Tabernanthe iboga

Tabernanthe iboga (iboga) is an evergreen rainforest shrub native to Central Africa. A member of the Apocynaceae family indigenous to Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo, it is cultivated across Central Africa for use in traditional medicine and rituals. T. iboga can grow up to 10 meters tall and contains psychoactive indole alkaloids, especially ibogaine, concentrated in its root bark, which produces strong neurological effects. It is used in both low doses as a stimulant and in high doses to induce intense dreamlike and hallucinatory states during rituals. Although ibogaine has attracted interest for potential addiction treatment due to reports of reduced drug cravings, it carries a risk of potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. In high doses, ibogaine is considered to be cardiotoxic, and has caused serious comorbidities when used with opioids or prescription drugs. Historically documented since the 19th century, the plant has both cultural importance and controversial modern use, with unregulated clinics operating globally despite safety concerns and limited clinical evidence; meanwhile, overharvesting and slow growth raise concerns about its conservation. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists ibogaine as a controlled substance of the Controlled Substances Act.