1
|
Brody DL, Siddiqi SH. An ancient psychedelic for traumatic brain injury. Nat Med 2024; 30:342-343. [PMID: 38287167 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David L Brody
- Department of Neurology, Military Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Shan H Siddiqi
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital (BWH), BWH Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, BWH Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rocha JM, Reis JAS, Bouso JC, Hallak JEC, Dos Santos RG. Identifying setting factors associated with improved ibogaine safety: a systematic review of clinical studies. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1527-1542. [PMID: 36947216 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the west-African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. Western cultures are increasing the interest for the substance due to its claimed anti addictive properties, although the evidence supporting this effect is still preliminary. The use of ibogaine often occurs with no medical supervision in uncontrolled settings, and its use has been associated with several reports of severe adverse events. This review aims to evaluate the clinical studies of ibogaine, with a focus on administration settings, to elucidate specific criteria that may promote safer contexts for ibogaine use. A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scielo, ClinicalTrials.gov and Core.ac.uk electronic databases were searched, and clinical studies published until November 17, 2022, were retrieved. The final synthesis included 12 sources. Information about general characteristics of the studies, adverse effects, screening of participants and setting characteristics were summarized and discussed. It is concluded that the use of controlled settings, supported by trained professionals and equipment allowing for rigorous medical, psychiatric, and cardiac monitoring, are essential to promote the safety of patients receiving ibogaine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Mendes Rocha
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, RibeirãoPreto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José A S Reis
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, RibeirãoPreto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, RibeirãoPreto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, RibeirãoPreto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Ribeirão Preto-São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, RibeirãoPreto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain.
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Ribeirão Preto-São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Straub CJ, Rusali LE, Kremiller KM, Riley AP. What We Have Gained from Ibogaine: α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Inhibitors as Treatments for Substance Use Disorders. J Med Chem 2023; 66:107-121. [PMID: 36440853 PMCID: PMC10034762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For decades, ibogaine─the main psychoactive alkaloid found in Tabernanthe iboga─has been investigated as a possible treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) due to its purported ability to interrupt the addictive properties of multiple drugs of abuse. Of the numerous pharmacological actions of ibogaine and its derivatives, the inhibition of α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), represents a probable mechanism of action for their apparent anti-addictive activity. In this Perspective, we examine several classes of compounds that have been discovered and developed to target α3β4 nAChRs. Specifically, by focusing on compounds that have proven efficacious in pre-clinical models of drug abuse and have been evaluated clinically, we highlight the promising potential of the α3β4 nAChRs as viable targets to treat a wide array of SUDs. Additionally, we discuss the challenges faced by the existing classes of α3β4 nAChR ligands that must be overcome to develop them into therapeutic treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Straub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Lisa E Rusali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Kyle M Kremiller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Andrew P Riley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mosca A, Chiappini S, Miuli A, Mancusi G, Santovito MC, Di Carlo F, Pettorruso M, Corkery JM, Canessa C, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M. Ibogaine/Noribogaine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2178-2194. [PMID: 36263479 PMCID: PMC10556383 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221017085612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ibogaine and noribogaine are psychedelic substances with dissociative properties naturally occurring in plants of the Apocynaceae family. Research has shown their efficacy in treating substance use disorders (SUD), particularly in opiate detoxification, but their efficacy and toxicity are still unclear. OBJECTIVE This review aims to assess the anti-addictive role of ibogaine and evaluate its side effects. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted on the 29th of November 2021 using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases through the following search strategy: ("Ibogaine" OR "Noribogaine") AND ("SUD" OR "substance use disorder" OR "craving" OR "abstinence" OR "withdrawal" OR "addiction" OR "detoxification") NOT animal NOT review NOT "vitro." The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was followed for data gathering purposes. Research methods were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021287034). RESULTS Thirty-one articles were selected for the systematic revision, and two were considered for analysis. The results were organised according to the type of study: case reports/case series, randomised- controlled trials (RCTs), open-label, survey and observational studies. The main outcomes were related to the anti-addictive effect of ibogaine and its cardiac toxicity. A meta-analysis of side effects was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software, showing a significant risk of developing headaches after ibogaine/noribogaine treatment. CONCLUSION The results show some efficacy of ibogaine in the treatment of SUDs, but its cardiotoxicity and mortality are worrying. Further studies are needed to assess its therapeutic efficacy and actual safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Mosca
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Andrea Miuli
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mancusi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Santovito
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Carlo
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
| | - John M. Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK
| | | | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Massimo Di Giannantonio
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ona G, Rocha JM, Bouso JC, Hallak JEC, Borràs T, Colomina MT, Dos Santos RG. The adverse events of ibogaine in humans: an updated systematic review of the literature (2015-2020). Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1977-1987. [PMID: 34406452 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ibogaine is the main alkaloid of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. It produces hallucinogenic and psychostimulant effects, but it is currently known for the anti-addictive properties. Despite the potential therapeutic effects, several cases of fatalities and serious adverse events related to ibogaine/noribogaine use can be found in the literature. Most studies consist in case reports or were conducted under non-controlled settings, so causation cannot be clearly established. OBJECTIVES To update (2015-2020) the literature on the adverse events and fatalities associated with ibogaine/noribogaine administration. METHODS Systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). RESULTS Eighteen studies were included in the final selection. Highly heterogeneous results were found in terms of kind of product used or the known dosages. The adverse events were classified in acute effects (< 24 h), mainly cardiac (the most common was QTc prolongation), gastrointestinal, neurological, and clinical alterations, and long-lasting effects (> 24 h), mainly persistent cardiac alterations, psychiatric, and neurological signs. CONCLUSIONS There is a high need of phase I clinical trials that can describe the safety of different dosages of ibogaine with standardized products. Further research should perform clinical profiling of vulnerable populations, and design effective screening methods and clinical procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genís Ona
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Juliana Mendes Rocha
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 3900, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 3900, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tre Borràs
- Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus. Servei de Drogodependències I Salut Mental. Pla D'Accions Sobre Drogues de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Rafael G Dos Santos
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 3900, Brazil.
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kohek M, Ohren M, Hornby P, Alcázar‐Córcoles MÁ, Bouso JC. The Ibogaine Experience: A Qualitative Study on the Acute Subjective Effects of Ibogaine. ANTHROPOLOGY OF CONSCIOUSNESS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/anoc.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Kohek
- ICEERS Foundation (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service)
| | - Maurice Ohren
- ICEERS Foundation (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service)
- Universitätsklinikum Bonn
| | | | | | - José Carlos Bouso
- ICEERS Foundation (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Corkery JM. Ibogaine as a treatment for substance misuse: Potential benefits and practical dangers. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 242:217-257. [PMID: 30471681 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ibogaine is an indole alkaloid found in the root bark of the Iboga shrub native to west Africa possessing hallucinogenic properties. For centuries it has been used in religious ceremonies and to gain spiritual enlightenment. However, since the early 1960s, its apparent ability to reduce craving for psychoactive substances including alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, and nicotine has led to its use in detoxification treatments. In many instances, clients receive treatment in non-medical settings, with little by way of robust scientific clinical trials. This chapter provides an overview of the potential benefits that could arise from such research. This is balanced against the serious adverse effects that can occur due to undiagnosed health conditions and/or concomitant use of other drugs. A detailed update is provided of the 33 deaths known to have occurred, including 5 in the UK. Looking forward, there is a need to develop better opiate detoxification treatment against a background of increasing opioid-related fatalities. A congener of ibogaine, 18-MC, appears to be safer and is to undergo clinical trials. In the meantime, would-be consumers and treatment providers must make more careful, detailed risk-assessments before using ibogaine. Treatment outcomes, including deaths, need to be accurately recorded and published.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wilkins C, dos Santos RG, Solá J, Aixalá M, Cura P, Moreno E, Alcázar-Córcoles MÁ, Hallak JEC, Bouso JC. Detoxification from methadone using low, repeated, and increasing doses of ibogaine: A case report. JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.01.2017.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael G. dos Santos
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Services, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology – Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jordi Solá
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Services, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Aixalá
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Services, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pep Cura
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Services, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estefanía Moreno
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Services, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Alcázar-Córcoles
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime E. C. Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology – Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Services, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
dos Santos RG, Bouso JC, Hallak JEC. The antiaddictive effects of ibogaine: A systematic literature review of human studies. JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.01.2016.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael G. dos Santos
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service, Barcelona, Spain
- National Institute of Science and Technology – Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaime E. C. Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology – Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schep LJ, Slaughter RJ, Galea S, Newcombe D. Ibogaine for treating drug dependence. What is a safe dose? Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 166:1-5. [PMID: 27426011 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The indole alkaloid ibogaine, present in the root bark of the West African rain forest shrub Tabernanthe iboga, has been adopted in the West as a treatment for drug dependence. Treatment of patients requires large doses of the alkaloid to cause hallucinations, an alleged integral part of the patient's treatment regime. However, case reports and case series continue to describe evidences of ataxia, gastrointestinal distress, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden and unexplained deaths of patients undergoing treatment for drug dependence. High doses of ibogaine act on several classes of neurological receptors and transporters to achieve pharmacological responses associated with drug aversion; limited toxicology research suggests that intraperitoneal doses used to successfully treat rodents, for example, have also been shown to cause neuronal injury (purkinje cells) in the rat cerebellum. Limited research suggests lethality in rodents by the oral route can be achieved at approximately 263mg/kg body weight. To consider an appropriate and safe initial dose for humans, necessary safety factors need to be applied to the animal data; these would include factors such as intra- and inter-species variability and for susceptible people in a population (such as drug users). A calculated initial dose to treat patients could be approximated at 0.87mg/kg body weight, substantially lower than those presently being administered to treat drug users. Morbidities and mortalities will continue to occur unless practitioners reconsider doses being administered to their susceptible patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L J Schep
- National Poisons Centre, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - R J Slaughter
- National Poisons Centre, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - S Galea
- Community Alcohol and Drug Services, Waitemata DHB, New Zealand; Social and Community Health and Centre for Addiction Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Newcombe
- Social and Community Health and Centre for Addiction Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|