Iboga Wellness Institute

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Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Pioneering Research That’s Rewriting the Future of Healing

At The Iboga Institute, we are committed to rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice. Our research initiatives bridge traditional knowledge with modern neuroscience, contributing to the growing body of literature on ibogaine’s therapeutic potential.

Our Research Mission

The Iboga Institute exists at the intersection of ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge science. We recognize that iboga has been used ceremonially for generations, and we honor this legacy by pursuing research that:

Validates therapeutic applications through peer-reviewed studies

Respects indigenous knowledge and ensures ethical access

Enhances safety protocols and clinical best practices

Contributes to global scientific understanding

Explores novel treatment areas and client populations

Groundbreaking Research Shaping the Field

The Iboga Institute draws upon and contributes to a rapidly expanding body of peer-reviewed scientific literature. Below are landmark studies that inform our evidence-based approach to ibogaine therapy.

Breakthrough Studies from Leading Universities

Stanford University

Magnesium-Ibogaine Therapy in Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries, Nature Medicine, 2024

This landmark clinical trial evaluated 30 retired Navy SEALs with traumatic brain injury who demonstrated major improvements across a variety of psychometric symptoms, including disability, post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. The study helped spark a major upsurge in ibogaine research and even state-level funding initiatives in the U.S.

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Johns Hopkins University

Psychedelics Reopen Critical Periods for Social Learning
Nature, 2023

Johns Hopkins researchers discovered that psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, can reopen critical periods in the brain when mammals are more sensitive to learning from their environment. For ibogaine specifically, the critical period remained open for four weeks following a single dose—the longest duration among all psychedelics tested.

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University of California, Davis

Total Synthesis of Ibogaine Opens New Research Pathways
Nature Chemistry, 2025

UC Davis researchers achieved the total synthesis of ibogaine and related compounds from inexpensive, widely available chemicals. This breakthrough enables efficient production of ibogaine analogues for research, potentially leading to safer, more targeted treatments.

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Yale & UCSF Collaboration

Safer Ibogaine-Inspired Compounds for Addiction
Cell, 2023

Researchers virtually screened 200 million molecular structures to identify compounds that mimic ibogaine’s therapeutic effects without its side effects. The study demonstrated that these compounds effectively treated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal in animal models.

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Pioneering Research on Neurological Applications

Ambio Life Sciences & Canadian Researchers, 2025

Frontiers in Immunology: Ibogaine Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

This groundbreaking case report documented two MS clients who showed remarkable neuroimaging changes and clinical improvements following ibogaine treatment. One client demonstrated a 71% reduction in the volume of white matter lesions post-treatment.

Findings:

  • Substantial lesion shrinkage suggesting remyelination
  • Decreased inflammation markers in brain tissue
  • Improvements in motor function and cognitive processing
  • Changes in cortical and subcortical brain regions

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University of the Witwatersrand & University of Cape Town, 2024

Frontiers in Neuroscience: Ibogaine Upregulates Myelination Markers

Preclinical research demonstrated that ibogaine upregulates genes and proteins involved in remyelination, highlighting an important mechanism for brain injury repair and treatment of substance use disorders. This research has implications for multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other myelin-associated diseases.

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Clinical Outcome Studies

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Subjective Effectiveness for Opioid Use Disorder
Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 2018

This study surveyed 88 clients who received ibogaine treatment, providing valuable long-term outcome data. Most participants (80%) reported that ibogaine eliminated or drastically reduced withdrawal symptoms, with 30% achieving complete abstinence from opioids.

Long-Term Outcomes:

  • 50% reported ibogaine reduced opioid craving, with 25% reporting reduction lasting at least 3 months
  • Nearly half of abstainers maintained abstinence for one year
  • Strong spiritual experiences correlated with better outcomes

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University of Otago

12-Month Follow-Up Observational Study Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2017

This New Zealand study followed 14 clients after ibogaine treatment for opioid dependence over 12 months. The legal status of ibogaine in New Zealand provided a unique opportunity to evaluate durability of treatment outcomes in a medically supervised setting.

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University of Basel

Systematic Literature Review of Clinical Trials Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2022

This comprehensive systematic review analyzed 24 studies involving 705 participants. Data suggest ibogaine is an effective therapeutic intervention for substance use disorders, reducing withdrawal symptoms and craving, while also showing beneficial impact on depressive and trauma-related symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Rapid-onset therapy offers novel treatment opportunities
  • Rigorous study designs within medical settings necessary for safe application
  • Need for continued research on safety protocols

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State & Federal Research Initiatives

The therapeutic potential of ibogaine has captured the attention of government agencies and state legislatures, leading to unprecedented funding for research:

Texas Ibogaine Research
Initiative (2025)

The state of Texas allocated $50 million to fund clinical research on ibogaine, aiming to develop an FDA-approved treatment for opioid use disorder and other conditions. This initiative established a consortium of universities, hospitals, and drug developers, positioning Texas as a leading center for psychedelic medicine research.

Kentucky Opioid Abatement
Advisory Commission

Kentucky considered allocating $42 million from opioid lawsuit settlements to study ibogaine therapy, marking the first time a U.S. state explored funding research into this approach. The move underscores the urgent need to expand treatment options for the opioid epidemic.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

After a decades-long hiatus, the NIH has begun awarding grants for psychedelic research, including studies on ibogaine analogues and related compounds. This represents the first significant federal funding for psychedelic therapeutic research in over half a century.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NIDA is actively working with pharmaceutical startups to investigate how ibogaine and its analogues might be used to treat drug dependency, focusing on developing safer, non-hallucinogenic versions that retain therapeutic efficacy.

The Science Behind the Healing

From addiction recovery to neurological regeneration, ibogaine research spans multiple therapeutic frontiers. Here’s how the scientific community is unlocking ibogaine’s potential across diverse medical applications—each backed by rigorous clinical evidence and groundbreaking discoveries.

Transparency You Can Trust


Our primary research focus examines ibogaine’s efficacy in treating various forms of addiction, including opioid dependence, alcohol use disorder, stimulant addiction, and polysubstance dependence.

Key Studies:

  • Opioid withdrawal reduction and craving cessation
  • Alcohol use disorder treatment outcomes
  • Cocaine and methamphetamine addiction protocols
  • Long-term abstinence and relapse prevention

Mental Health Applications

Emerging research demonstrates ibogaine’s potential for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions, particularly in treatment-resistant cases.

Research Areas:

  • Treatment-resistant depression protocols
  • Complex trauma and PTSD recovery
  • Anxiety disorders and panic conditions
  • Integration with psychotherapy modalities

Neurological Conditions

Novel applications of ibogaine in neurological health represent a frontier in psychedelic medicine, with preliminary evidence suggesting neurorestorative properties.

Investigational Studies:

  • Traumatic brain injury recovery
  • Cognitive decline and memory disorders
  • Chronic pain and neuropathy management
  • Neurodegenerative condition exploration

Safety & Pharmacology

Understanding ibogaine’s pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and safety profile remains essential to advancing responsible clinical use.

Research Focus:

  • Cardiac safety protocols and risk mitigation
  • Drug interaction profiles and contraindications
  • Dosing optimization for different populations
  • Novel co-therapy approaches

Clinical Guidelines & Protocols

Evidence-Based Treatment Standards

The Iboga Institute has contributed to the development of international clinical guidelines that establish best practices for ibogaine administration. Our protocols emphasize:

Pre-Treatment Assessment

  • Comprehensive medical screening
  • Cardiac evaluation (ECG, echo, troponin)
  • Psychological readiness assessment
  • edication review and tapering protocols

Treatment Environment

  • 24/7 medical monitoring
  • Advanced cardiac telemetry
  • Experienced clinical staff ratios
  • Integration support planning

Post-Treatment Care

  • Structured aftercare programming
  • Integration therapy sessions
  • Ongoing medical follow-up
  • Peer support connection

The Iboga Wellness Institute is committed to advancing evidence-based practice through rigorous scientific inquiry while honoring the traditional wisdom of iboga. All research is conducted in accordance with international ethical standards and with respect for indigenous knowledge holders.

Explore our care environments and facilities

Treatment Centers

Explore program costs and financing options

Pricing & Financing

Review studies, data, and ongoing research

CLINICAL RESEARCH

WHAT IS IBOGAINE?

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What All Our Accommodations Include:

Your Private Room

Private bedrooms with dedicated personal space for rest and introspection

Sound machines, heaters, fans, lamps, and room dividers for optimal comfort and tranquility

Premium linens, plush bedding, blackout masks, and essential recovery items

Nourishment & Daily Essentials

Three thoughtfully prepared meals daily featuring fresh, organic, locally-sourced ingredients

Gluten-free, anti-inflammatory cuisine crafted from whole, unprocessed foods

Artisan gluten-free baked goods, caffeine-free herbal teas, electrolyte-enhanced hydration with BCAAs

Curated daily supplements and wholesome snacks

Therapeutic Services

On-site therapeutic services, including massage, reiki, guided meditation and mindful movement, and breathwork sessions

Books, art materials, and entertainment options – optional creative and restorative activities

Outdoor Spaces

Tranquil garden settings thoughtfully curated for meditation, introspection, and peaceful restoration

Luxurious wellness amenities featuring swimming pool, spa facilities, and lush tropical gardens

Care & Support

Attentive daily housekeeping and dedicated culinary team

Comprehensive on-site medical staff with round-the-clock patient monitoring

High-speed internet connectivity throughout the facility

Post-Treatment Days: Integration & New Patterns The days after ibogaine treatment are critical. Your brain is in a state of heightened neuroplasticity—heightened learning and healing capacity. We use this time to:

  • Process what came up during treatment with daily therapy sessions
  • Learn new coping skills to replace old survival patterns
  • Address any remaining emotional material
  • Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques
  • Begin rebuilding your relationship with yourself
  • Connect with other people going through similar healing (if you choose)
  • Create a detailed plan for continuing your healing at home

Days 3-4: The Healing Experience Ibogaine therapy for psychological healing is profound and often life-changing. Here’s what happens:

  • You receive ibogaine in a safe, peaceful setting with medical staff present
  • The experience typically lasts 4-12 hours, during which you’re lying comfortably with eyes closed
  • You’ll wear an eye mask and headphones with music specifically designed to guide the ibogaine journey to its deepest healing potential
  • Many people report reviewing their life experiences from a new perspective, gaining the freedom to reframe old narratives
  • Traumatic memories often surface, but without the overwhelming emotional charge
  • Deep insights about patterns, relationships, and self-worth emerge naturally
  • A trained therapist is present to support you through difficult moments
  • Medical monitoring continues throughout to ensure physical safety
  • Many clients discover or reconnect with their spirituality during this process, experiencing a profound sense of connection—whether to God, universal consciousness, or something larger than themselves

What clients describe:

“I saw my trauma, but it didn’t destroy me this time.”
“I forgave myself for things I’ve carried for 20 years.”
“I understood why I’ve been the way I’ve been.”
“For the first time, I felt peace.”

Days 1-2: Building Trust & Understanding Before any treatment, we need to understand your story and what you’re carrying. This phase includes:

  • In-depth sessions with our licensed therapist
  • Review of your trauma history in a safe, confidential, judgment-free environment
  • Assessment of current symptoms and how they impact your life
  • Medical clearance to ensure treatment safety
  • Preparation for the ibogaine experience with an ibogaine workbook designed by our professionals
  • Education about what to expect, how to get the most from treatment, and what the experience feels like

This isn’t about forcing you to relive trauma—it’s about understanding what we’re helping you heal. We move at your pace, with compassion and respect for your journey.

Neurological Rehabilitation:

  • Daily physical therapy sessions to retrain movement patterns and restore function
  • Occupational therapy to help you relearn daily activities with your improved mobility and reduced pain
  • Cognitive exercises to strengthen memory, focus, and mental clarity
  • Movement workshops designed to “lock in” your neurological gains
  • Personalized home exercise plans you can continue after leaving

Holistic Healing Support:

  • Therapeutic massage (2-3 sessions per week) to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and support your body’s healing
  • Aqua therapy for gentle, low-impact movement that rebuilds strength without strain
  • Adapted yoga to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness
  • Meditation and breathwork to regulate your nervous system and reduce pain signals
  • Hypnotherapy for pain management and progressive muscle relaxation
  • Sound healing sessions to promote deep relaxation and cellular healing
  • Nutrition counseling to optimize your diet for brain health and inflammation reduction

Integration Sessions:

  • One-on-one counseling to process your experience and prepare for life after treatment
  • Education about maintaining your improvements long-term
  • Development of your personalized aftercare plan with specific protocols for your condition
  • Training in self-care techniques you can use at home
  • Connection with our alumni community for ongoing peer support

What Happens:

  • You’ll receive ibogaine in carefully calibrated stages, customized to your specific condition and body chemistry
  • The experience is introspective and often deeply reflective—many clients describe profound insights about their condition and healing
  • Our medical team monitors your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and vital signs continuously throughout the entire process
  • You’re never alone—medical staff and support personnel are with you around the clock, ensuring your safety and comfort
  • Most clients begin noticing symptom improvements within 24-48 hours of treatment

Your Comfort Matters:

  • Private, peaceful recovery room designed for healing
  • 24/7 access to medical staff and emotional support
  • Nutritious meals and hydration tailored to your needs
  • A safe, supportive environment where you can focus entirely on healing

Before treatment begins, we need to understand exactly what’s happening in your body and brain. Our medical team conducts:

  • Heart screening (EKG and cardiac evaluation)
  • Movement and function assessment
  • Pain and symptom mapping
  • Blood work to check overall health
  • Review of all current medications and treatments

We use this information to design your personalized treatment protocol—the right dose, the right timing, the right support therapies. Important: If any test results require additional caution or monitoring, we have the option to begin with micro-dosing protocols on Day 2, ensuring the safest possible approach for your unique situation.

You’ll wake up after treatment feeling different. Most people describe an absence of withdrawal symptoms (or minor, manageable ones), dramatically reduced cravings, mental clarity they haven’t felt in years, and physical energy returning. Your brain enters a window of heightened neuroplasticity—a critical period when new patterns can take root. We maximize this opportunity with:

  • Daily medical monitoring with physician check-ins to ensure continued stability and assess how you’re feeling physically and mentally
  • Individual therapy sessions to process what came up during treatment, understand the insights you gained, and begin emotional healing
  • Addiction counseling to help you understand your triggers and patterns, and build practical relapse prevention skills
  • Group discussions with others in recovery to share experiences and build connection
  • Physical activity to rebuild your body’s strength and natural endorphin production
  • Nutritional guidance to support your healing brain and body
  • Sleep optimization which is critical for maintaining sobriety and emotional stability
  • Reconnection work to help you rediscover who you are without substances

We strongly encourage working with an integration coach in the months following treatment to support your continued healing and help you navigate the challenges of rebuilding your life.

Before we start, we need to make sure your body is ready. This critical preparation phase includes:

  • Complete medical evaluation including comprehensive cardiac screening with EKG to assess heart rhythm and function
  • Detailed substance use assessment to understand your patterns, history, and what substances you’ve been using
  • Blood work to check liver and kidney function, electrolyte balance, and overall health markers
  • Stabilization support if you’re currently in acute withdrawal—we provide medical comfort measures to ease symptoms
  • Education sessions about what’s going to happen during treatment, why ibogaine works at the neurological level, and what to expect
  • Nutritional support to prepare your body for healing, including hydration and vitamin supplementation if needed
  • Mental preparation with our psychologist or wellness coach to address fears, answer questions, and help you feel ready

We’re checking for any medical issues that could complicate treatment and making sure you’re as physically and mentally prepared as possible before beginning. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s laying the foundation for your safety and success.

You receive ibogaine in a single calculated dose based on your weight and substance tolerance—lying comfortably with an eye mask and curated music designed to deepen the therapeutic experience. Connected to continuous cardiac monitoring with medical staff present throughout, the 4-12 hour journey allows withdrawal symptoms to dissolve rather than intensify while your brain resets multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously.

What happens during treatment: Physically: Within hours, your withdrawal symptoms begin disappearing. Most clients report feeling them melt away rather than intensify. By the next morning, physical withdrawal is essentially over—something that normally takes 7-14 excruciating days happens in less than 36 hours with minimal discomfort.

Psychologically: Many people experience a deeply introspective journey. You might see memories, understand patterns, process why you started using. Some clients report conversations with deceased loved ones or spiritual experiences. Others simply experience visual patterns and deep rest. There’s no “typical” experience—each person’s journey is unique to what they need to heal.

Neurologically: This is where ibogaine is truly revolutionary. It’s resetting multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously—dopamine, serotonin, opioid receptors—back to pre-addiction states. The physical dependence is being broken at the cellular level.