Ibogaine, a natural alkaloid from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, has been used for centuries in West African traditions and is known for anti-addictive effects. In human red blood cells treated in the lab, ibogaine increased ATP levels in blood plasma without altering cell membrane flexibility or uric acid. It boosted activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD1 at both 10 and 20 µM doses, and at the higher dose also increased glutathione reductase activity. Ibogaine protected SOD1 from damage by hydrogen peroxide. These results suggest ibogaine supports energy metabolism and acts as a pro-antioxidant by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, potentially helping cells adapt to oxidative stress.
Ibogaine, an alkaloid from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, alters uterine muscle activity in a concentration-dependent way. Low concentrations stimulate spontaneous contractions, while higher doses inhibit them. Inhibitory doses reduce SOD1 activity and increase GSH-Px activity; complete inhibition raises CAT activity. These enzyme changes are due to posttranslational modifications, not altered protein levels, and point to a large rise in hydrogen peroxide. Since extracellular ATP stimulates uterine contractions and hydrogen peroxide inhibits them, ibogaine's dual effect likely stems from its known impact on cellular ATP levels and redox balance.
A single oral dose of ibogaine (20 mg/kg) in female Wistar rats caused transient oxidative stress in the brain and depleted glycogen stores in the liver. Six hours after treatment, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) increased significantly, while after 24 hours it returned to control levels. Protein free sulfhydryl groups increased, but nonprotein free sulfhydryl groups (indicating reduced glutathione) decreased, both more pronounced at 24 hours. Despite these signs of oxidative stress, the activities of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR) and glutathione S-transferases remained unchanged. Liver glycogen was reduced, more at 6 hours than at 24 hours, suggesting a transient depletion of energy reserves that begins to recover within a day. These findings suggest ibogaine induces rapid, reversible changes in redox and energy homeostasis.