Ibogaine-like effects of noribogaine in rats.
Brain research – March 25, 1996
Source: PubMed
Summary
Noribogaine, a metabolite of ibogaine, shows promise in reducing addiction behaviors. In a study with rats, a dose of 40 mg/kg of noribogaine significantly decreased morphine and cocaine self-administration by 50% and reduced the stimulant effects of morphine. Additionally, it lowered dopamine levels in key brain areas involved in addiction. Unlike ibogaine, noribogaine did not cause tremors, suggesting it may offer similar benefits without some side effects. These findings indicate noribogaine could play a crucial role in combating substance dependence.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that has been claimed to be effective in treating addiction to opioids and stimulants; a single dose is claimed to be effective for 6 months. Analogously, studies in rats have demonstrated prolonged (one or more days) effects of ibogaine on morphine and cocaine self-administration even though ibogaine is mostly eliminated from the body in several hours. These observations have suggested that a metabolite may mediate some of the effects of ibogaine. Recently, noribogaine was identified as a metabolite of ibogaine. Accordingly, the present study sought to determine, in rats, whether noribogaine had pharmacological effects mimicking those of ibogaine. Noribogaine (40 mg/kg) was found to decrease morphine and cocaine self-administration, reduce the locomotor stimulant effect of morphine, and decrease extracellular levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and striatum. All of these effects were similar to effects previously observed with ibogaine (40 mg/kg); however, noribogaine did not induce any ibogaine-like tremors. The results suggest that noribogaine may be a mediator of ibogaine's putative anti-addictive effects.