European journal of pharmacology
December 15, 2006
Roman Paškulin, Polona Jamnik, Marko Živin et al.
24 citations
Ibogaine, an alkaloid from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, reduces withdrawal symptoms in animal models of drug addiction, and its effects outlast its presence in the body, suggesting lasting metabolic changes. In rats given a single 20 mg/kg dose, brain protein analysis at 24 and 72 hours revealed increased levels of key energy-metabolism enzymes: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, aldolase A, pyruvate kinase, and malate dehydrogenase. These enzymes are involved in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The findings indicate that ibogaine's anti-addiction effects may arise from enhanced energy availability, supporting cellular changes needed for detoxification and reversal of drug tolerance.
Journal of ethnopharmacology
August 30, 2012
Roman Paškulin, Polona Jamnik, Tjaša Danevčič et al.
19 citations
Ibogaine, a compound from the iboga plant, temporarily increases cellular energy consumption and carbon dioxide production in a dose-dependent manner, as shown in a yeast model. This energy mobilization paradoxically reduces the ATP pool while simultaneously lowering overall oxidative load. Ibogaine does not act as a direct antioxidant but instead stimulates the cell's own oxidative stress defense systems, leading to metabolic remodeling. The initial energy cost results in improved efficiency of antioxidative systems, reduced oxidative damage, and lower basal metabolic needs. This new metabolic equilibrium saves energy and makes it readily available for extra demands, suggesting benefits for health, stress resistance, and recovery from diseases including addiction.
Journal of ethnopharmacology
April 22, 2015
Aleksandra Nikolić-kokić, Zorana Oreščanin-dušić, Ivan Spasojević et al.
15 citations
Ibogaine, a natural alkaloid from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, has been used for centuries in West African traditions and is known for anti-addictive effects. In human red blood cells treated in the lab, ibogaine increased ATP levels in blood plasma without altering cell membrane flexibility or uric acid. It boosted activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD1 at both 10 and 20 µM doses, and at the higher dose also increased glutathione reductase activity. Ibogaine protected SOD1 from damage by hydrogen peroxide. These results suggest ibogaine supports energy metabolism and acts as a pro-antioxidant by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, potentially helping cells adapt to oxidative stress.
European journal of pharmacology
February 10, 2010
Roman Paškulin, Polona Jamnik, Natasa Obermajer et al.
13 citations
Ibogaine, known for its anti-addictive effects, alters energy metabolism in a way that is not species- or tissue-specific. In yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) grown with 1 mg/l ibogaine for 5 hours, enzymes involved in energy production—glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase, enolase, and alcohol dehydrogenase—were induced. This induction compensates for a drop in ATP levels observed after ibogaine exposure. The effect occurs without involvement of receptors, which are absent in yeast, indicating a direct metabolic influence rather than receptor-mediated action.
Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity
January 1, 2018
Zorana Oreščanin-dušić, Nikola Tatalović, Teodora Vidonja-Uzelac et al.
7 citations
Ibogaine, an alkaloid from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, alters uterine muscle activity in a concentration-dependent way. Low concentrations stimulate spontaneous contractions, while higher doses inhibit them. Inhibitory doses reduce SOD1 activity and increase GSH-Px activity; complete inhibition raises CAT activity. These enzyme changes are due to posttranslational modifications, not altered protein levels, and point to a large rise in hydrogen peroxide. Since extracellular ATP stimulates uterine contractions and hydrogen peroxide inhibits them, ibogaine's dual effect likely stems from its known impact on cellular ATP levels and redox balance.