A narrative review of the pharmacological, cultural and psychological literature on ibogaine
Journal of Psychedelic Studies January 1, 2021 Martie S. Underwood, Stephen J. Bright, B. Les Lancaster 8 citations
Ibogaine, a psychoactive alkaloid from the West African plant Tabernanthe iboga, shows preliminary evidence of effectiveness for treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder. This narrative review examines pharmacological, cultural, and psychological aspects of ibogaine that may contribute to its reputed effectiveness, focusing on the ibogaine state of consciousness. While exact pharmacological mechanisms remain speculative, the literature highlights ibogaine's role as an NMDA antagonist. Cultural aspects raise questions about participants' worldviews in traditional and Western contexts.