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Beyramysoltan S, Chambers MI, Osborne AM, Ventura MI, Musah RA. Introducing “DoPP”: A Graphical User-Friendly Application for the Rapid Species Identification of Psychoactive Plant Materials and Quantification of Psychoactive Small Molecules Using DART-MS Data. Anal Chem 2022; 94:16570-16578. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Beyramysoltan
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Megan I. Chambers
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Amy M. Osborne
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Mónica I. Ventura
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Rabi A. Musah
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
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Soares J, Costa VM, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. An updated review on synthetic cathinones. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2895-2940. [PMID: 34100120 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a β-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Soares
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), CEBIMED (Biomedical Research Centre), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
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Brito-da-Costa AM, Dias-da-Silva D, Gomes NGM, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Madureira-Carvalho Á. Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics of Ayahuasca Alkaloids N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Harmine, Harmaline and Tetrahydroharmine: Clinical and Forensic Impact. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13110334. [PMID: 33114119 PMCID: PMC7690791 DOI: 10.3390/ph13110334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic botanical beverage originally used by indigenous Amazonian tribes in religious ceremonies and therapeutic practices. While ethnobotanical surveys still indicate its spiritual and medicinal uses, consumption of ayahuasca has been progressively related with a recreational purpose, particularly in Western societies. The ayahuasca aqueous concoction is typically prepared from the leaves of the N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)-containing Psychotria viridis, and the stem and bark of Banisteriopsis caapi, the plant source of harmala alkaloids. Herein, the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of the psychoactive DMT and harmala alkaloids harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine, are comprehensively covered, particularly emphasizing the psychological, physiological, and toxic effects deriving from their concomitant intake. Potential therapeutic utility, particularly in mental and psychiatric disorders, and forensic aspects of DMT and ayahuasca are also reviewed and discussed. Following administration of ayahuasca, DMT is rapidly absorbed and distributed. Harmala alkaloids act as potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), preventing extensive first-pass degradation of DMT into 3-indole-acetic acid (3-IAA), and enabling sufficient amounts of DMT to reach the brain. DMT has affinity for a variety of serotonergic and non-serotonergic receptors, though its psychotropic effects are mainly related with the activation of serotonin receptors type 2A (5-HT2A). Mildly to rarely severe psychedelic adverse effects are reported for ayahuasca or its alkaloids individually, but abuse does not lead to dependence or tolerance. For a long time, the evidence has pointed to potential psychotherapeutic benefits in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders; and although misuse of ayahuasca has been diverting attention away from such clinical potential, research onto its therapeutic effects has now strongly resurged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Machado Brito-da-Costa
- Department of Sciences, IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.M.B.-d.-C.); (N.G.M.G.); (Á.M.-C.)
| | - Diana Dias-da-Silva
- Department of Sciences, IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.M.B.-d.-C.); (N.G.M.G.); (Á.M.-C.)
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (D.D.-d.-S.); (R.J.D.-O.); Tel.: +351-224-157-216 (R.J.D.-O.)
| | - Nelson G. M. Gomes
- Department of Sciences, IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.M.B.-d.-C.); (N.G.M.G.); (Á.M.-C.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Sciences, IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.M.B.-d.-C.); (N.G.M.G.); (Á.M.-C.)
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (D.D.-d.-S.); (R.J.D.-O.); Tel.: +351-224-157-216 (R.J.D.-O.)
| | - Áurea Madureira-Carvalho
- Department of Sciences, IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.M.B.-d.-C.); (N.G.M.G.); (Á.M.-C.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Ryan AL, O’Hern CP, Elkins KM. Evaluation of Two New Methods for DNA Extraction of “Legal High” Plant Species. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1704-1708. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelique L. Ryan
- Chemistry Department Forensic Science Program Towson University 8000 York Rd Towson MD21252
| | - Cassandra P. O’Hern
- Chemistry Department Forensic Science Program Towson University 8000 York Rd Towson MD21252
| | - Kelly M. Elkins
- Chemistry Department Forensic Science Program Towson University 8000 York Rd Towson MD21252
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Hatipoglu SD, Yalcinkaya B, Akgoz M, Ozturk T, Goren AC, Topcu G. Screening of Hallucinogenic Compounds and Genomic Characterisation of 40 Anatolian Salvia Species. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2017; 28:541-549. [PMID: 28722248 DOI: 10.1002/pca.2703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Salvia, an important and widely available member of Lamiaceae family. Although comparative analysis on secondary metabolites in several Salvia species from Turkey has been reported, their hallucinogenic chemicals have not been screened thoroughly. OBJECTIVE This study provides LC-MS/MS analysis of 40 Salvia species for screening their psychoactive constituents of salvinorin A and salvinorin B. 5S-rRNA gene non-coding region of Salvia plants was sequenced, aligned and compared with that sequence of Salvia divinorum plant. METHODOLOGY Targeted molecules of salvinorin A and salvinorin B were quantified, using LC-MS/MS, from all aerial parts of 40 Salvia species, collected from different parts of Turkey. Regions of 5S-rRNA gene from different species were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequences were aligned with Salvia divinorum DNA sequences. RESULTS Very few of the Salvia species (S. recognita, S. cryptantha and S. glutinosa) contained relatively high levels of salvinorin A (212.86 ± 20.46 μg/g, 51.50 ± 4.95 μg/g and 38.92 ± 3.74 μg/g, respectively). Salvinorin B was also found in Salvia species of S. potentillifolia, S. adenocaulon and S. cryptantha as 2351.99 ± 232.22 μg/g, 768.78 ± 75.90 μg/g and 402.24 ± 39.71 μg/g, respectively. The sequences of 5S-rRNA gene of 40 different Salvia species were presented and it was found that none of the Salvia species in Turkey had similar DNA sequence to Salvia divinorum plant. CONCLUSION This is the first report of screening 40 Salvia species in Turkey according to their psychoactive constituents, salvinorin A and salvinorin B and their genomic structures. It is possible that some of these Salvia species may exhibit some psycho activity. Thus, they need to be screened further. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Damla Hatipoglu
- TUBITAK National Metrology Institute (UME), Reference Materials Laboratory, 41400, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Letters, Istanbul Technical University, 34469, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burhanettin Yalcinkaya
- Bioanalysis Laboratory, TUBITAK National Metrology Institute (UME), 41400, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Muslum Akgoz
- Bioanalysis Laboratory, TUBITAK National Metrology Institute (UME), 41400, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Turan Ozturk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Letters, Istanbul Technical University, 34469, Istanbul, Turkey
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, TUBITAK National Metrology Institute (UME), 41400, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ahmet C Goren
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, TUBITAK National Metrology Institute (UME), 41400, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Gulacti Topcu
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bezmialem Vakıf University, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
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Abstract
Novel psychoactive drugs (NPDs), an emerging class of dangerous substances, generally mimic the actions of commonly abused substances such as marijuana, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opiates, but are formulated, marketed, and used either to sidestep legal restrictions or to avoid positive drug screens. Synthetic cannabinoids such as Spice and K2 along with synthetic stimulants often referred to as “bath salts” have recently entered U.S. markets. The current study explores the relationship between being arrested and using NPDs per self-report survey data obtained from 2,349 students at a large university in the Southeastern United States. Respondents indicated whether they had used synthetic psychoactive drugs, reported demographic characteristics, and whether they had been arrested for a number of offenses. Results from logistic regression and propensity score matching models indicate that those who have been arrested are also more likely to use NPDs.
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7
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Elkins KM, Perez ACU, Quinn AA. Simultaneous Identification of Four "Legal High" Plant Species in a Multiplex PCR High-Resolution Melt Assay . J Forensic Sci 2016; 62:593-601. [PMID: 27957736 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The international prevalence of "legal high" drugs necessitates the development of a method for their detection and identification. Herein, we describe the development and validation of a tetraplex multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay used to simultaneously identify morning glory, jimson weed, Hawaiian woodrose, and marijuana detected by high-resolution melt using LCGreen Plus® . The PCR assay was evaluated based on the following: (i) specificity and selectivity-primers were tested on DNA extracted from 30 species and simulated forensic samples, (ii) sensitivity-serial dilutions of the target DNA were prepared, and (iii) reproducibility and reliability-sample replicates were tested and remelted on different days. The assay is ideal for cases in which inexpensive assays are needed to quickly detect and identify trace biological material present on drug paraphernalia that is too compromised for botanical microscopic identification and for which analysts are unfamiliar with the morphology of the emerging "legal high" species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Elkins
- Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252
| | - Anjelica C U Perez
- Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252
| | - Alicia A Quinn
- Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252
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Nagaraju V, Purnachander D, Goutham K, Suresh S, Sridhar B, Karunakar GV. Synthesis of Tetracyclic Tetrahydro-β-carbolines by Acid-Promoted One-Pot Sequential Formation of C−C and C−N Bonds. ASIAN J ORG CHEM 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.201600349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vemu Nagaraju
- Division of Crop Protection Chemicals; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
| | - Dalovai Purnachander
- Division of Crop Protection Chemicals; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
| | - Kommuru Goutham
- Division of Crop Protection Chemicals; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
| | - Surisetti Suresh
- Division of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
| | - Balasubramanian Sridhar
- Centre for X-ray Crystallography; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
| | - Galla V. Karunakar
- Division of Crop Protection Chemicals; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad 500007 India
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9
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Kumar R, Arigela RK, Samala S, Kundu B. Diversity Oriented Synthesis of Indoloazepinobenzimidazole and Benzimidazotriazolobenzodiazepine from N(1)-Alkyne-1,2-diamines. Chemistry 2015; 21:18828-33. [PMID: 26525303 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201502956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A one-pot protocol for the diversity oriented synthesis of two N-polyheterocycles indoloazepinobenzimidazole and benzimidazotriazolobenzodiazepine from a common N(1)-alkyne-1,2-diamine building block is described. The approach involves sequential formation of benzimidazole through cyclocondensation and oxidation, which is followed by the formation of either an azepine ring (through alkyne activation and 6-endo-dig cyclization, 1,2-migration with ring expansion, and re-aromatization), or diazepine and triazole rings through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kumar
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031 (India).,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, New Delhi, 110001 (India)
| | - Rajesh K Arigela
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031 (India)
| | - Srinivas Samala
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031 (India)
| | - Bijoy Kundu
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031 (India). .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, New Delhi, 110001 (India).
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Gibbons S. Novel psychoactive substances: A chemical overview for the toxicologist. Toxicol Lett 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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RETRACTED ARTICLE: Functionalized benzyls as selective κ-OR agonists. Med Chem Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-014-1023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Araújo AM, Carvalho F, Bastos MDL, Guedes de Pinho P, Carvalho M. The hallucinogenic world of tryptamines: an updated review. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1151-73. [PMID: 25877327 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Fang F, Hua G, Shi F, Li P. Organocatalytic enantioselective Friedel–Crafts reaction: an efficient access to chiral isoindolo-β-carboline derivatives. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:4395-8. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00175g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An organocatalytic asymmetric Friedel–Crafts reaction between indole and indole-derived hydroxylactams has been realized to furnish isoindolo-β-carbolines in good to excellent yields (up to >99%) and generally high enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Chemistry
- South University of Science and Technology of China
- Shenzhen
- P. R. China
| | - Genghong Hua
- Department of Chemistry
- South University of Science and Technology of China
- Shenzhen
- P. R. China
| | - Feng Shi
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
- and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthetic Chemistry for Functional Materials
- Jiangsu Normal University
- Xuzhou 221116
- P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Chemistry
- South University of Science and Technology of China
- Shenzhen
- P. R. China
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Corazza O, Assi S, Malekianragheb S, Beni MN, Bigdeli I, Aslanpour Z, Schifano F. Monitoring novel psychoactive substances allegedly offered online for sale in Persian and Arabic languages. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2014; 25:724-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Raising awareness of new psychoactive substances: chemical analysis and in vitro toxicity screening of 'legal high' packages containing synthetic cathinones. Arch Toxicol 2014; 89:757-71. [PMID: 24903018 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1278-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The world's status quo on recreational drugs has dramatically changed in recent years due to the rapid emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS), represented by new narcotic or psychotropic drugs, in pure form or in preparation, which are not controlled by international conventions, but that may pose a public health threat comparable with that posed by substances listed in these conventions. These NPS, also known as 'legal highs' or 'smart drugs', are typically sold via Internet or 'smartshops' as legal alternatives to controlled substances, being announced as 'bath salts' and 'plant feeders' and is often sought after for consumption especially among young people. Although NPS have the biased reputation of being safe, the vast majority has hitherto not been tested and several fatal cases have been reported, namely for synthetic cathinones, with pathological patterns comparable with amphetamines. Additionally, the unprecedented speed of appearance and distribution of the NPS worldwide brings technical difficulties in the development of analytical procedures and risk assessment in real time. In this study, 27 products commercialized as 'plant feeders' were chemically characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It was also evaluated, for the first time, the in vitro hepatotoxic effects of individual synthetic cathinones, namely methylone, pentedrone, 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC) and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Two commercial mixtures ('Bloom' and 'Blow') containing mainly cathinone derivatives were also tested, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was used as the reference drug. The study allowed the identification of 19 compounds, showing that synthetic cathinones are the main active compounds present in these products. Qualitative and quantitative variability was found in products sold with the same trade name in matching or different 'smartshops'. In the toxicity studies performed in primary cultured rat hepatocytes, pentedrone and MDPV proved to be the most potent individual agents, with EC50 values of 0.664 and 0.742 mM, respectively, followed by MDMA (EC50 = 0.754 mM). 4-MEC and methylone were the least potent substances, with EC50 values significantly higher (1.29 and 1.18 mM, respectively; p < 0.05 vs. MDMA). 'Bloom' and 'Blow' showed hepatotoxic effects similar to MDMA (EC50 = 0.788 and 0.870 mM, respectively), with cathinones present in these mixtures contributing additively to the overall toxicological effect. Our results show a miscellany of psychoactive compounds present in 'legal high' products with evident hepatotoxic effects. These data contribute to increase the awareness on the real composition of 'legal high' packages and unveil the health risks posed by NPS.
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Appendino G, Minassi A, Taglialatela-Scafati O. Recreational drug discovery: natural products as lead structures for the synthesis of smart drugs. Nat Prod Rep 2014; 31:880-904. [PMID: 24823967 DOI: 10.1039/c4np00010b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to December 2013. Over the past decade, there has been a growing transition in recreational drugs from natural materials (marijuana, hashish, opium), natural products (morphine, cocaine), or their simple derivatives (heroin), to synthetic agents more potent than their natural prototypes, which are sometimes less harmful in the short term, or that combine properties from different classes of recreational prototypes. These agents have been named smart drugs, and have become popular both for personal consumption and for collective intoxication at rave parties. The reasons for this transition are varied, but are mainly regulatory and commercial. New analogues of known illegal intoxicants are invisible to most forensic detection techniques, while the alleged natural status and the lack of avert acute toxicity make them appealing to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the advent of the internet has made possible the quick dispersal of information among users and the on-line purchase of these agents and/or the precursors for their synthesis. Unlike their natural products chemotypes (ephedrine, mescaline, cathinone, psilocybin, THC), most new drugs of abuse are largely unfamiliar to the organic chemistry community as well as to health care providers. To raise awareness of the growing plague of smart drugs we have surveyed, in a medicinal chemistry fashion, their development from natural products leads, their current methods of production, and the role that clandestine home laboratories and underground chemists have played in the surge of popularity of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Appendino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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Valente MJ, Guedes de Pinho P, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F, Carvalho M. Khat and synthetic cathinones: a review. Arch Toxicol 2013; 88:15-45. [PMID: 24317389 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
For centuries, 'khat sessions' have played a key role in the social and cultural traditions among several communities around Saudi Arabia and most East African countries. The identification of cathinone as the main psychoactive compound of khat leaves, exhibiting amphetamine-like pharmacological properties, resulted in the synthesis of several derivatives structurally similar to this so-called natural amphetamine. Synthetic cathinones were primarily developed for therapeutic purposes, but promptly started being misused and extensively abused for their euphoric effects. In the mid-2000's, synthetic cathinones emerged in the recreational drug markets as legal alternatives ('legal highs') to amphetamine, 'ecstasy', or cocaine. Currently, they are sold as 'bath salts' or 'plant food', under ambiguous labels lacking information about their true contents. Cathinone derivatives are conveniently available online or at 'smartshops' and are much more affordable than the traditional illicit drugs. Despite the scarcity of scientific data on these 'legal highs', synthetic cathinones use became an increasingly popular practice worldwide. Additionally, criminalization of these derivatives is often useless since for each specific substance that gets legally controlled, one or more structurally modified analogs are introduced into the legal market. Chemically, these substances are structurally related to amphetamine. For this reason, cathinone derivatives share with this drug both central nervous system stimulating and sympathomimetic features. Reports of intoxication and deaths related to the use of 'bath salts' have been frequently described over the last years, and several attempts to apply a legislative control on synthetic cathinones have been made. However, further research on their pharmacological and toxicological properties is fully required in order to access the actual potential harm of synthetic cathinones to general public health. The present work provides a review on khat and synthetic cathinones, concerning their historical background, prevalence, patterns of use, legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and their physiological and toxicological effects on animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Valente
- REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal,
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Li Z, Li J, Yang N, Chen Y, Zhou Y, Ji X, Zhang L, Wang J, Xie X, Liu H. Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cascade Approach for the Synthesis of Tryptamine-Based Polycyclic Privileged Scaffolds as α1-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists. J Org Chem 2013; 78:10802-11. [DOI: 10.1021/jo4017887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Li
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Li
- National
Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Nan Yang
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Chen
- National
Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xun Ji
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinfang Wang
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Xie
- National
Center for Drug Screening, CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong Liu
- CAS
Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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