The Efficacy and Safety of Ibogaine Treatment for Substance Use Disorders - A Narrative Review
Milena Majchrzyk, Weronika Walendziak, Magdalena Ostaszewska, Damian Zienkiewicz, Gabriela Makulec, Karolina Domosud, Natalia Mordal, Kacper Ściebura, Wiktoria Wiśniewska, Anna Malczyk
Quality in Sport April 2, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.12775/qs.2026.54.69942 via OpenAlex
Summary
Ibogaine, an indole alkaloid from Tabernanthe iboga, shows potential in treating substance use disorders like opioid, cocaine, and alcohol dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, there are serious safety concerns, particularly related to cardiotoxicity, including QT prolongation and fatal arrhythmias. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are recommended to better assess its efficacy and safety.
Study at a glance
| Design | narrative review |
|---|---|
| Population | studies on substance use disorders including opioid, cocaine, and alcohol dependence |
| Key finding | Ibogaine shows promising potential in treating substance use disorders but raises significant safety concerns. |
Abstract
Introduction and aim of the study. Substance use disorders, including opioid, cocaine, and alcohol dependence, represent a significant global health challenge with high relapse rates despite existing treatments. Ibogaine, a naturally occurring indole alkaloid derived from Tabernanthe iboga, has attracted increasing scientific interest due to its reported ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibogaine in the treatment of substance use disorders and to determine its therapeutic potential. Materials and methods. The paper is based on an analysis of studies available in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific databases. Observational studies, retrospective surveys, controlled trials, and review papers on the use of ibogaine in the context of opioid, cocaine, and alcohol dependence were used. Conclusions. Ibogaine, due to its modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems, shows promising potential in the treatment of substance use disorders. However, serious safety concerns exist, particularly cardiotoxicity manifesting as QT prolongation and potentially fatal arrhythmias. It is advisable to conduct further large-scale randomized controlled trials aimed at a more thorough evaluation of the efficacy and safety of ibogaine in the treatment of addiction.