Ibogaine is the latest discovery in drug addiction treatment that has brought forth
a bright source of hope for speedy recovery from severe addiction symptoms. Ibogaine; also known as the Tree of Life, is an exotic shrub found in the rain forests of West Africa. Ibogaine's scientific name is Tabernanthe iboga.
For many centuries the root of this particular shrub has been used by the inhabitants of Gabon in tribal initiation ceremonies; held as a part of the rituals of the Bwiti religion. The root of Iboga is also used by the Gabon people for various medicinal purposes as well. During the last 15 years, scientists all over the world have been studying Ibogaine to better understand its therapeutic effects in treating addiction.
The purified Ibogaine drug; which is largely used as a treatment for cocaine, oxycontin, heroin, methadone, and alcohol addiction, is extracted from the root of the Iboga shrub. The preliminary ground work that was carried out in Europe and the Americas showed the characteristics of Ibogaine to promote an instant decline in the cravings for drug and alcohol abuse. Ibogaine also alleviates all withdrawal symptoms associated with drug and alcohol detox. Ibogaine is regarded the most effective medicine used in treating addiction.
Ibogaine has provided scientists with a powerful tool that can be used to study the brain's motivation behind addiction. It is only through understanding the brain's connection to addiction that we are able accurately treat the problem.
There are still many mysteries regarding this so called Tree of Life. The continuing studies and clinical trials provide more and more insight into Ibogaine's many medicinal attributes. There is a very strong possibility that the long active metabolite in Ibogaine will be used in a patch technology; very similar to the one which is currently used for the addiction treatment of nicotine.