Ibogaine is primarily studied today for its potential in treating what condition?

Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid extracted from the root bark of the West African plant Tabernanthe iboga. Observational and open-label studies (mostly conducted in clinics outside the United States) suggest that a single dose can rapidly reduce or suppress acute opioid withdrawal symptoms and temporarily lower drug craving in people with opioid use disorder. Some reports also indicate possible benefits for cocaine and certain other substance dependencies, though the evidence is thinner. These findings are limited: no large, rigorous randomized controlled trials have yet confirmed long-term efficacy, and most available data come from uncontrolled or retrospective observations. Significant safety risks exist, particularly cardiac effects such as QT-interval prolongation that can lead to arrhythmias. Fatalities have been reported, especially in unregulated settings. In the United States, ibogaine remains a Schedule I controlled substance and is not an approved medical treatment. Research, including studies of its metabolite noribogaine, continues under strict regulatory oversight.