Tabernanthe

Tabernanthe is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Gabon and Cameroon. The genus contains two species, namely Tabernanthe iboga and Tabernanthe elliptica.

Description

The plants of the Tabernanthe genus are small, perennial shrubs. They are characterized by their elliptical leaves and small, yellowish-white flowers. The fruit of these plants is a drupe, which is a type of fruit with a single stone or seed.

Species

The genus Tabernanthe includes the following species:

• Tabernanthe iboga - This species is known for its use in traditional medicine and religious practices in Central Africa. The root bark contains a number of alkaloids, including ibogaine, which has been studied for its potential use in treating addiction to opioids.

• Tabernanthe elliptica - This species is less well-known and less studied than T. iboga. It is also native to Central Africa.

Uses

The most well-known use of Tabernanthe is in the production of ibogaine, a psychoactive compound found in T. iboga. In traditional African medicine, the root bark of this plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, fatigue, and as a general health tonic. It is also used in religious ceremonies for its psychoactive effects.

In recent years, there has been interest in the potential use of ibogaine in the treatment of addiction, particularly to opioids. However, its use is controversial due to concerns about its safety and legality.

See also

• Apocynaceae
• Psychoactive plants
• Traditional African medicine

External links

• Tabernanthe at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Tabernanthe Resources
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