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Iboga

Scientific Name(S): Tabernanthe iboga. Family: Apocyanaceae.

Common Name(S): Iboga

Iboga ( Tabernanthe iboga ), also known as Black bugbane , is a perennial rainforest shrub and hallucinogen , native to western Africa . Iboga stimulates the central nervous system when taken in small doses and induces visions in larger doses.

Botany: The iboga plant is native to Gabon, Zaire and the Congo and is the only member of the dogbane family known to be used as an hallucinogen. The plant is cultivated throughout west Africa. The yellow-colored root is used in traditional medicine and is the source of the hallucinogenic principle.

History: The growing use of iboga has been said to be an important force against the spread of Christianity and Islam in its native growing regions. The root of the plant is used in initiation rites of some African cultures. The plant is believed to be an aphrodisiac and stimulant. Large doses are used to induce a euphoric state in which people are said to be able to communicate with the spirits of their ancestors. In addition, the plant is consumed by those who believe it can reveal objects reputedly buried by individuals subjected to the intoxicant during their former lives. Failure to retrieve these hidden treasures has resulted in "sudden and mysterious deaths" among villagers. The use of iboga is legally prohibited in the United States.

Uses of Iboga

Iboga is used ritually as a hallucinogen.

Side Effects of Iboga

Iboga is illegal in the United States. It can cause paralysis and eventually death.

Summary: Iboga is an hallucinogen that is popular in western and central Africa. While it is considered a powerful drug, the hallucinatory effects are usually only experienced at the highest doses, which are also the doses most likely to induce death. Ibogaine is a cholinest­erase inhibitor and related alkaloids also exhibit calcium channel blocking activity.