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Valdes LJ III, Butler WM, Hatfield GM, Paul AG, Koreeda M.
“Divinorin A, a Psychotropic Terpenoid, and Divinorin B from the Hallucinogenic Mexican Mint, Salvia divinorum”.
Journal of Organic Chemistry. 1984;49:4716.
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Abstract
While nonalkaloidal constituents have been implicated as being at least partially responsible for the biological activity of several hallucinogenic plants,2 little has been reported on the structure of such possible hallucinogens. The Mexican labiate Salvia divinorum (Epling and Jatíva-M.) is used in divinatory rites by the Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico. An infusion prepared from the crushed fresh leaves of this plant (known locally as ska Maria Pastora) is used to induce "visions" and its psychotropic effects have been verified by a number of researchers.3 SIZE='3'> Furthermore, upon administration of large doses of the plant extract in animals, one observes behavioral patterns that resemble the "intoxication" the infusion produces in human beings. Despite previous investigations, the principle(s) responsible for this biological activity has never been identified.4 We now report the isolation and the structures of the new neoclerodane diterpenes, divinorins A and B from S. divinorum. Divinorin A, the first clearly documented terpenoid,5 exerts a sedative effect on mice when tested in a bioassay based on a modification of Hall's open field.6
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