Ibogaine Description – Side Effects
20 November 2007Taxonomic class
Apocynaceae
Common Trade Names
Endabuse
Common Forms
Seeds
Source
This product is extracted from the root of the West African shrub Tabernanthe iboga.
Chemical Components
Indole alkaloids constitute up to 6% of the dried root. The main alkaloid is ibogaine. Many other alkaloids exist in the root, including ibogamine, tabernanthine, ibagamine, iboluteine, desmethoxyiboluteine, hydroxyindoleninibogamine, hydroxyindoleninibogaine, ibochine, iboxygaine, kimvuline, kisantine, gabonine, and voacangine. Tannin has also been reported.
Actions
Ibogaine, the primary indole alkaloid in the root and a cholinesterase inhibitor, is a strong CNS stimulant, increases appetite and digestion, and causes hypotension. Ibogaine is a highly lipid-soluble chemical. Significant investigation into the complex pharmacology of ibogaine and its active metabolite, noribogaine, has shown activity as kappa agonists, N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, nicotinic antagonists, serotonin uptake inhibitors, and sigma-2 agonists in rats .
Reported Uses
Historically, ibogaine has been used to reduce cocaine-induced locomotor stimulation in mice, prevent hunger and fatigue, and act as an aphrodisiac and a tonic. Chewing T. iboga roots may produce drunkenness, excitement, mental confusion, and, possibly, hallucinations. The product is in development as therapy for drug dependence, including alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, and opioids. Anecdotally, a single oral dose of 6 to 19 mg/kg of ibogaine interrupts drug-seeking behavior in addicts for up to 6 months.
Dosage
No consensus exists.
Adverse Reactions
CNS: anxiety, apprehension, drunkenness, hallucinations, mental confusion, dose- and species-dependent neurotoxicity.
CV: hypotension, bradycardia.
Interactions
Anticholinergics: May interfere with activity of these drugs. Monitor the patient.
Cholinergics, cholinesterase inhibitors: Potential for synergic effects of these drugs. Monitor the patient closely.
Reserpine: Documented antagonism of reserpine. Do not use together. Contraindications and precautions
Avoid using ibogaine in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; safety of this herb has not been established.
Special Considerations
Of the hundreds of hallucinogenic plant species identified, only two plants are classified as DEA Schedule I controlled substances: Cannabis sativa and T. iboga.
A number of toxicologists have deemed T. iboga dangerous .
Toxic doses may result in paralysis, respiratory arrest, seizures, and death.
Structurally, ibogaine resembles lysergic acid diethylamide. Points of interest
T. iboga root bark is ingested in ceremonies by the Bwiti people in Gabon to reconnect participants with their ancestors in the land of the dead beyond the sea.
During the 1960s, ibogaine was used in underground cultures in the United States as a psychedelic.
Commentary
Considerable information is available regarding the activity of ibogaine in animals. Its use is legally prohibited in the United States because of its health dangers and potential for abuse. The use of ibogaine cannot be recommended.
Tagged under:alkaloid, anticholinergics, cholinesterase inhibitor, cholinesterase inhibitors, drugs, hallucinations, Herbal Medicines, ibogaine, indole alkaloids tabernanthe iboga
on November 21st, 2007 at 4:16 am
What doesn’t make sense is why Ibogaine is considered to have a potential for abuse. It is used to help people get off of substances of abuse. This is insane. Ibgogaine, when used properly has a better chance of helping someone getting over substance addiction than a stint in Rehab………doesn’t make any sense!
on March 28th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
please i need information for indole alkaloids(deffinition,origine,plants isolation….)
and information for aspidosperma alkaloids
thank you