Over 5,000 YouTube videos of the herb salvia divinorum on the apparent negative effects after it is ingested is placing in peril its approval for medicinal purposes.

Up to half a million hits had been logged by some of the YouTube broadcasts of salvia use, helping make the once unknown hallucinogen popular among the youth.

However, pharmacologists have expressed apprehension the YouTube broadcasts may lead to salvia criminalization and make it difficult to obtain the plant, which also has possible medical applications for treatment of addiction, depression and pain.

Texas has cited the YouTube exposure as reason to regulate Salvia. Florida made its possession a crime punishable with 15 years prison term, while California made it a misdemeanor to sell or distribute the herb to minors.

According to federal government data, 1.8 million people have tried salvia at least one, with the bulk of users males between the ages 18 to 25. Its usage is twice the rate for LSD and Ecstasy.

Salvia, though has no long-term effects, is not addictive and its users will not suffer from overdose. Its effect often ends after a few minutes. Some users said it has calming effect similar to a body massage.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has been studying for over 10 years if salvia will be added to its list of controlled substances, as some European and Asian countries have done.

The herb is banned or regulated in 13 states and several local governments. Its known street names are Sally D and Magic Mint and online price range of its extract ranges from $5 to $50.

Businessmen who produce salvia extracts lament the negative effect of YouTube postings of users. Daniel Siebert, who pioneered its production in California, told the New York Times, "They're not really taking it as a tool to explore their inner psyche... They're just taking it to get messed up."