The Science Behind Ibogaine: How It Slows Brainwaves to Treat PTSD
The psychedelic drug ibogaine is extracted from iboga roots
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The psychedelic drug ibogaine has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by slowing down the brainwaves of individuals with traumatic brain injury.
A recent study conducted on military veterans with traumatic brain injury revealed that ibogaine, derived from the African iboga plant, led to significant improvements in mental and physical health. However, the mechanism behind these effects was not well understood.
To delve deeper into this phenomenon, Jennifer Lissemore and her team at Stanford University analyzed EEG recordings of 30 male participants who underwent ibogaine therapy. The participants received a dose of 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight over a five-day period at a treatment facility in Mexico, accompanied by therapy sessions and holistic activities.
The EEG scans conducted before and after ibogaine therapy showed a decrease in the strength of faster brainwaves and an increase in slower brainwaves. Gamma waves, the fastest brainwaves, decreased in intensity by nearly 16% after ibogaine treatment, particularly in the brain regions at the back of the head. On the other hand, theta waves, slower brainwaves associated with relaxation, increased in intensity by almost 17% in the back of the brain and 13% in the front.
Lissemore suggests that the slowing of brainwaves may account for the reduction in PTSD symptoms observed in the participants. The decrease in hyperarousal and hypervigilance, common in PTSD, aligns with the calming effect of ibogaine on brain activity.
Furthermore, the temporary increase in theta waves indicates that ibogaine may promote neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself for improved mental health. This hypothesis is supported by previous studies linking theta waves to brain plasticity.
Conor Murray from the University of California, Los Angeles, notes that ibogaine’s ability to normalize brain activity and induce a sense of peace in participants underscores its potential as a treatment for PTSD.
Despite these promising findings, the exact mechanism through which ibogaine induces these changes in the brain remains unclear. The absence of a control group in the study also poses challenges in isolating the effects of ibogaine from other aspects of the treatment.
Nevertheless, Lissemore views these results as a crucial first step in understanding the efficacy of ibogaine therapy and its impact on brain function. Further research is needed to unravel the intricate workings of this psychedelic drug and its therapeutic potential for individuals with PTSD.
