On ‘What’s Trending,’ hosts Jessica Reyes, Patricia Wu, and guest MHTN Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Bober discuss how Ibogaine is showing promise for addiction, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries in a recent study.
Ibogaine’s Impact on the Brain
Dr. Bober explains how ibogaine interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems, including glutamate. Its effects on glutamate are similar to ketamine, which is being researched for mental health conditions.
Ibogaine’s Legal Challenges
Ibogaine is currently illegal in the US, but desperate patients may seek it through research or compassionate use protocols. Safety concerns, including potential side effects, are a major hurdle for broader use.
The Future of Psychedelic Medicine
Dr. Bober believes ibogaine could inspire pharmaceutical companies to develop similar but patentable drugs. This highlights the growing interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment.