Metabolic plasticity and the energy economizing effect of ibogaine, the principal alkaloid of Tabernanthe iboga.
Roman Paškulin, Polona Jamnik, Tjaša Danevčič, Gordana Koželj, Rok Krašovec, Dijana Krstić-milošević, Duško Blagojević, Borut Strukelj
Journal of Ethnopharmacology August 30, 2012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.039 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Laboratory experiment Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Stationary yeast model under aerobic conditions |
| Intervention | Ibogaine |
| Dose | 1, 4 and 20 mg/l |
| Duration | 5 hours |
| Topics | Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Iboga plant Natural compound Plant extract Botanical Cellular metabolism Metabolic remodeling Energy efficiency Cellular energy Cellular health Cell resilience Cellular fitness Damage reduction Natural defense systems Addiction recovery Anti-addiction Addiction treatment Recovery support Health support |
| Citations | 19 |
| Key findings | Ibogaine triggers metabolic remodeling by temporarily increasing energy consumption and carbon dioxide production, which paradoxically reduces ATP levels but lowers oxidative load through stimulation of physiological oxidative stress defense systems. |
Abstract
The root bark of iboga plant-Tabernanthe iboga has been used traditionally in Central Africa as a psychoactive substance in religious rituals, while in smaller doses it is appreciated due to its stimulant properties. The iboga root bark, iboga extract or pure ibogaine are being recognized in the West as an anti-addiction remedy and their use is increasing. Our previous studies have demonstrated a transient ATP pool reduction under ibogaine accompanied by the induction of energy metabolism related enzymes. The present study aimed to find the cause of this energy deprivation and to foresee its immediate and long-term impact on metabolism. The overall project is designed to disclose the common mechanism of action at these seemingly diverse indications for iboga use, to predict eventual adverse effects and to build the grounds for its safe and beneficial utilization. The rate of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) as a marker of energy metabolism in stationary yeast model under aerobic conditions in the presence of ibogaine at concentration of 1, 4 and 20mg/l was measured for 5h by gas chromatography. The overall oxidative load was determined fluorimetrically by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H(2)DCFDA) and in vitro antioxidant properties of ibogaine were defined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. The CO(2) production under ibogaine was temporarily increased in a dose dependent manner. The increased energy consumption as an early effect of ibogaine was proven by the fact that in spite of energy mobilization, the ATP pool has been simultaneously decreased. Although increased cellular respiration co-produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), the overall oxidative load was significantly lowered by ibogaine. Since ibogaine does not show any significant in vitro antioxidant properties, the results indicate its stimulating influence on physiological oxidative stress defence system. Ibogaine triggers remodeling of the housekeeping metabolism. Under the initial energy cost it results in increased efficacy of physiological antioxidative systems, which reduce oxidative damage and lowers basal metabolic needs. Together with induced catabolic enzymes they set a new metabolic equilibrium that saves energy and makes it easily available in case of extra needs. While healthy organism profits from improved fitness and mental performance and can withstand higher stress without risking a disease, due to the same principle ibogaine provides beneficial support at the recovery after diseases including addiction syndrome.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on ibogaine, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibogaine, a noncompetitive inhibitor of serotonin transport, acts by stabilizing the cytoplasm-facing state of the transporter. In vitro (SERT) | 2007 | Laboratory study | |
| Mechanisms of action of ibogaine and harmaline congeners based on radioligand binding studies. | 1992 | Laboratory study | |
| The mechanistic basis for noncompetitive ibogaine inhibition of serotonin and dopamine transporters. | 2012 | Experimental study | |
| Identification of a primary metabolite of ibogaine that targets serotonin transporters and elevates serotonin. | 1995 | Experimental study | |
| Ibogaine and its congeners are sigma 2 receptor-selective ligands with moderate affinity. | 1995 | Laboratory study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology International Journal of Molecular Sciences January 10, 2023
- The Iboga Alkaloids. Progress in the chemistry of organic natural products 2017
- Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples. Molecules March 5, 2021
- Ex vivo effects of ibogaine on the activity of antioxidative enzymes in human erythrocytes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology April 22, 2015
- Phytochemical characterization of Tabernanthe iboga root bark and its effects on dysfunctional metabolism and cognitive performance in high-fat-fed C57BL/6J mice Journal of Food Bioactives September 30, 2018
and 8 more in the library
Cites 6
- The ibogaine medical subculture. Journal of Ethnopharmacology January 4, 2008
- Ibogaine: complex pharmacokinetics, concerns for safety, and preliminary efficacy measures. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences September 1, 2000
- Ibogaine, an anti-addictive drug: pharmacology and time to go further in development. A narrative review. Human & Experimental Toxicology March 1, 2008
- Ibogaine affects brain energy metabolism. European Journal of Pharmacology December 15, 2006
- Induction of energy metabolism related enzymes in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae exposed to ibogaine is adaptation to acute decrease in ATP energy pool. European Journal of Pharmacology February 10, 2010
and 1 more in the library