Ibogaine hydrochloride (HCL) is extracted from the Tabernanthe Iboga root bark. Contained in the second layer of the Iboga bark are approximately 12 different alkaloids.

The three most prominent alkaloids that are extracted include Ibogaine, Ibogamine, and Ibogaline.

As a chemical compound of Ibogaine, Ibogaine HCL is used in the treatment of addiction. Ibogaine HCL is a naturally-occurring compound extracted from the Tabernanthe Iboga shrub native to Africa. Ibogaine HCL is used to flush toxins (such as opiate and other drugs) from the body and help dramatically reduce the uncomfortable symptoms associated with physical withdrawal from substance abuse.

Classifications of Ibogaine

There are three distinct grades of Ibogaine used, with differences depending on the number of impurities that remain in the chemical compound after extraction. The three classes of Iboga include:

Type Description
Total Alkaloids Extract This is the most basic category of extracted Ibogaine from Iboga root bark.
Total alkaloids extract (TA) This is derived from Iboga but does not undergo any purification process. It is approximately 15-35 percent Ibogaine. It can vary in composition due to extraction from several alternate sources.
Purified Total Extracts Purified total extracts (PTA) takes total alkaloid extracts (TA) through another level of purification. It contains 40-85 percent Ibogaine and less of an array of other components.
Ibogaine Hydrochloride Ibogaine HCL is the third grade of Ibogaine and is most often used as addiction therapy. It goes through a distinct purification process using HCL that removes several impurities and other substances. Ibogaine HCL contains approximately 85-99 percent pure Ibogaine.

Ibogaine Hydrochloride (HCL) and Detoxification

Typically, Ibogaine HCL is used in a medical setting under the supervision of professionally trained, certified doctors and nurses. It is beneficial in helping a person struggling with substance abuse to manage symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal. Ibogaine HCL is used to treat symptoms of drug withdrawal by working in synergy with neurons and specific receptor sites found within the brain and central nervous system.

When a person undergoes withdrawal with Ibogaine HCL, there will still be symptoms of withdrawal. However, they are usually felt at a fraction of what is experienced without treatment. The effects of treatment with Ibogaine HCL can last from 15-36 hours, depending on the unique characteristics of the patient.

Although Ibogaine HCL has shown tremendous potential in treating drug and alcohol addiction, it remains a Schedule I substance in the United States. It is also illegal for use in Switzerland and Belgium. It is, however, legal for use in 12 separate countries, all of which have treatment clinics to serve those seeking alternatives to traditional addiction therapies.

Ibogaine HCL is often used to treat substance abuse such as heroin, alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack.

It is also used to treat other addictive behaviors such as gambling and the internet. It has also shown promise in helping manage eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and addictions to food.

Ibogaine has also shown to be beneficial for individuals suffering from mood disorders. Depressive disorders are one of the leading causes of disease burdens throughout the world. Some of the disorders that affect a person’s mood can include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The psychological effects of Ibogaine have shown to assist patients in dealing with painful or traumatic experiences in an unbiased manner. It also helps facilitate the healing of unsettled emotional or psychological struggle.

Historically, Ibogaine has been used in rites of passage ceremonies and as a powerful spiritual conduit by the Bwiti people of Africa. It offers deep psychological introspection and is used today, not only to treat addictive behaviors but as a tool that allows spiritual exploration and deeper personal understanding.

Ibogaine HCL can significantly increase the levels of serotonin in a person’s brain. It works closely with several neurotransmitter sites helping to restore any chemical imbalance experienced due to addiction or various mood disorders.

Ibogaine Hydrochloride (HCL) Research

Because Ibogaine HCL and other forms of Ibogaine are considered illegal, attempts to continue with Phase 2 and Phase 3 research is limited. All data that has been compiled since the early 1990s support the findings that

Ibogaine is unprecedented to treat addictive behaviors and as a means for psychological healing and exploration.

There have been several clinical trials that support the efficacy of Ibogaine HCL to help people overcome mild to severe cases of addiction and mental distress. Results of these trials and the countless accounts of people overcoming substance abuse have urged the development of new Ibogaine clinics and treatment centers in countries where it is unregulated for medical use.

Ibogaine HCL is an alternative to traditional medical detox and therapy for substance abuse. It holds innumerable benefits for those seeking to overcome addiction and shown to help individuals work through the psychological trauma or suppressed emotions that have led to their current addicted state.