Salvia divinorum is a member of the mint family native to the subtropical forest of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range of Mexico, where Mazatec shamans have used it for centuries for ritual purposes. Although this herb is not associated with long-term health effects, its hallucinogenic action does present an immediate risk for certain individuals, particularly people with a history of mental disorders. In addition, since it is not known how the active compounds in this plant affect a developing fetus, it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Background
Mazatec shamans believe there is a divine connection between Salvia divinorum and the Virgin Mary and use it to invoke communication with Mary and other deities. In fact, the plant is known by several common names that reflect its reputation for facilitating visionary states, such as seer's sage, diviner's sage, mystic mint and magic mint. Although this herb is not officially regulated in the United States, some states have proposed legislation to restrict its use as a street drug and a few have passed such laws.
Chemical Composition
According to Drugs.com, the active agent in Salvia divinorum is salvinorin A, also known as divinorin A. The Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland, or CESAR, refers to this substance as the most powerful naturally occurring hallucinogen. Legality notwithstanding, the plant's psychotropic compounds could render a person incapacitated, making it unwise to use this herb during pregnancy. This caution applies to nursing women as well since it is not known if any of the plant's chemicals, including salvinorin A, are passed through breast milk.
Pharmacological Effects
Thomas Prisinzano of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa reported in a 2005 issue of "Life Sciences" that salvinorin A is a kappa agonist. This means that the chemical acts on kappa opiate receptors, which is where perception is largely regulated in the brain. In addition to experiencing a sensation of flying, intense visual disturbances may occur. Since it is necessary to introduce salvinorin A into the bloodstream to experience a psychoactive effect, it is highly likely that this substance is passed from mother to fetus.
Other Side Effects
Since salvinorin A interacts with kappa opiate receptors in the brain, an expected side effect is the reduction of dopamine levels. Although research on this side effect in the human brain is lacking, scientists have observed behavioral disturbances in mice from locomotor activity tests. According to CESAR, KOR agonists like salvinorin A may contribute to the development of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The center also notes that Salvia divinorum may cause a decrease in heart rate, which may have a negative impact on a developing fetus.
