The Salvia divinorum Research and Information Center - Shroomery

Salvinorin
Return to Graphics Index
http://www.heffter.org/pics/salvinorin.html [04.09.01 10:22:58]
Salvinorin
This is a framework representation of a molecule of
Salvinorin A, the psychoactive component of Salvia
divinorum. The molecule was minimized using
molecular mechanics routines, as implemented
within the Spartan software package (v. 4,
Wavefunction, Inc) and running on a Silicon
Graphics Indigo 2 workstation. This compound,
which anecdotal accounts suggest is extremely
potent when administered parenterally, has an
unknown mechanism of action, one that clearly
differs from the classical hallucinogenic agents such
as LSD or mescaline. As suggested by the large
number of carbon atoms in this structure, the
molecule is very lipid soluble. Curiously, salvinorin
A also lacks a basic nitrogen atom, a feature that is
quite uncommon among psychoactive compounds.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is the only other well known
psychoactive substance that lacks a basic nitrogen,
but there is no evidence that these two molecules
share a similar mechanism of action.