There has been no proven safety data. Ibogaine has not been studied systematically, nor has it been used in humans for long-term treatment.
Ibogaine is a natural alkaloid derived from the African plant tabernanthe iboga. It has been used in several African cultures for healing purposes, including the Bwiti religion, which uses it for ritual purification.
Ibogaine is sold as an over-the-counter ‘legal high’, under the name of ‘ibogaine’. However, this is only legal in Germany. Other names include ‘Nirvanol’ and ‘Ibogaine’ and can also be found online under the names ‘ibogaine’, ‘iboga’, ‘ibogan’ and ‘ibogamine’. The chemical Ibogaine structure of ibogaine is very similar to that of dopamine, which is one of the neurotransmitters in the brain. Dopamine is known to be responsible for the control of emotions such as euphoria and happiness.
It was originally thought that ibogaine had a stimulant effect. However, later studies showed that it actually produced a sedative effect and is therefore used to treat depression. Another study found that it inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.