In Vivo Neurobiological Effects of Ibogaine and Its O-Desmethyl Metabolite, 12-Hydroxyibogamine (Noribogaine), in Rats
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics May 1, 2001 Michael H. Baumann, Richard B. Rothman, John Pablo et al. 69 citations
Ibogaine, a compound with potential anti-addiction properties, is rapidly converted in the body to noribogaine. In rats, intravenous ibogaine caused dose-related tremors, while noribogaine did not. Both compounds raised stress hormones (corticosterone and prolactin), but ibogaine was more potent for corticosterone. Neither altered dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, but both increased extracellular serotonin, with noribogaine being about 10 times more potent as an indirect serotonin agonist. In vitro tests showed both inhibit serotonin uptake. Noribogaine appears biologically active and less likely to cause adverse effects, suggesting it may be a safer alternative for medication development.