Salvinorin A is primarily known for its potent psychoactive effects, making it a subject of interest in neuroscience and psychology research. It is used to study the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system in the brain, helping researchers understand its role in perception, mood, and consciousness. Due to its unique mechanism of action, it serves as a tool to explore the potential therapeutic applications of KOR agonists in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. Additionally, it has been used in ethnobotanical studies to understand its traditional use in spiritual and shamanic practices. However, its strong hallucinogenic properties limit its use outside controlled research settings.