Ibogaine: History |
Ibogaine is derived from the rain-forest shrub Tabernanthe iboga, which grows in West Africa. The people of Gabon have used the root of this plant for centuries for medicinal purposes and in tribal initiation ceremonies, of the Bwiti religion.
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The pharmacological properties of ibogaine have been researched for over 100 years. In fact, ibogaine was marketed in France under the trade name Lambarene until 1970 and used for its generalized effects on the body and promoting a sense of well being. Today, ibogaine is extracted from the root of the iboga shrub and is being studied and tested for the treatment of substance abuse. Preliminary scientific studies at Universities and Medical Centers in the Americas and Europe have shown that Ibogaine reduces morphine self-administration, alleviates opiate withdrawal symptoms and significantly decreases the desire for cocaine and heroin. |
Ibogaine: Anti-Addictive Properties |
Ibogaine has anti-addictive properties. Research further suggests that ibogaine may return the individual's physical and psychological state to a pre-addictive state. Anecdotal reports show immediate reduction in drug cravings, no -- or highly limited -- withdrawal symptoms and greater self-control. While studies are still preliminary, the results to date offer tremendous hope.
Patients maintained on methadone have been able to abruptly stop their methadone intake after only a single dose of ibogaine with only minor symptoms.
At present, ibogaine is not approved for use in the United States or elsewhere. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved the use of Ibogaine for research in limited clinical trials in the United States. This is the first step in the drug approval process. Ibogaine has not been approved by the FDA to be dispensed to the public.
At the present time -- within the United States -- ibogaine is Schedule I. It is also a controlled substance in Sweden, Belgium and Switzerland. Ibogaine's legal status in the rest of the world is that of an unlicensed, experimental medication.