Ibogaine: History, Pharmacology, Spirituality, & Clinical Data

Ibogaine, a compound from the African shrub Tabernathe iboga, has been used for centuries in West African rituals and has shown potential for treating addiction and depression. Human trials indicate it can rapidly relieve acute withdrawal symptoms, but results vary on long-term abstinence and toxicity. Multiple treatments may lead to considerable abstinence, but the drug carries a risk of lethal heart arrhythmias due to QT prolongation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid derived from the African shrub Tabernathe iboga with broad anti-addictive, anti-depressant, and central nervous system stimulating effects. It is categorized as an oneriogen (or atypical hallucinogen) and has been used in West African tribal rituals for centuries. It was identified by French explorers in the early 1900s, came to the United States in the 1960s, and became marginalized in the mid-1990s after adverse outcomes halted federally funded human trials. Since then legal ibogaine treatment clinics have been established in countries without use restrictions. Ibogaine is a σ1 and σ2 receptor and μ and κ opioid receptor agonist and a α3β4 nicotinic and NMDA receptor antagonist. Decades of trials have demonstrated ibogaine’s potential. Human trials of ibogaine consistently demonstrate rapid remission of acute withdrawal symptoms but differ in their findings with regard to abstinence and toxicity. While ibogaine is not a “magic bullet,” considerable abstinence may result after multiple treatments, however QT prolongation can produce lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmias.18 MC is in pre-clinical investigation.