A little known psychedelic drug may be useful in drug rehab programs, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University researchers.

The drug salvia divinorum has garnered much media attention in recent months after videos of celebrities taking it went viral. While salvia is currently legal, it produces a strong hallucinogenic reaction in which users may act out in unusual ways.

However, after analyzing the effects of the substance, researchers say that it may have some value in addiction treatment programs as well as the management of other conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and chronic pain, according to ABC News.

The investigators told the news source that, despite the extremely powerful effects of salvia, it appears to be completely safe in terms of its psychological effects. It is not addictive and has few long-term effects. For these reasons, they believe that their findings show that it could have promise in clinical settings.

Salvia was recently thrust into the spotlight following years of anonymity after a video of pop star Miley Cyrus smoking the drug surfaced on the internet last month, according to HealthDay News.