Life Etc: Spirit: Shrub it off

A herb derived from the root-bark of a shrub found in the rainforests of west Africa may be able to cure drug addiction. Findings in the January edition of Journal of Neuroscience suggest that ibogaine, a substance derived from the sacred plant iboga, has the ability to remove symptoms of withdrawal for up to a month after it has been taken.

Ibogaine is central to the belief system of the Bwiti people of Gabon, who use it in initiation ceremonies. In low doses, it reduces the need for sleep and enhances circulation. In high doses, it works as a hallucinogenic. Tests show that it also increases the levels of a brain protein called GDNF which in turn lowers desire for substances such as heroin, cocaine and alcohol. The medical establishment has been aware of it for a while, but sceptical about its use, due to the hallucinogenic side-effects. Researchers are now looking at ways of removing this impact.