Iboga
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{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Iboga | image = iboga.jpg | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Gentianales | familia = Apocynaceae | genus = Tabernanthe | species = T. iboga | binomial = Tabernanthe iboga | binomial_authority = (L.) Nutt. }}
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.
Normally growing to a height of 2 m, T. iboga may eventually grow into a small tree up to 10 m tall, given the right conditions. It has small green leaves. Its flowers are white and pink, while the elongated, oval-shaped fruit are orange. Its yellow-coloured roots contains a number of indole alkaloids, most notably ibogaine, which is found in the highest concentration in the root-bark. The root material, bitter in taste, causes an anaesthetic sensation in the mouth.
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Traditional use
The Iboga tree is the central pillar of the Bwiti religion practiced in West-Central Africa, mainly Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, which utilises the alkaloid-containing roots of the plant in a number of ceremonies. Iboga is taken in massive doses by initiates when entering the religion, and on a more regular basis is eaten in smaller doses in connection with rituals and tribal dances, which is usually performed at night time. Bwitists have been subject to persecution by Catholic missionaries, who to this day are thoroughly opposed to the growing religious movement of Bwiti.
Addiction treatment
Outside Africa, iboga extracts are also used in treating opiate addiction. The trip may last several days and upon 'awakening' the subject is no longer physically addicted. One methadone addict said in the Dutch behind-the-news show 2 vandaag that in just four days he reached a state that normally would have taken him three months, but without the agony. Evidence suggests that ibogaine may also help to interrupt addiction to alcohol and nicotine. However, there hasn't been any in-depth research on humans. The pharmacological effects are rather undisputed, but there are reports that people restarted the habit when they were again exposed to the scene in which they became addicted.
Legal status
Iboga is outlawed or restricted in the U.S., Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark. Root material and extracts thereof is obtainable through various European smart shops.
Quotations
- "The Catholic church is a beautiful theory for Sunday, the iboga on the contrary is the practice of everyday living. In church, they speak of God, with iboga, you live God" (Nengue Me Ndjoung Isidore, ecumenical Bwitist religious leader)
External links and references
- Erowid Tabernanthe iboga Vault
- Plants of The Gods by Richard Evans Schultes and Albert Hofmann (Healing Arts Press, 1992)
- Adam, Eve and Iboga, Giorgio Samorini. (Originally published in Integration 4: 4-10) [1]
- The Bwiti Religion and the psychoactive plant Tabernanthe iboga (Equatorial Africa), Giorgio Samorini. (Originally published in Integration 5: 105-114) [2]de:Tabernanthe iboga