A new study conducted by researchers at Stanford Medicine has found that the psychoactive drug ibogaine, when combined with magnesium, effectively reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, and improves functioning in veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The study, published in Nature Medicine, includes data from 30 veterans of U.S. special forces who underwent ibogaine treatment at a clinic in Mexico.
Traumatic brain injuries resulting from head trauma or blast explosions are a leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and suicide among veterans. Current treatment options for TBI have been largely ineffective, leaving many veterans feeling hopeless. However, the Stanford Medicine researchers discovered that ibogaine, a naturally occurring compound found in the roots of the African shrub iboga, shows promise in addressing the functional and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with TBI.
"No other drug has ever been able to alleviate the functional and neuropsychiatric symptoms of traumatic brain injury," said Dr. Nolan Williams, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford Medicine. "The results are dramatic, and we intend to study this compound further."
The study included 30 special operations veterans with a history of TBI and repeated blast exposures, most of whom were experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms and functional disabilities. Before the treatment, the participants' levels of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and functioning were assessed using self-reported questionnaires and clinician-administered assessments. The veterans then received oral ibogaine along with magnesium to protect their hearts at a clinic in Mexico. Post-treatment assessments were conducted at Stanford Medicine.
The results of the study were remarkable. Treatment with ibogaine immediately led to significant improvements in functioning, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These effects persisted until at least one month after treatment. The veterans experienced average reductions of 88% in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression symptoms, and 81% in anxiety symptoms. Cognitive testing also revealed improvements in concentration, information processing, memory, and impulsivity.
"I wasn't willing to admit I was dealing with any TBI challenges. I just thought I'd had my bell rung a few times — until the day I forgot my wife's name," said Craig, a 52-year-old study participant. "Since [ibogaine treatment], my cognitive function has been fully restored. This has resulted in advancement at work and vastly improved my ability to talk to my children and wife."
The study also found that there were no serious side effects of ibogaine, and no instances of the heart problems that have occasionally been linked to the drug. Headaches and nausea were the most common reported symptoms during treatment.
Dr. Williams and his team are planning further analysis of additional data collected on the veterans, including brain scans that could shed light on how ibogaine improves cognition. They also hope to conduct future studies to explore the drug's potential in treating TBI and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
"In addition to treating TBI, I think this may emerge as a broader neuro-rehab drug," said Dr. Williams. "I think it targets a whole host of different brain areas and can help us better understand how to treat other forms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression that aren't necessarily linked to TBI."
The study was independently funded by philanthropic gifts from Steve and Genevieve Jurvetson. Stanford Medicine received no funding from the organizations involved in facilitating the treatment.
This groundbreaking research offers hope for military veterans suffering from the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries. The potential of ibogaine as a treatment for TBI and other neuropsychiatric conditions is promising and may pave the way for further advancements in the field of neuro-rehabilitation.
To learn more, click on this link: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/01/ibogaine-ptsd.html
