Compound Monograph
Ibogaine
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid from the iboga shrub, studied for interrupting opioid and other addictions.
Classification
Ibogaine is an iboga (monoterpenoid indole) alkaloid, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring iboga (monoterpenoid indole) alkaloid, found in Iboga. It is flagged as toxic and psychedelic.
Research & Evidence
Ibogaine is the principal psychoactive alkaloid of the West African iboga shrub, Tabernanthe iboga, whose root bark is used sacramentally in the Bwiti tradition of Gabon. Pharmacologically it is complex, acting at multiple receptor and transporter systems, and it produces a long, dream-like, oneirogenic and psychedelic experience that can last many hours. It has attracted serious research and clinical interest for its apparent ability to interrupt opioid dependence and reduce withdrawal and craving, often after a single session, though much of the evidence remains observational.
Toxicity & Safety
Ibogaine carries real cardiac risk: it prolongs the QT interval and has been associated with dangerous arrhythmias and a number of deaths, particularly in people with heart conditions, electrolyte problems or concurrent drug use. Because of this it is considered unsafe to take without medical screening and monitoring, and it interacts with many medications. It is a Schedule I substance in the United States.
Dosage
Anti-addiction protocols described in research and clinical settings have used flood doses in the region of roughly 15 to 22 mg per kilogram of body weight, given under supervision. These figures describe doses used in research and clinical contexts and are not a recommendation; unsupervised use has been linked to fatalities.