Use Of Ibogaine Research Articles

The Global Psychedelic Survey: Consumer characteristics, patterns of use, and access in primarily anglophone regions around the world

ObjectivesDespite advancements in policies governing psychedelic substances globally, our understanding of real-world psychedelic use and its variations across international jurisdictions remains limited. We implemented the Global Psychedelic Survey (GPS) to capture information about psychedelic consumer characteristics, access, and usage patterns around the world. MethodsThe GPS was administered online in Spring 2023 to English-speaking adults (≥21 years) who use(d) psychedelics. We categorized survey responses into major catchment regions (Canada/US, Europe/UK, Australia/NZ, All Other). We used descriptive and bivariable statistics to characterize consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics, psychedelic access sources, and usage patterns. We examined regional differences in psychedelic use patterns using multinomial logistic regression. ResultsWe analyzed 6379 responses from 85 countries including Canada/US (n = 4434), Europe/UK (n = 771), Australia/NZ (n = 864), and Other (n = 310). Psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA were the most used psychedelics and personal growth was the most common use motive across all catchments. There were significant regional differences in psychedelic use patterns, including types of psychedelics used (e.g., less ibogaine use in Europe/UK and Australia/NZ relative to Canada/US), frequency of use (e.g., lower frequency use in Australia/NZ relative to Canada/US), motivations for use (e.g., less therapeutic use in Europe/UK and Other relative to Canada/US), and types of dosing regimens (e.g., more “micro”-dosing in Canada/US). DiscussionIn this large sample of adult psychedelic consumers from regions around the world, infrequent psychedelic use centered around life enhancement was common. Respondents indicated preference for legal access via quality-controlled sources. Jurisdictional differences in access and usage patterns likely reflect region-specific regulations and traditional practices. Further research should explore opportunities to increase representation of non-White respondents in psychedelic research via translation of studies into several languages and incorporation of culturally reflective, community-based study development.

Ibogaine Induces Cardiotoxic Necrosis in Rats-The Role of Redox Processes.

Ibogaine is an organic indole alkaloid that is used in alternative medicine to combat addiction. Numerous cases of life-threatening complications and sudden deaths associated with ibogaine use have been reported, and it has been hypothesized that the adverse effects are related to ibogaine's tendency to induce cardiac arrhythmias. Considering that the bioavailability of ibogaine and its primary metabolite noribogaine is two to three times higher in female rats than in male rats, we here investigated the effect of a single oral dose (1 or 20 mg/kg) of ibogaine on cardiac histopathology and oxidative/antioxidant balance. Our results show that ibogaine induced dose-dependent cardiotoxic necrosis 6 and 24 h after treatment and that this necrosis was not a consequence of inflammation. In addition, no consistent dose- and time-dependent changes in antioxidant defense or indicators of oxidative damage were observed. The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of ibogaine-induced cardiotoxicity, which is one of the main side effects of ibogaine use in humans and is often fatal. Nevertheless, based on this experiment, it is not possible to draw a definitive conclusion regarding the role of redox processes or oxidative stress in the occurrence of cardiotoxic necrosis after ibogaine administration.

22 The Effect of Ibogaine on Cognitive Functioning

Objective:To determine the effects of the non-classic psychedelic, ibogaine, on cognitive functioning. Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid derived from the Tabernanthe Iboga plant family, indigenous to Africa, and traditionally used in spiritual and healing ceremonies. Ibogaine has primarily been studied with respect to its clinical efficacy in reducing substance addiction. There are, however, indications that it also may enhance recovery from traumatic experiences. Ibogaine is a Schedule 1 substance in the USA.ParticipSabants and Methods:Participants were U.S. Special Operations Veterans who had independently and voluntarily referred themselves for an ibogaine retreat at a specialized clinic outside the USA prior to learning about this observational study. After meeting rigorous screening requirements, 30 participants were enrolled, all endorsing histories of combat and repeated blast exposure, as well as traumatic brain injury. Participants were seen in person pre-treatment, post-treatment, and one-month post-treatment for neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, and collection of clinical outcome measures. All 30 participants were seen pre- and post-treatment, of whom 27 were also able to return one-month post-treatment.The neuropsychological battery included the the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT), the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised (BVMT-R), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) Working Memory Index (Digit Span and Arithmetic) and Processing Speed Index (Symbol Search and Coding), and the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) tests of Verbal Fluency (VF), Trail Making (TMT), Color Word (CW), and Tower Test (TT). For repeated measures, alternate forms were used whenever possible.Results:Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant effects of time, with post-treatment improvements across multiple measures including processing speed (WAIS-IV PSI; F(2,25) = 26.957, p < .001), executive functions (CW Conditions 3 and 4: F(1.445,25) = 11.383, p < .001 and F(1.381,25) = 7.687, p = .004, respectively), verbal fluency (VF Condition 3 correct and accuracy: F(2,25) = 6.419, p = .003 and F(2,25) = 153.076, p < .001, respectively), and verbal learning (HVLT Total Recall (alternate forms used at each time point): F(1.563,23) = 6.958, p = .004). Score progression graphs are presented. Performance on all other cognitive measures did not significantly change following treatment.Conclusions:To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study examining neuropsychological test performance following ibogaine use at post-treatment and one-month post-treatment time points. Our results indicated that several cognitive domains improved either post-treatment or one-month post-ibogaine treatment, suggesting ibogaine’s therapeutic potential for cognition in the context of traumatic brain injury and mood disorders. Potential explanations include neuroplastic changes, reduction of PTSD and mood-related effects on cognitive functioning, and practice effects. While we found no evidence of negative cognitive consequences for up to one-month post-single-ibogaine treatment, further study of this substance is necessary to clarify its clinical utility and safety parameters.

0665 Ibogaine treatment in combat Veterans significantly improves sleep, beyond alleviating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms

Abstract Introduction Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid traditionally used in spiritual and healing rites in some African cultures. Ibogaine is primarily studied in the context of substance dependence, but indications suggest it may enhance recovery from trauma. Here, we investigated the effects of ibogaine treatment for multisystem effects of exposure to repeated blasts and combat on self-reported sleep disturbance, insomnia severity, and trauma-related symptoms. Methods Participants were Special Operations Veterans who independently and voluntarily underwent ibogaine treatment at a specialized clinic outside the USA. After meeting rigorous screening requirements, 30 participants were enrolled, all endorsing histories of repeated combat and blast exposure and traumatic brain injury. Participants were seen in person for baseline, immediate post-treatment, and 1-month post-treatment assessments, including the Clinician-Administered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS). Twenty-six participants completed sleep measures at baseline and 1-month post-treatment. Results Two-tailed paired samples t-tests revealed significant effects of time, with post-treatment improvements in CAPS (ΔM = -26.8±11.1, t(25) = 12.283, p < .001), PSQI (ΔM = -6.5±5.6, t(25) = 5.920, p < .001), and PIRS (ΔM = -23.8±15.5, t(24) = 7.690, p < .001). However, pre-post changes in PTSD symptom severity were not a significant predictor of improvements in PSQI (R² = .229, b = .354, p = .074) or PIRS (R² = .232, b = .339, p = .090) after controlling for age (p = .206 and p = .165, respectively). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the effects of ibogaine use on sleep in humans. Results indicated that while sleep and PTSD symptom severity improve 1-month post-treatment, they might be impacted by different mechanisms targeted by ibogaine. Even though a small sample size may have hindered the ability to reach desired probability values, the variance explained by the improvement in PTSD symptoms was still relatively modest (up to 23%). These promising findings demonstrate ibogaine’s therapeutic potential for disturbed sleep in the context of traumatic brain injury and trauma. Potential explanations are discussed. Support (if any) This study was supported by a private fund.

Identifying setting factors associated with improved ibogaine safety: a systematic review of clinical studies.

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.

Underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders: A qualitative analysis of subjective experiences.

Ibogaine is one of the alkaloids naturally found in plants such as Tabernanthe iboga, which has been traditionally used by members of the Bwiti culture. Since the discovery of its anti-addictive properties by Howard S. Lotsof in 1962, ibogaine has been used experimentally to treat substance use disorders (SUD), especially those involving opioids. We aim to provide a detailed understanding of the underlying psychological aspects of underground ibogaine use for the treatment of SUD. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 participants with SUD, which motivated their self-treatment with ibogaine. The data were analysed using the grounded theory approach and considered the context of the treatment, and the nature of the occurring hallucinogenic and cognitive phenomena during the treatment experience. We identified several psychological effects that the study respondents experienced, which seem to play a substantial role in the therapeutic process concerning SUD. The evoking of interpersonal and transpersonal experiences, autobiographical memories, and preparation, integration and motivation for a lifestyle change are important components that participants reported during and after ibogaine intake. Ibogaine is increasingly being used for the treatment of SUD, due in part to the limited treatment options currently available. Its beneficial effects seem to be related not only to its complex pharmacology but also to the subjective experience that ibogaine induces. The main aspects of this experience are related to autobiographical memories and valuable personal insights, which together appear to help individuals cope with their SUD.

A sacred plant of neuronal effect: the use of ibogaine in addiction treatments in Brazil

ABSTRACTThis research qualitatively investigated four treatments for addiction in Brazil that use ibogaine as the main tool in the process. Ibogaine is a substance derived from an African plant, Tabernanthe iboga, traditionally used in its region of origin and which leads to intense sensations during its acute effects and also different experiences of oneself and the surrounding world in the period after its use. It’s considered a non‐typical psychedelic. We visited the clinics and interviewed professionals and patients of these places. In this article, we focus on how ibogaine is used for addiction and depression treatment and how its effect is understood. There is variation in patient screening and preparation, how the ibogaine is determined, and the care practices proposed after the treatment. These variations seem to be influenced by the context where ibogaine is inserted and their practices. We identified three different contexts that influence ibogaine use in Brazil: the market of addiction treatment clinics, the Brazilian urban religious use of ayahuasca, and the medical context of ibogaine use developed by Howard Lotsof.

Effects of ibogaine per os treatment on redox homeostasis in rat kidney

Our previous results showed that a single oral dose (1 or 20 mg/kg body weight) of the anti-addiction agent ibogaine induced in rats 6 and 24 h after administration glycogenolytic activity in hepatocytes, followed by a mild oxidative stress. In this work, we examined the in vivo effect of the same doses of ibogaine on rat kidney morphology, antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutases (SOD1 and 2), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione- S-transferase) activities, and oxidative stress (TBARS) and redox (-SH groups) parameters. The dose of 1 mg/kg ibogaine induced an elevation in SOD1 activity and decreased GR activity after 6 and 24 h. GR activity was decreased at 6 and 24 h after 20 mg/kg ibogaine administration, suggesting changed redox homeostasis. After 24 h, we observed an increase in moderate morphological changes, without changes in urinalyses, indicating that kidney function was not measurably affected. Nevertheless, kidney-function monitoring during and following ibogaine use in human subjects is advisable.

Ibogaine-associated cardiac arrest and death: case report and review of the literature.

A naturally occurring hallucinogenic plant alkaloid, ibogaine has been used as an adjuvant for opiate withdrawal for the past 50 years. In the setting of an escalating nationwide opiate epidemic, use of substances such as ibogaine may also increase. Therefore, familiarity with the mechanisms and potential adverse effects of ibogaine is important for clinicians. We present the case report of a man whose use of ibogaine resulted in cardiac arrest and death, complemented by a review of the literature regarding ibogaine's clinical effects. A 40-year-old man who used ibogaine for symptoms of heroin withdrawal suffered acute cardiac arrest leading to cerebral edema and brain death. His presentation was consistent with ibogaine-induced cardiotoxicity and ibogaine-induced cardiac arrest, and a review of the literature regarding the history, mechanisms, risks and clinical outcomes associated with ibogaine is presented. The case presented underscores the significant potential clinical risks of ibogaine. It is important the healthcare community be aware of the possible effects of ibogaine such that clinicians can provide informed counseling to their patients regarding the risks of attempting detoxification with ibogaine.

Mania following use of ibogaine: A case series

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring hallucinogen with postulated anti-addictive qualities. While illegal domestically, a growing number of individuals have sought it out for treatment of opiate dependence, primarily in poorly regulated overseas clinics. Existing serious adverse events include cardiac and vestibular toxicity, though ours is the first report of mania stemming from its use. To report on a case series of psychiatric emergency room patients whose unregulated use of ibogaine resulted in mania in three patients with no prior diagnosis of bipolar illness. Review and summarize charts of three cases. Relevant literature was also reviewed for discussion. Two cases of reported ibogaine ingestion for self-treatment of addictions, and one for psycho-spiritual experimentation resulted in symptoms consistent with mania. No prior reports of mania were found in the literature, and the literature suggests growing popularity of ibogaine's use. The three cases presented demonstrate a temporal association between ibogaine ingestion and subsequent development of mania. In light of these cases, clinicians faced with a new onset mania may benefit from careful substance use and treatment history, specifically regarding opiates. In the vulnerable and often desperate addiction population, in particular, the number of patients seeking this treatment appears to be growing. We advise clinicians to be prepared for discussing the safety, efficacy, and paucity of good data regarding ibogaine with patients who may be considering its use. (Am J Addict 2015;24:203-205).

Treating drug dependence with the aid of ibogaine: a retrospective study.

Ibogaine is an alkaloid purported to be an effective drug dependence treatment. However, its efficacy has been hard to evaluate, partly because it is illegal in some countries. In such places, treatments are conducted in underground settings where fatalities have occurred. In Brazil ibogaine is unregulated and a combined approach of psychotherapy and ibogaine is being practiced to treat addiction. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ibogaine, we conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 75 previous alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and crack users (72% poly-drug users). We observed no serious adverse reactions or fatalities, and found 61% of participants abstinent. Participants treated with ibogaine only once reported abstinence for a median of 5.5 months and those treated multiple times for a median of 8.4 months. This increase was statistically significant (p < 0.001), and both single or multiple treatments led to longer abstinence periods than before the first ibogaine session (p < 0.001). These results suggest that the use of ibogaine supervised by a physician and accompanied by psychotherapy can facilitate prolonged periods of abstinence, without the occurrence of fatalities or complications. These results suggest that ibogaine can be a safe and effective treatment for dependence on stimulant and other non-opiate drugs.

Ibogaine related sudden death: A case report

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the roots of the rain forest shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Deaths have occurred temporarily related to the use of ibogaine. However, although not licensed as therapeutic drug, and despite evidence that ibogaine may disturb the rhythm of the heart, this alkaloid is currently used as an anti-addiction drug in alternative medicine for detoxification purposes. We report the case of a man who died suddenly 12–24 h after ibogaine use for alcohol detoxification treatment. In the autopsy liver cirrhosis and heavy fatty infiltration was found. The concentration of ibogaine was 2 mg/l. The potential risks of ibogaine use, especially for persons with pathological medical background, are discussed.

Ibogaine in the Treatment of Substance Dependence

Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from Tabernanthe iboga, a plant used in initiatory rituals in West Central Africa. Largely because of ibogaine's status as a Schedule I substance in the U.S., the development of ibogaine's use in the treatment of drug addiction took place outside conventional clinical and medical settings. This article reviews the history of ibogaine's use in the treatment of drug addiction, and discusses progress made towards, and obstacles blocking, the establishment of controlled clinical trials of ibogaine's efficacy. Preclinical research has generally supported anecdotal claims that ibogaine attenuates withdrawal symptoms and reduces drug cravings. Concerns about ibogaine's safety, as well as a dearth of solid data from human studies, have hampered progress in its development as an approved medication. This article outlines major findings from preclinical studies, discusses concerns about ibogaine's safety, and details previous and ongoing research on ibogaine's use as an anti-addictive treatment for humans.

Fatalities Temporally Associated with the Ingestion of Ibogaine

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive plant alkaloid that is used globally in medical and nonmedical settings for opioid detoxification and other substance use indications. All available autopsy, toxicological, and investigative reports were systematically reviewed for the consecutive series of all known fatalities outside of West Central Africa temporally related to the use of ibogaine from 1990 through 2008. Nineteen individuals (15 men, four women between 24 and 54 years old) are known to have died within 1.5-76 h of taking ibogaine. The clinical and postmortem evidence did not suggest a characteristic syndrome of neurotoxicity. Advanced preexisting medical comorbidities, which were mainly cardiovascular, and/or one or more commonly abused substances explained or contributed to the death in 12 of the 14 cases for which adequate postmortem data were available. Other apparent risk factors include seizures associated with withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines and the uninformed use of ethnopharmacological forms of ibogaine.

Ibogaine-Associated Psychosis in Schizophrenia

To the Editors:Ibogaine is the main psychoactive molecule of a plant (Iboga) used for religious ceremonies and traditional initiation purposes in Gabon. Ibogaine use is becoming increasingly widespread in Western countries and is being considered for opioid addiction therapy.1 We describe here a pat

The anti-addictive drug ibogaine modulates voltage-gated ion channels and may trigger cardiac arrhythmias

Background Ibogaine is an alkaloid derived from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Psychoactive properties of ibogaine have been known for decades, but more recently the drug has received much attention because of its promising “anti-addictive” actions. Thus, ibogaine and its derivatives are being studied as potential treatment for opioid and stimulant abuse, as well as for alcoholism and smoking. Because ibogaine has a complex pharmacology and is known to interact with numerous different cellular targets, its potential to generate adverse effects is significant. Besides the expected neurotoxic actions, ibogaine may e.g. also affect the heart. Thus, several cases of sudden death after ibogaine use were reported, which have been hypothesised to be related to cardiac arrhythmias. In accordance, a severely prolonged QT interval of the electrocardiogram and ventricular tachyarrhythmias were observed in a woman after she had taken ibogaine.

The visionary cure of the addiction war? Ibogaine: social context, subcultural identity, and implications for drug policy

PurposeExisting treatments for alcohol and substance dependence are of limited efficacy and acceptability to users. Since such dependence is associated with high co‐morbidity and mortality rates, alternative treatments should be urgently evaluated. Ibogaine, a hallucinogenic alkaloid, derived from Tabernanthe Iboga, a plant unique to the rainforests of West Africa, is already associated with a large underground treatment scene. This paper aims to explore this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the comparative ethnography of magicoreligious Iboga use in West Africa alongside contemporary accounts of ibogaine addiction treatment, and contextualizes these within the neurobiology and anthropology of addiction and treatment provision.FindingsWhile the exotic otherness of ibogaine no doubt contributes to interest and hope, the impact of the medicine, not just on craving and withdrawal, but on the perceived acquisition of psycho‐spiritual insight, may validate such anticipation. Both West African and Western Ibogaine use are explored in the context of oppression, resistance and a re‐asserted morality. Successful ibogaine treatments appear to respect but transform existing subcultural meanings and identities, while promoting realism and psychosocial integration.Practical implicationsExisting treatment programmes might learn from the inherent critique of conventional treatment enacted in ibogaine treatment scenes.Social implicationsLack of mainstream investment may partly reflect the cultural positioning of drug‐users (and of this drug‐class) yet the scale of underground ibogaine use demands urgent funding for research to optimise safety and further understanding/development.Originality/valueAn understanding of how addicts seeking ibogaine are culturally positioned, and position themselves, illuminates the specific attraction of ibogaine treatment for this group, and has important implications for practice, drug policy and treatment development.

Ibogaine therapy in the treatment of opiate dependency

Ibogaine therapy offers a viable alternative to mainstream treatment for opiate addiction. The combination of the addiction‐arresting and fast‐acting properties of ibogaine, with the slow and thoughtful conversation of psychoanalytical psychotherapy is a novel approach to what still remains a difficult condition to overcome.Safer than methadone, ibogaine use is steadily increasing world‐wide, and is becoming a more accepted treatment for opiate addiction. This year it has become a prescription medication in New Zealand. Howard Lotsof, who discovered the anti‐addictive properties of ibogaine 47 years ago, and who died in January 2010, devoted his life to improving access to ibogaine treatment, and instigated the first ibogaine providers' conference in Mexico in 2009.This paper explores the use of ibogaine and psychoanalytic psychotherapy in the clinic for the treatment of opiate dependency, the relationships between the two approaches, and how they differ from other treatment modalities.

Chemical Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 18-Methoxycoronaridine (18-MC) as a Potential Anti-addictive Agent

Ibogaine (1a), one of the psychoactive indole alkaloids found in the root bark of the West African shrub, Tabernanthe iboga, has purported efficacy in treating multiple forms of drug abuse. A single oral treatment with ibogaine or its salts, in the doses of 6 to 19 mg / kg, or a series of four treatments may, respectively, eliminate addictive behavior for up to 6 months or three years In rats, ibogaine (40 mg / kg) decreases intravenous self-administration of both morphine and cocaine and oral self-administration of ethanol and nicotine. However, ibogaine also exerts several serious side effects including tremors, toxic degeneration of Purkinje cells in the brain and an acute depressant effect on responding for water in rats. Such side effects may restrict the use of ibogaine to treat human addictive disorders. These problems led us to develop novel synthetic ibogaine congeners that mimic ibogaines therapeutic profile, but without side effects. 18-Methoxycoronaridine (18-MC, 2c), a novel iboga alkaloid congener, has been synthesized and evaluated as a potential anti-addictive agent. Racemic 18-MC has been synthesized in 13 steps, with overall 7percent yield. Both enantiomers of 18-MC have been obtained, either by chemical resolution of (plus minus)-18-MC or by enantioselective total synthesis using chiral auxiliaries. Like ibogaine, 18-MC decreases the intravenous self-administrat ion of morphine and cocaine and the oral self-administration of ethanol and nicotine in rats. However, 18-MC does not evidence ibogaines side effects. Thus, 18-MC has potential as a safe and effective treatment for multiple forms of drug abuse.

Chapter 16 Case studies of ibogaine treatment: Implications for patient management strategies

The chapter discusses the use of ibogaine in three different contexts: a drug user group, a self-help organization, and a clinical research setting. Each discussion is followed by the self-report of a subject who has taken ibogaine within the setting being reviewed. These settings contrast with the use of iboga in Gabon, Africa as a practice of the Bwiti, an African religion sometimes referred to as an initiation society, during which ibogaine-containing plants are provided in rites to assist in the transition from adolescence into adulthood, for psychiatric healing, or for other purposes. With regard to the future of ibogaine therapy, a look at methadone therapy may provide an understanding of what might go right and what might go wrong in the development of effective medications to treat chemical dependence. If a reduction in chemical dependence is to be accomplished, whether with ibogaine, its analogs, or other modalities, it will require that patients be better treated and better respected. The chapter concludes by stating that ibogaine therapy offers a unique opportunity both for the physician and the patient.