The neoclerodane diterpene salvinorin A is the major active component of the hallucinogenic mint plant Salvia divinorum Epling & J�tiva (Lamiaceae). Since the finding that salvinorin A exerts its potent psychotropic actions through the activation of opioid receptors, the site of action of morphine and related analogues, there has been much interest in elucidating the underlying mechanisms behind its effects. These effects are particularly remarkable, because (1) salvinorin A is the first reported non-nitrogenous opioid receptor agonist, and (2) its effects are not mediated by 5-HT2A receptors, the classical target of hallucinogens such as LSD and mescaline. This talk will outline our research program, illustrating a new direction to the development of tools to further elucidate the biological mechanisms of drug tolerance and dependence. The information gained from our efforts is expected to facilitate the design of novel agents to treat pain, drug abuse, and other CNS disorders.

Neoclerodane diterpenes as atypical opioid receptor ligands

244th National Meeting (2012)

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