Ibogamine

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Ibogaine
• Psychedelic therapy
• Tabernanthe iboga

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