Ibogaine: Traditional but effective alkaloid against addiction

In today’s world, the number of people addicted to various drugs is increasing day by day. Having number of synthetic solutions does not always show results. They sometimes fail to give a lasting effect and the drug addictions recur leading to a higher level of dependency and complications. There has been one substance which has been used for decades, which show natural properties against drug addiction. This substance known as Ibogaine is mostly used to give treatments for those having addictions. To summarize it, we can say that this substance is known for its anti addictive and hallucinogenic properties. The results are faster than most of the other anti addictive solutions and last long too. Let’s have a look at these properties in details-

Origin and traditional usage:

Ibogaine is a psychoactive indole alkaloid, which occurs naturally. It is normally known to be a nerve stimulant and it is taken from the roots,stems and leaves of an African rain forest shrub known as Tabernathe iboga. It was isolated from the plant around 1900s and then synthesized to show its properties after the 1960s. The indigenous people of Western Africa called as Bwiti, use this alkaloid traditionally since a long time. But the main reason behind their usage is fight against hunger, as they face shortage of food, combat thirst and overcome fatigue. They also used it to stay calm and alert during stalking game. The dosage for these purposes is usually low, but it is also used in higher dosages as a part of spiritual ceremonies.

It is a white substance which is powdery and it shows effect mostly by being a dopamine blocker. The cravings for drugs is reduced majorly by it acting as a reducer for dependency on cocaine and heroin

One more type of this alkaloid is Lambarene. This was prescribed usually in cases of infectious diseases, depression or mental exertion. But lambarene was banned from the market around 1967 and all the related products were prohibited too.

Anti addiction properties:

The span for which it was used as a solution to drug dependency is pretty short but it is believed to be one of the best option for reducing opioid dependency, especially that of heroin.  Along with the dependency, it also reduced the cravings post the treatment for opioids, cocaine and even alcohol.

The Ibogaine Research Project:

After the use of this alkaloid was reduced in 1967, it was being used later too but not as widely. This research project carried out a study with 300 treatment cases between 1996 and 2003. The results were published in reviewed journals and the efficiency of this alkaloid against drug dependency came to the forefront again.

It was then again affirmed that this alkaloid also helps to retain the affected individual’s physical as well as psychological being to the state before the addiction. There is a substantial decrease in cravings after the treatment and low amount of withdrawal symptoms which include tremors, hyperactivity, uneasiness anxiety or pale and slow movements, no response etc.