advantages. • Stimulants such as caffeine, narcotic pain relieving medicines, etc… • For example, Datura wrightii contains tropane alkaloids. • These alkaloids contain anesthetic properties. • This property led to the discovery of novocain, used in dentistry. Datura wrightii

3. Many toxins may have effects on pollinators. • Research is showing that certain plants choose for certain pollinators due to their toxicity. • The pollinator gets an extra benefit by drinking the alkaloids to use in its’ own defense by secretions, using in reproductive sacs, etc… • On the left is Datura wrightii being pollinated by a long-tongued hawkmoth (order: Lepidoptera). • Larva, tomato hornworm, are not affected by toxins of plants. Toxic Plants D. Wrightii hawk moth pollination

4. Salvias, an introduction • There are over 900 species of salvia. • Grow rapidly • Attract butterflies and hummingbirds • Used as ornamentals • Known as sages • Flower for long periods, good in dry, hot climates • Good flavors (common sage). Common sage Texas or Scarlet sage

5. Salvia divinorum, an introduction A perennial herb in the mint family Native to certain areas of the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is employed and used by the Mazatec indians for its hallucinogenic effects for ritual divination and healing.

6. Salvia divinorum, a toxic plant • Salvia divinorum contains most potent hallucinogen known, Salvinorin A. • There is also another component within the plant known as Divinorum A. • Salivnorin A acts on the inside of cells rather than on the outside, which makes it very important to study from points of pharmacology, psychotherapy, sociology, and medical biology. • WHY???

7. Salvia divinorum, a toxic plant • Salvinorin A interacts with KOR, Kappa Opioid Receptor. • The KOR impacts with human perception. • This puts salvinorin A in a class of drugs known as KOR agonists. • These drugs are widely important to psychotherapeutics for diseases such as schizophrenia and alzheimers disease.

8. Salvia divinorum, a toxic plant • Most research currently done is associated with the binding activity and affinity of the KOR to different mutations. • Salvinorin A is unique in that it represents the only known small, lipid-like, molecule that selectively and potently activated a peptidergic G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). • This could lead to further understanding of the KOR’s structure which could lead to advances in psychotherapeutics!

9. Salvia divinorum, a hallucinogen • First recorded mention was by Jean B. Johnson in 1938 who heard of the mazatecs’ “hierba Maria” seeing tea. • 1962, the first specimen was taken from the mazatecs. • 2002 marked the research of the hallucinogenic effects finding the response of the KOR.

10. Salvia divinorum, a hallucinogen • Used as a hallucinogen and abused by many, the plant’s leaves are smoked, chewed, but never eaten. • Salvinorin A is often extracted out of the plant and used in drinks such as tea. • The plant causes hallucinations that is short lasting. • Other effects include extreme sweating, soreness, feelings of extreme depression, chills, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, and a decreased heart rate.

11. Salvia divinorum, an entheogen • An entheogen is a drug used for religious purposes. • Salvia divinorum is used in the mazatec Indians' religious purposes, but mostly used by the shamans. • Shamans are spiritual beings with the ability to heal, work with energies and ‘see’ visions. This makes them the acceptable person to use the plant. Mazatec shaman

12. Salvia divinorum, an entheogen Most of the names given to the plant by the shamans illustrate relationship between the plant and the virgin Mary such as ska Maria Pastora (the herb of Mary, the Sheperdess). The plant is believed to be an incarnation of the virgin Mary.

13. Salvia divinorum, an entheogen • Entheogens are used as an initiation into the shaman practices. In the mazatec religion, one must first master ska Maria to become “one with heaven,” then he must learn to use morning glory seeds and finally psylocibian mushrooms. • Salvia divinorum is used in the mazatec culture to discover the cause of a patient’s illness, to divine the future, and to answer important questions. • It is also used as a medicine for such conditions as diarrhea, headaches, and rheumatism.

14. Conclusions • Salvia divinorum has an interesting hallucinogen, Salvinorin A, that can lead to advances in biological knowledge and psycotherapeutics. • Salvia divinorum is an hallucinogen with many varying effects, but mostly used as a entheogen in shaman practices by the mazatec indians where the plant is native and readies most of its’ history at. • Research of this plant has only just begun leaving little understanding of the plant and its effects on humans.

15. QUESTIONS?

16. References • http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/salvia_d/salvia_d.htm • http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0703.htm • http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/salvia.asp • http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=16&sid=556b5138-a877-4e11-8300-318b1b8e98f1%40sessionmgr7