Central nervous system activity of a Tabernaemontana arborea alkaloid extract involves serotonergic and opioidergic neurotransmission in murine models.
Fitoterapia September 1, 2023 M E González-trujano, N Páez-martínez, F Krengel et al. 4 citations
An alkaloid extract from the root bark of the Mexican tree Tabernaemontana arborea contains several monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, including voacangine, ibogaine, vobasine, coronaridine, and ibogamine. In murine models, the extract produced dose- and receptor-dependent antidepressant-like effects at low doses (0.1 to 1 mg/kg) via 5-HT1A receptors and antinociceptive effects at higher doses (30 and 56.2 mg/kg) via opioid receptors, without impairing motor coordination, ambulatory activity, or memory. Electroencephalography showed central nervous system depressant activity at the highest doses. The alkaloid mixture may hold therapeutic value for pain relief and psychiatric conditions without neurotoxic effects at effective doses.