Identifying setting factors associated with improved ibogaine safety: a systematic review of clinical studies.
Juliana Mendes Rocha, José A S Reis, José Carlos Bouso, Jaime E. C. Hallak, Rafael G. Dos Santos
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience October 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01590-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Ibogaine safety Controlled medical setting Clinical studies |
| Citations | 21 |
| Key findings | Controlled settings with trained professionals and equipment for rigorous medical, psychiatric, and cardiac monitoring are essential to promote the safety of patients receiving ibogaine. |
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the west-African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Western cultures are increasing the interest for the substance due to its claimed anti addictive properties, although the evidence supporting this effect is still preliminary. The use of ibogaine often occurs with no medical supervision in uncontrolled settings, and its use has been associated with several reports of severe adverse events. This review aims to evaluate the clinical studies of ibogaine, with a focus on administration settings, to elucidate specific criteria that may promote safer contexts for ibogaine use. A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scielo, ClinicalTrials.gov and Core.ac.uk electronic databases were searched, and clinical studies published until November 17, 2022, were retrieved. The final synthesis included 12 sources. Information about general characteristics of the studies, adverse effects, screening of participants and setting characteristics were summarized and discussed. It is concluded that the use of controlled settings, supported by trained professionals and equipment allowing for rigorous medical, psychiatric, and cardiac monitoring, are essential to promote the safety of patients receiving ibogaine.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on ibogaine, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fatalities temporally associated with the ingestion of ibogaine. Individuals who died after ibogaine use outside West Central Africa | 2012 | Systematic review | n = 19 |
| A systematic literature review of clinical trials and therapeutic applications of ibogaine. Individuals receiving ibogaine or noribogaine for substance use disorders | 2022 | Systematic review | n = 705 |
| Ibogaine and addiction in the animal model, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Animals in studies of substance use disorders | 2016 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | n = 27 |
| United States National Institutes of Health grant funding for psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials from 2006-2020. | 2022 | Systematic review | |
| The adverse events of ibogaine in humans: an updated systematic review of the literature (2015-2020). | 2022 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 17
- 5-MeO-DMT: An atypical psychedelic with unique pharmacology, phenomenology & risk? Psychopharmacology December 11, 2023
- Efficient and modular synthesis of ibogaine and related alkaloids. Nature Chemistry March 1, 2025
- From taboo to treatment: The emergence of psychedelics in the management of pain and opioid use disorder. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology December 1, 2024
- Epigenetic drugs and psychedelics as emerging therapies for alcohol use disorder: insights from preclinical studies. Journal of Neural Transmission May 1, 2024
- The therapeutic effects of psychedelics for opioid use disorder: A systematic review of clinical studies. Psychiatry Research June 1, 2025
and 12 more in the library
Cites 32
- Psychedelics and the essential importance of context. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 15, 2018
- REACTIONS TO PSILOCYBJN ADMINISTERED IN A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease December 1, 1963
- Treatment of acute opioid withdrawal with ibogaine. American Journal on Addictions 1999
- The ibogaine medical subculture. Journal of Ethnopharmacology January 4, 2008
- Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Mediates the Desirable Actions of the Anti-Addiction Drug Ibogaine against Alcohol Consumption Journal of Neuroscience January 19, 2005
and 27 more in the library