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    targets ibogaine effects

    Targets of Ibogaine Associated with Anti-addictive Effects

    09.11.2023

    Main targets of ibogaine and noribogaine associated with its putative anti-addictive effects: A mechanistic overview

    Authors:
    Genís Oña, Ingrid Reverte, Giordano N. Rossi, Rafael G. dos Santos, Jaime E. C. Hallak, Maria Teresa Colomina, and José Carlos Bouso.

    Journal:
    Journal of Psychopharmacology

    Year:
    2023

     

    About the study

    The paper provides a detailed review of the pharmacological actions of ibogaine and its metabolite noribogaine, highlighting their potential in treating substance use disorders. It emphasizes the need to understand ibogaine’s effects through its interaction with multiple biological targets, including opioid receptors, dopamine transporters, and serotonin transporters, which may collectively contribute to its anti-addictive properties.

    The authors note that ibogaine is a weak antagonist at the mu opioid receptor and interacts with other receptors like the kappa opioid receptor and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. It also influences the expression of neurotrophic factors, which are crucial for neural plasticity. Noribogaine, the metabolite, shares some of these actions but also has distinct interactions, particularly a stronger effect on the kappa opioid receptor.

    Concluding, the study advocates for a polypharmacological approach to understanding ibogaine’s potential therapeutic effects. It calls for advanced research methodologies to fully elucidate its complex pharmacology and develop safer, multi-target drugs for treating substance use disorders, also considering the psychoactive effects of ibogaine.

     

    Abstract

    Background: There is a growing interest in studying ibogaine (IBO) as a potential treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). However, its clinical use has been hindered for mainly two reasons: First, the lack of randomized, controlled studies informing about its safety and efficacy. And second, IBO’s mechanisms of action remain obscure. It has been challenging to elucidate a predominant mechanism of action responsible for its anti-addictive effects.

    Objective: To describe the main targets of IBO and its main metabolite, noribogaine (NOR), in relation to their putative anti-addictive effects, reviewing the updated literature available.

    Methods: A comprehensive search involving MEDLINE and Google Scholar was undertaken, selecting papers published until July 2022. The inclusion criteria were both theoretical and experimental studies about the pharmacology of IBO. Additional publications were identified in the references of the initial papers.

    Results: IBO and its main metabolite, NOR, can modulate several targets associated with SUDs. Instead of identifying key targets, the action of IBO should be understood as a complex modulation of multiple receptor systems, leading to potential synergies. The elucidation of IBO’s pharmacology could be enhanced through the application of methodologies rooted in the polypharmacology paradigm. Such approaches possess the capability to describe multifaceted patterns within multi-target drugs.

    Conclusion: IBO displays complex effects through multiple targets. The information detailed here should guide future research on both mechanistic and therapeutic studies.

     

    Link to the study

     

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    Categories: Studies & papers , Iboga and ibogaine , Psychedelics
    Tags: ibogaine , scientific research , study , iboga , psychedelics , hallucinogens , substance use disorders , noribogaine , anti-addictive