An analytical study of iboga alkaloids contained in Tabernanthe iboga-derived products offered by ibogaine treatment providers

Abstract

Background: Therapeutic properties of ibogaine in the treatment of addiction are attracting both clinicians and patients to its use. Since ibogaine is not an authorized medicine, the quality of these products is not always known, increasing the probability of adverse reactions. Objective: This study collects different types of iboga-derived samples from treatment providers, vendors and online buyers to analyse their content. Methods: Analysis of iboga products (n = 16) was performed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry methods (GC/MS). Products included Iboga root bark, Total Alkaloids (TA), Purified Total Alkaloids (PTA HCl), ibogaine hydrochloride (ibogaine HCl) and one Voacanga africana root bark. Results: The content of ibogaine was highly variable, ranging from 0.6% to 11.2% for products sold as iboga root bark, from 8.2% to 32.9% for products sold as TA, 73.7% for one sample sold as PTA and from 61.5% to 73.4% for products sold as ibogaine HCl. One sample did not show any iboga alkaloids. Other alkaloids and unknown substances were found in almost all samples. Discussion: The purity of iboga products is highly variable. These results should be taken into consideration by suppliers and users, especially regarding correct dosing to avoid overdose, as well as potential interactions with other substances.

Underground ibogaine use for the treatment of substance use disorders: A qualitative analysis of subjective experiences

“…Furthermore, our study brings attention to a difficult reality: because of the legal status of ibogaine in some countries, some participants involve themselves in highly risky para-medical situations in order to overcome their SUDs. Some countries, like New Zealand and South Africa, have recently legalised ibogaine as a prescription medicine precisely as a harm reduction strategy [38].…”

Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—Ibogaine

“…Ibogaine is an oneirogen-from the Greek words óneiros ("dream") and gen ("to create")-alkaloid typically derived from the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga or the Voacanga africana plants. 2,4 The root bark of the iboga tree, which is native to the west coast of central Africa, has a long history of use in spiritual, medicinal, and rite of passage ceremonies in the Bwiti spiritual tradition of Gabon and Cameroon. 5 The first documented use of iboga in the West was by French explorers in the late 1800s.…”

“…5 During this time, ibogaine was also gaining attention for its potential to treat addictions. 2,6,7 Chemistry and mechanism of action Ibogaine's chemical structure consists of a complex tricyclic indole molecule with an isoquinuclidine moiety. The molecule contains a nitrogen atom that is able to form hydrogen bonds and act as a proton acceptor, contributing to its ability to interact with various neurotransmitter receptors in the brain.…”

Evaluating the toxicity and therapeutic potential of ibogaine in the treatment of chronic opioid abuse

“…Most patients were at an increased risk for adverse events due to use of supra-therapeutic and sometimes toxic ibogaine doses, concomitant use of CYP2D6inhibitors or QT-prolonging drugs, polydrug abuse or alcohol withdrawal, presence of cardiovascular disease and other predisposing comorbidities, and/or electrolyte dysbalances (Mg ++ and K + ). Furthermore, impure, crude alkaloidal extracts or adulterated drug product was used in many cases [15].…”