Ibogaine is a psychedelic drug used for drug addiction and spiritual purposes, but it\u2019s banned in the US due to questionable safety and abuse potential. It may also act as a mood enhancer, but the research is limited. Read on to learn the health effects, dosage, and dangers of ibogaine.<\/p>\n
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Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong>: Ibogaine is classified as a Schedule I substance. This means that it is an illegal drug with high potential for harm and no approved medical uses. We highly advise against the use of ibogaine until future studies determine its safety and efficacy in medically-supervised and safe settings. The only aim of this post is to outline the research findings.<\/em><\/p>\n Ibogaine is a psychoactive<\/strong> alkaloid derived from the root bark of some plants found in the West African rainforest (Tabernanthe iboga<\/em>, Voacanga africana,<\/em> and Tabernaemontana undulata<\/em>). It has been traditionally used by tribes in Central Africa in ceremonies and religious rituals for its energizing and aphrodisiac properties [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Because of safety concerns, ibogaine is currently banned<\/strong> in the United States, Australia, and many European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland. It is legal in several other countries, including Canada and Mexico, where it\u2019s mainly used for addiction treatment [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Ibogaine, when consumed, is broken down in the liver and gut wall into noribogaine<\/strong> (12-hydroxyibogamine) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Ibogaine and noribogaine have similar properties, but noribogaine remains in the body longer [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Both ibogaine and noribogaine readily cross the blood-brain barrier<\/a> and are in higher concentrations in the brain tissue compared to the bloodstream [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The mechanism of action of ibogaine remains unclear. Some of its effects include:<\/p>\n It illegal to possess or consume ibogaine in the US, Australia, and many European countries. The use of ibogaine can be unsafe, potentially leading to psychotic breaks, changes in heart rate, and even death. Below is a summary of its effects outlined for informational purposes, which in no way supports the use of this substance.<\/em><\/p>\n Ibogaine was first introduced as an addiction treatment in 1962 [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It reduces opioid use and withdrawal symptoms and stops drug cravings. In contrast to other drug therapies, such as methadone maintenance treatment, even a single dose of ibogaine may lead to opioid detoxification lasting up to 12 months post-treatment [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a recent observational study, a single ibogaine treatment was administered to 14 opioid addicts. In the 12 months following the treatment, opioid use and craving were significantly reduced and in some cases even eliminated [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n One study of 27 opioid addicts withdrawing from methadone opioid substitution therapy found that noribogaine was well tolerated, but only moderately improved opioid withdrawal symptoms [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Furthermore, numerous studies of animal models (such as rats and mice) have found that ibogaine exhibits anti-addictive properties against cocaine, morphine, amphetamine, alcohol, and nicotine<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Opioid detoxification as a result of ibogaine consumption was achieved in rats, mice, and primates [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Ibogaine also reduced symptoms of heroin withdrawal in 7 heroin-dependent patients [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Purified ibogaine hydrochloride was marketed under the name Lambarene in France (1939-1970) as an antidepressant and stimulator of mental state [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In observational trials, ibogaine improved symptoms of depression<\/a>, anxiety<\/a>, and obsessive-compulsive disorder for an extended period of time after the treatment [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, recent studies failed to confirm<\/strong> any specific beneficial effects on mood [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The following effects of ibogaine have been observed in animal and cell-based studies only and shouldn\u2019t be interpreted as supportive of any health effect or benefit.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Components<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Mechanism of Action<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Effects of Ibogaine<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>1) Relieving Addictions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2) Improving Mood<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Animal and Cellular Research (Lacking Evidence)<\/span><\/h3>\n