Iboga+Used+as+a+Drug

How is Iboga Taken?
Although Iboga is classified as a poisonious plant, humans consume parts of it for drug use (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008). The part of the Iboga plant that is most commonly used as a drug is the root bark. The root is the most strongest part of the plant and therefore is taken to produced the quickest and strongest effects. It can be taken as is or possibly mixed with other ingredients. The root bark can be eaten whole, crused and group and rolled into small balls for easier consumption (Bourobou, H.P., 2006).

Type of Drug:
Iboga cannot necessarily be classified into one drug category It mainly affects the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. In high doses it can act as a hallucinogen because it inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin (neurotransmitter). Because it is an inhibitory drug it increases the body's sensitivity to adrenaline which excites the sympathetic nervous system. But, in other doses it can act as a stimulant and can incease alertness, while redicing fatigue, hunger and thirst (Bourobou, H.P., 2006).

Iboga Uses and Pharmacology
Low doses tend to increase muscle strength and endurance. Iboga is also used among indigenous African populations to increase mental alertness and endurance while hunting for better performance. Higher doses induce psychedelic effects, and many users report that they experience a state of dreaming without a loss of consciousness. Large doses induce hallucinations; however, this dose is close to the level of toxicity and is avoided by traditional users and the hallucinations are typically accompanied by anxiety and apprehension.

Side Effects:
Iboga is a poisonous plant which means it can possibly toxic to humans and other animals. Ibogas effects are not immediate and the drg peaks after approximately 1-3 hours after swallowing and the effects can last for as long as 2-5 days. It can cause psychological and pysical side effects that can be potentially very harmful to humans. First, hallucinations that occur while taking the drug may cause a person to suffer from anxiety or depression with fear or rage. The ending of the drug can cause insomnia and for the body to become lethargic (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service, 2008). Physically the drug can cause tremors, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, loss of muscular coordination and prolonged and painful muscle spams (Awakening the dream, 2007). Some more serious side effects include; convulsions, paralysis and death from respiratory arrest. At high doses it is very toxic and destroys neurons in the cerebellum (Bourobou, H.P., 2006).

(Google, 2011)