Ibogaine: What, why and how

Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound derived from the Iboga shrub root that has been used (since the ‘70s in the modern countries) to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI), anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies and, apparently, as late—drug addictions.

As of the present and because the FDA has classified it as a Level 1 drug, we do not have access to it in the states. To be treated with Ibogaine, one has to go to Mexico or Canada where corporate medicine doesn’t dictate healthcare. For those invested in the stock market, I would highly advise keeping an eye on this item. Once it attains FDA approval, it will take off and be a healthcare staple and necessity for a vast majority (sadly).

Studies on this item have been positive across the board along with witnessing and personal interviews with subjects who have often, and as a last resort, elected to try their luck with Ibogaine. They literally have had their lives handed back to them. Traumatic brain injuries that are the result of physical force such as head trauma, blast explosions and are the main triggers of PTSS, anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies, which have had a negligible and poor treatment track record. Most veterans (and/or civilians who have undergone similar warlike atrocities) have been left hopeless for regaining any semblance of a normal life.

In a 2025 study (Nature Mental Health) MRI scans from 30 subjects showed a vast increase in “theta rhythms.” The greater theta rhythms, the more normal behavior patterns return and lessening of PTSS symptoms. “No other drug has ever been able to alleviate the functional and neural psychiatric symptoms of TBI,” as stated by Nolan Williams, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. He further stated that the results are dramatic and that this compound deserves to be further studied.

TBI is a disruption of normal brain function that is caused by outside forces; it can be via war or a single unexpected assault or even just from a life that has been riddled by the combination of mega disappointments (one after another) along with simple and non-grandiose dreams that could have and should have come true that did not, SO, this shows the “how’s and why’s” of the large number of PTSS cases that we have and up until now, the chances of remedy have only been through counseling and building trust with a friend or professional who truly cares.

Ibogaine (African Shrub Root) has been utilized for centuries in spiritual and healing ceremonies in Third World populaces, but recently used for opioid and cocaine addiction as it signals several fundamental molecules in the brain that are linked to drug addiction and depression. Again, it is categorized as a Level 1 drug so it is banned (as of the present) in the U.S.

Stanford Medicine did a study of 71 Special Ops vets. This was headed up by VETS Inc., and the actual experiment or study was run by Ambio Life Sciences. The subjects were given magnesium along with the Ibogaine to prevent heart complications, as issues with that had been previously noted.

These participants were desperate and determined to seek solutions and to be able to fully engage in life again with their families and be useful and functional citizens in their communities. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment 2.0 had them categorized as follows:  23: PTSS, 14: anxiety disorders, 15: substance abuse disorders, and 19: suicidal risks or attempted suicides.

The treatment of Ibogaine showcased immediate improvement in general function, PTSS depression and anxiety, and the positive effects sustained for one whole month after the endpoint of the study. Prior to the treatment/study, the participants aggregate rating from the scale was 30.2 (Disability Assessment Scale) and 30 days post treatment, their average number was 5.1. This score also reflected improvement in concentration, information processing, memory, impulsivity and ability for discipline.

The researchers hope for more studies nationwide to further understand this and how the drug might be used for TBI treatment. Texas recently approved a $50 million initiative to fund clinical trials of Ibogaine. The initiative - one of the largest government investments in psychedelic therapy - will release matching funds to private investments in Ibogaine trials that, hopefully, will end in FDA approval.