Extraction studies of Tabernanthe iboga and Voacanga africana.
Natural product letters February 1, 2002 DOI: 10.1080/1057563029001/4881 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn extraction method using only diluted vinegar and ammonia was optimized to isolate ibogaine and related alkaloids from Tabernanthe iboga root bark and Voacanga africana bark. The process converts alkaloids into hydrochlorides, purifies them, and recovers minor alkaloids. This simplified, low-cost technique aims to make ibogaine—used experimentally to treat drug addiction—affordable for doctors in less economically developed countries.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Method development and optimization Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Plant extraction Botanical extraction Compound isolation Alkaloid extraction Natural product extraction |
| Citations | 48 |
| Key finding | A simplified extraction using only diluted vinegar and ammonia successfully isolates ibogaine and related alkaloids from T. iboga and V. africana bark. |
Abstract
The root bark of Tabernanthe iboga contains ibogaine as its predominant alkaloid and has been an important source of it. Ibogaine is used experimentally to interrupt drug addiction and allow therapeutic intervention, but is currently unaffordable to doctors in less economically developed countries. To meet this need, an extraction of alkaloids from T. iboga root bark was optimized and simplified to use only diluted vinegar and ammonia, and was successfully applied to related alkaloids from Voacanga africana bark also. The alkaloids were converted to their hydrochlorides and purified, and the minor alkaloids were recovered.