Anti-addiction drug ibogaine inhibits hERG channels: a cardiac arrhythmia risk.
Xaver Koenig, Michael Kovar, Stefan Boehm, Walter Sandtner, Karlheinz Hilber
Addiction biology March 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00447.x via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractTherapeutic concentrations of ibogaine, an alkaloid from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga used in alternative medicine for its anti-addictive properties, reduce currents through human ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channels. This provides a mechanism by which ibogaine may generate life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, consistent with anecdotal evidence that it can disturb heart rhythm.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Human cells |
| Intervention | Ibogaine |
| Dose | therapeutic concentrations |
| Topics | Ibogaine |
| Keywords | Anti-addiction drug Qt interval prolongation Herg potassium channels Indole alkaloid Ibogaine safety: ibogaine |
| Citations | 50 |
| Key finding | Therapeutic concentrations of ibogaine reduce currents through human ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channels, providing a mechanism for potential life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. |
Abstract
Ibogaine, an alkaloid derived from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, has shown promising anti-addictive properties in animals. Anecdotal evidence suggests that ibogaine is also anti-addictive in humans. Thus, it alleviates drug craving and impedes relapse of drug use. Although not licensed as therapeutic drug, and despite evidence that ibogaine may disturb the rhythm of the heart, this alkaloid is currently used as an anti-addiction drug in alternative medicine. Here, we report that therapeutic concentrations of ibogaine reduce currents through human ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channels. Thereby, we provide a mechanism by which ibogaine may generate life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.