Studies toward the pharmacophore of salvinorin A, a potent kappa opioid receptor agonist

J Med Chem. 2005 Jan 27;48(2):345-8. doi: 10.1021/jm049438q.

Abstract

Salvinorin A (1), from the sage Salvia divinorum, is a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist. We screened other salvinorins and derivatives for binding affinity and functional activity at opioid receptors. Our results suggest that the methyl ester and furan ring are required for activity but that the lactone and ketone functionalities are not. Other salvinorins showed negligible binding affinity at the KOR. None of the compounds bound to mu or delta opioid receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diterpenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Diterpenes / chemistry
  • Diterpenes / pharmacology
  • Diterpenes, Clerodane
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa / agonists*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Diterpenes
  • Diterpenes, Clerodane
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa
  • salvinorin A