European journal of pharmacology
December 15, 2006
Roman Paskulin, Polona Jamnik, Marko Zivin 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.
European journal of pharmacology
February 10, 2010
Roman Paskulin, 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.