Main targets of ibogaine and noribogaine associated with its putative anti-addictive effects: A mechanistic overview.
Genís Ona, Ingrid Reverte, Giordano N. Rossi, Rafael G. Dos Santos, Jaime Ec Hallak, Maria Teresa Colomina, José Carlos Bouso
Journal of Psychopharmacology December 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231200882 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Substance use disorders Ibogaine therapy: ibogaine Combat addiction Promising path Psychedelic medicine: psychedelic Addiction treatment: anti-addictive Ibogaine mechanism: ibogaine Brain systems Multifaceted action Complexly modulating Multiple targets Beneficial synergies |
| Citations | 20 |
| Key findings | Ibogaine and noribogaine produce anti-addictive effects through complex modulation of multiple receptor systems rather than a single predominant target. |
Abstract
There is a growing interest in studying ibogaine (IBO) as a potential treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). However, its clinical use has been hindered for mainly two reasons: First, the lack of randomized, controlled studies informing about its safety and efficacy. And second, IBO's mechanisms of action remain obscure. It has been challenging to elucidate a predominant mechanism of action responsible for its anti-addictive effects. To describe the main targets of IBO and its main metabolite, noribogaine (NOR), in relation to their putative anti-addictive effects, reviewing the updated literature available. A comprehensive search involving MEDLINE and Google Scholar was undertaken, selecting papers published until July 2022. The inclusion criteria were both theoretical and experimental studies about the pharmacology of IBO. Additional publications were identified in the references of the initial papers. IBO and its main metabolite, NOR, can modulate several targets associated with SUDs. Instead of identifying key targets, the action of IBO should be understood as a complex modulation of multiple receptor systems, leading to potential synergies. The elucidation of IBO's pharmacology could be enhanced through the application of methodologies rooted in the polypharmacology paradigm. Such approaches possess the capability to describe multifaceted patterns within multi-target drugs. IBO displays complex effects through multiple targets. The information detailed here should guide future research on both mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ibogaine for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Anti-Addiction Drug Ibogaine and the Heart: A Delicate Relation Humans, animals | 2015 | Review | |
| Ibogaine in the treatment of substance dependence. | 2013 | Review | |
| Ibogaine, an anti-addictive drug: pharmacology and time to go further in development. A narrative review. | 2008 | Review | |
| A review of chemical agents in the pharmacotherapy of addiction. | 2002 | Review | |
| Engineering Safer Psychedelics for Treating Addiction. | 2021 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 20
- Psychedelics in neuroinflammation: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry January 31, 2025
- Oxa-Iboga alkaloids lack cardiac risk and disrupt opioid use in animal models. Nature Communications September 20, 2024
- Predicting the Hallucinogenic Potential of Molecules Using Artificial Intelligence ACS Chemical Neuroscience August 2, 2024
- Psychedelic Drugs in Mental Disorders: Current Clinical Scope and Deep Learning‐Based Advanced Perspectives Advanced Science March 20, 2025
- A transcriptomic analysis in mice following a single dose of ibogaine identifies new potential therapeutic targets. Translational Psychiatry January 19, 2024
and 15 more in the library
Cites 66
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Salvinorin A: a potent naturally occurring nonnitrogenous kappa opioid selective agonist. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences September 3, 2002
- A non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogue with therapeutic potential. Nature 2021
- Serotonin transporter-ibogaine complexes illuminate mechanisms of inhibition and transport. Nature May 1, 2019
- Treatment of opioid use disorder with ibogaine: detoxification and drug use outcomes. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 2018
and 61 more in the library