From the Research
Mechanism of Action of Ibogaine
The mechanism of action of ibogaine is complex and involves the modulation of multiple receptor systems, leading to potential synergies. Some of the key targets associated with its putative anti-addictive effects include:
- α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) [ 1 ]
- Kappa opioid receptors [ 2, 3 ]
- N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors [ 2, 3 ]
- Serotonin uptake sites [ 2, 3 ]
- Sigma-2 receptors [ 2 ]
- Muscarinic receptors [ 3 ]
- Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin uptake sites [ 3 ]
Pharmacological Profile
Ibogaine interacts with a wide variety of receptors at concentrations of 1-100 microM, including:
- Mu, delta, kappa, opiate receptors [ 3 ]
- 5HT2, 5HT3 receptors [ 3 ]
- NMDA associated ion and sodium ion channels [ 3 ]
Metabolism and Long-Term Effects
Ibogaine is rapidly metabolized in the body to noribogaine [ 4 ], which may contribute to its long-term effects. The slow release of ibogaine from fat tissue and its conversion to noribogaine may mediate its long-term effects [ 2 ].
Multiple Mechanisms of Action
The receptor binding profile of ibogaine suggests that multiple mechanisms of action are responsible for its putative anti-addictive activity [ 3 ]. Different receptors, or combinations of receptors, may mediate interactions of ibogaine with different drugs of abuse [ 2 ].