Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance found in a number of plants, principally in a member of the Apocynaceae family known as Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga). A hallucinogen with both psychedelic and dissociative properties, the substance is banned in some countries; in other countries it is being used to treat addiction to opiates, methamphetamine and other drugs.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance found in a number of plants, principally in a member of the Apocynaceae family known as Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga). A hallucinogen with both psychedelic and dissociative properties, the substance is banned in some countries; in other countries it is being used to treat addiction to opiates, methamphetamine and other drugs.
Derivatives of ibogaine that lack the substance's hallucinogenic properties are under development.
[1]
History
The first botanical description of the Tabernanthe iboga plant was made in 1889. Ibogaine was first isolated from T. iboga in 1901 by Dybowski and Landrin[20] and independently by Haller and
Heckel in the same year using T. iboga samples from Gabon. In the 1930s, ibogaine was sold in France in 8 mg tablets under the name "Lambarene". The total synthesis of ibogaine was accomplished by G. Büchi in 1966.Since then, several further totally synthetic routes have been developed.
Ibogaine was placed in US Schedule 1 in 1967 as part of the US government's strong response to the upswing in popularity of psychedelic substances, though iboga itself was scarcely known at the time. Ibogaine's ability to attenuate opioid withdrawal confirmed in the rat was first published by Dzoljic et al. Ibogaine's use in diminishing morphine self-administration in preclinical studies was shown by Glick et al. and ibogaine's capacity to reduce cocaine self-administration in the rat was shown by Cappendijk et al.
[2]
Pharmacology
The chemical formula for Ibogaine is: C20H26N2O
The actions of Ibogaine depend on both dose and setting. In addition, the psychoactive effects of iboga extracts (which are likely to contain additional alkaloids and are usually taken in a
ritualistic setting) may be different from those of ibogaine. Thus, users of the crude extract of Tabernanthe iboga taken in sufficiently high doses have reported fantastic visions, feelings of
excitement, drunkenness, mental confusion and hallucinations when (101). The total extract of iboga shrub is certainly a central stimulant, and in higher doses may lead to convulsions, paralysis and finally respiratory arrest. The psychotropic actions of the plant extract include visual sensations; objects are seen to be surrounded by specters or rainbows. In high doses it may produce auditory, olfactory and taste synesthesias. The state of mind has been reported to vary from profound fear to frank euphoria
[3]
Uses
Ibogaine has been used in:
Treatment for opioid addiction
Chronic pain management
Psychotherapy
However, it is also used largely for recreational purposes
[4]
Scheduling
In the US, Ibogaine is Sechedule I drug.
[2]
Psychological and physical addiction liability
Ibogaine is not an addictive drug and hence there are no addiction liabilities associated with it.
[6]
Withdrawal Effects
As it is not an addictive substance, there are no withdrawal effects observed. Long term effects may include reduced anxiety, improved mood, decreased cravings, and increased energy. Some people report having difficulty with sleep for a short period of time (particularly those who have withdrawn from opiates). Most people report feeling these effects from between 2 weeks to 3 months or longer. Thus far, no long term adverse effects have been reported.
[6]
Long term effects
Ibogaine’s physical effects include ataxia, dystonia, nausea and vomiting, tremors, and light sensitivity
[5]
Psychological treatment options
As it is not an addictive substance, there are no specific pyschological treatments associated with it.
Related drugs
mescaline,
psilocybin
[2]
References
[1] http://www.ibogaine.org/subculture.html
[2] http://www.ibogamind.com/ibogainetimeline
[3] http://www.ibogaine.desk.nl/alkaloids.html
[4] http://www.maps.org/research/ibogaine/
[5] http://www.ibeginagain.org/articles/Ibogaine_Need_Donnelly_2011_.pdf
[6] http://www.ibeginagain.org/
