Clinical and forensic aspects of ibogaine
Open Repository of the University of Porto (University of Porto) May 28, 2020 Ana Catarina Freitas Belo
Ibogaine, a natural alkaloid from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, has been used to treat substance abuse but is illegal in several countries due to hallucinogenic and cardiotoxic effects. It acts on multiple sites in the central nervous system and heart, which may explain its efficacy in reducing drug-seeking behavior and opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, over 30 deaths since 1990 are linked to ibogaine, likely from cardiac effects. Contributing factors include the long half-life of its active metabolite noribogaine, accumulation in adipose tissue, and poor metabolizer status. Further study of ibogaine's medical uses and adverse effects is needed.