Ibogamine

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Ibogamine is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in a number of plants, most notably the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Ibogamine is a tryptamine alkaloid which has been used in traditional African medicine for centuries for its wide range of therapeutic effects.

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Ibogamine is chemically classified as a tryptamine alkaloid, which is a class of compounds derived from the amino acid tryptophan. It is structurally similar to other tryptamine alkaloids such as psilocybin and DMT. Ibogamine is a chiral compound with two stereocenters, which means it has four different stereoisomers.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Ibogamine acts as a moderate agonist for the 5-HT2A receptor, which is thought to be the primary target of psychedelic drugs. It also acts as a weak antagonist for the NMDA receptor, which is involved in learning and memory. In addition, ibogamine has been found to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, which may contribute to its psychoactive effects.

Medical uses[edit | edit source]

In traditional African medicine, ibogamine has been used for a variety of purposes, including as a stimulant, a hallucinogen, and a treatment for narcotic addiction. More recently, it has been investigated for its potential use in treating opioid addiction. However, the safety and efficacy of ibogamine for this purpose have not been conclusively established, and its use remains controversial.

Safety[edit | edit source]

The safety of ibogamine is not well established. It has been associated with serious side effects, including cardiotoxicity and potentially fatal arrhythmias. As a result, it is not recommended for use in individuals with heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions. In addition, because ibogamine is a potent hallucinogen, it can cause severe psychological effects, including anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.

Legal status[edit | edit source]

The legal status of ibogamine varies by country. In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess without a license. In other countries, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, it is legal to possess for personal use, but illegal to sell or distribute.

See also[edit | edit source]

Ibogamine Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD