Ibogaine, a psychoactive compound from a West African shrub, can damage brain cells in rats even after a single dose. In rats given 100 mg/kg, the cerebellum showed clear signs of neurodegeneration, specifically in Purkinje neurons. Similar damage occurred in all rats given 75 mg/kg, though the affected areas were narrower. At 50 mg/kg, only 2 of 6 rats showed damage, but those affected had patches of astrocyte activation. No damage was seen in rats given 25 mg/kg, suggesting this dose may be a safe threshold with no observable adverse effects. The findings highlight ibogaine's potential neurotoxicity, which is relevant given its use in addiction treatment.
MDMA given orally to dogs and rats for 28 days caused clinical signs like hyperactivity, dilated pupils, and salivation. Medium and high doses led to significantly less weight gain in both species, with initial decreased food consumption that later reversed. In dogs, reduced testicular size and prostatic enlargement occurred at medium and high doses, with testicular atrophy and prostatic hyperplasia seen microscopically. In rats, some clinical pathology values decreased (urinary pH, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, creatinine, LDH, chloride) while others increased (white blood cell count, phosphorus). No brain lesions were found in either species.