Clinical and forensic aspects of ibogaine
Open Repository of the University of Porto (University of Porto) May 28, 2020 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.34626/bd58-ec46 via OpenAlex
Summary
Ibogaine, derived from the Tabernanthe iboga shrub, has shown potential in reducing drug-seeking behavior and alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, its use has been linked to over 30 deaths since 1990 due to cardiotoxic effects. Factors contributing to these adverse outcomes include ibogaine's long half-life, accumulation in fat tissue, and variations in metabolism among individuals. Further research is needed to explore both the medical applications and risks associated with ibogaine.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Ibogaine has been associated with more than 30 deaths since 1990 due to its effects on cardiac receptors. |
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Abstract
Ibogaine is a natural indole alkaloid derived from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga used in the treatment of psychoactive substance abuse. There has been made an extensive search regarding ibogaine's historical context, clinical and forensic features. Ibogaine's consumption was made illegal in several countries due to its hallucinogenic and cardiotoxic effects. It has shown to act on a variety of sites in the central nervous system and in the heart. Most of these mechanisms seem to explain ibogaine's efficacy in decreasing drug-seeking behavior and opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, it has been related to more than 30 deaths since 1990 which seem to be caused by the effects in cardiac receptors. Many factors appear to explain ibogaine late effects including the long half-life of its active metabolite, noribogaine; accumulation of ibogaine in adipose tissue; and the existence of poor metabolizers. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the potential medical uses of ibogaine as well as its adverse effects.