Recent research suggests that ibogaine-assisted therapy may be useful for different conditions. But what substance is this? Find it out!

In the scene of psychedelic research, ibogaine emerges as a fascinating substance! It has attracted the attention of scientists, therapists and the curious looking for innovative alternatives to address mental health challenges and problematic substance use.

Extracted from the root of the iboga plant, originally from Central Africa, ibogaine has a rich history in traditional ritual practices. More recently, it has been explored for its promising therapeutic properties. And unfortunately, saying that it is being exploited is quite literal: like other substances sacred to traditional people, the history of ibogaine is a testament that colonialism continues to victimize different native groups around the world.

Today, we're going to talk a little more about this substance, delving into its origins, exploring its therapeutic potential and examining the most recent research on it. So, we hope to help you deeply understand how ibogaine can play a crucial role in the field of mental health — but how its studies and uses should be treated with respect.

Shall we explore all this?

WHAT IS IBOGAINE?

Ibogaine is a psychedelic alkaloid substance found in the root of the Tabernanthe iboga plant, native to central Africa. Traditionally, it has been used in ritual practices and religious ceremonies by indigenous communities. These ceremonies often involve ingesting iboga root as a means of seeking spiritual insights, healing, and guidance.

Initially used by the Pygmies, the original group from Gabon, Iboga was introduced to others, such as the Bantu and Fang, through the Bwiti. Bwiti, an animist practice, is based on the cult of ancestors. In it, iboga is used in initiation and healing rituals to promote community healing and spiritual growth. Certain Bwiti sects, such as the Fang, incorporate elements of Christianity out of necessity for assimilation during colonization. In southern Cameroon, he is known as Ziliang or Mimbiri.

Throughout the 20th century, Catholicism stigmatized the Bwiti. In recent years, the conservative evangelical church has become the main threat, being considered evil by Gabon's Christian majority. Despite some respect for these traditional practices, a widespread attitude of fear and contempt persists, undermining efforts to conserve and protect the Bwiti and iboga.

In terms of research, ibogaine continues to be the subject of scientific studies. They seek to better understand its effects, safety and potential therapeutic applications. Therefore, it is essential to approach ibogaine with caution and respect — due to its powerful nature, the ancestral knowledge related to it, and the challenges associated with its use!

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF IBOGAINE?

Ibogaine produces long-lasting psychedelic and dissociative effects. Studies show that, when ingested, this alkaloid interacts with different parts of our central nervous system. They include dopaminergic, serotonergic, nicotinic, GABA, and muscarinic receptors.

After ingesting ibogaine, its psychedelic effects usually begin to appear within a few hours. They are divided into three phases:

visionary phase: This first phase takes effect within one to three hours of ingesting ibogaine. Users generally keep their eyes closed during this phase, which can last between four and eight hours;

introspection phase: can begin within four to eight hours of ingesting ibogaine. It typically lasts eight to twenty hours and is characterized by reflective emotions and powerful insights;

residual phase: about 12 to 24 hours after first ingesting the plant, the effects of ibogaine diminish in the residual phase. At this stage, there is a decrease in alertness levels and an increase in the need for sleep.

Negative effects include nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, temporary paralysis and even a heart attack. Therefore, its use is delicate and should only be done in specific contexts.

THERAPEUTIC USE OF IBOGAINE AND POSSIBLE BENEFITS

Most of the research involving ibogaine focuses on its use in treating problematic drug relationships. Although the exact mechanism of ibogaine's anti-addictive effects is still unclear, initial studies suggest that it influences nicotinic receptors, opioid receptors, and dopamine and serotonin transporters.

A 2016 study involved 30 opioid-using participants who were given approximately 12 mg/kg of ibogaine. The results were evaluated 12 months later. One month after treatment, half of the participants reported not having used opioids. In the twelfth month, seven participants managed to avoid using opioids.

Researchers have determined that ibogaine is not a cure for addiction. Instead, it stops the addiction.

THE PROBLEMS AROUND THE EXPLORATION OF IBOGAINE

According to the social organization Blessings of The Forest (BOTF), dedicated to conserving Gabon's cultural and natural heritage, 95% of iboga and ibogaine sold online comes from plants that were stolen from protected forests by poachers and sold to consumers in the West. And, far beyond the issue of theft, there is also the problem of cultural appropriation and the general lack of reciprocity with Gabonese communities.

Psychedelic retreats, often led by white people, are becoming increasingly popular on the American continent. While some Gabonese feel that the alliance of foreigners will help protect Iboga and destigmatize it within and outside Gabon, there is also justified concern that Bwiti and Iboga are being exploited.

Colonization established a foundation of fear and distrust of foreigners—and colonization did not end. After all, as we already know, the so-called “psychedelic renaissance” is full of colonialist practices. This happens with different sacred elements, from ayahuasca to magic mushrooms, peyote, the Bufo alvarius frog, and many others.

Author Jullian Mulligan, in DoubleBlind Magazine, writes: “True reciprocity is not just about moving the source of obtaining medicine from your native region to a laboratory, but also about recognizing and respecting the community where iboga comes from and sharing with this community the economic benefits arising from the rapid expansion of the ibogaine treatment market. Without this, colonization patterns will continue.”

So, did you like this information? We hope they help you understand the importance of preserving local cultures, which deserve our respect.