Ibogaine and addiction in the animal model, a systematic review and meta-analysis.
M Belgers, M Leenaars, J R Homberg, M Ritskes-Hoitinga, A F A Schellekens, C R Hooijmans
Translational psychiatry May 31, 2016 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.71 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIbogaine, a naturally occurring substance used informally to reduce craving and relapse in substance use disorders, was evaluated in a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 animal studies. Ibogaine reduced drug self-administration, especially within the first 24 hours after dosing, but did not affect drug-induced conditioned place preference. It caused motor impairment in the first day and cerebral cell loss persisting for weeks. Data on cardiac effects and neuropharmacological mechanisms were limited. The findings support further clinical research into ibogaine's efficacy for reducing craving and substance use in patients, but close monitoring is recommended due to potential toxic effects.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 27 |
| Population | Animals in studies of substance use disorders |
| Intervention | Ibogaine |
| Topics | Addiction Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Addiction treatment Drug self-administration reduction Curbing addictive behaviors Reducing substance use |
| Citations | 64 |
| Key finding | Ibogaine reduced drug self-administration in animal models, particularly during the first 24 hours after administration, but had no effect on drug-induced conditioned place preference and caused motor impairment and cerebral cell loss. |
Abstract
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring substance which has been increasingly used in the lay-scene to reduce craving and relapse in patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Although human clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of ibogaine are lacking, animal studies do support the efficacy of ibogaine. In this systematic review and meta-analysis (MA), we summarise these animal findings, addressing three questions: (1) does ibogaine reduce addictive behaviour in animal models of SUDs?; (2) what are the toxic effects of ibogaine on motor functioning, cerebellum and heart rhythm?; (3) what are neuropharmacological working mechanisms of ibogaine treatment in animal models of SUDs? MA of 27 studies showed that ibogaine reduced drug self-administration, particularly during the first 24 h after administration. Ibogaine had no effect on drug-induced conditioned place preference. Ibogaine administration resulted in motor impairment in the first 24 h after supplementation, and cerebral cell loss even weeks after administration. Data on ibogaines effect on cardiac rhythm, as well as on its neuropharmacological working mechanisms are limited. Our results warrant further studies into the clinical efficacy of ibogaine in SUD patients in reducing craving and substance use, but close monitoring of the patients is recommended because of the possible toxic effects. In addition, more work is needed to unravel the neuropharmacological working mechanisms of ibogaine and to investigate its effects on heart rhythm.