Skip to content

Ibogaine: History, Pharmacology, Spirituality, & Clinical Data

Benjamin Shapiro

Integrative Addiction and Recovery September 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1093/med/9780190275334.003.0027 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Intervention Ibogaine
Topics Ibogaine
Citations 1
Key findings Ibogaine can rapidly relieve acute withdrawal symptoms, but its effects on abstinence and toxicity are inconsistent, and QT prolongation poses a risk of lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

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.

Comparable studies

Other narrative reviews on ibogaine, most cited first.

Citations in the library

Explore topics