Ibogaine affects brain energy metabolism.
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.