Preliminary research has indicated that ibogaine could play a role in enhancing neuroplasticity and contribute to neuronal growth. There is evidence that ibogaine can be used as a neuroprotective agent to help reduce or prevent brain damage from blasts and explosions as well. Ibogaine increases the amount of Glial Cell Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in parts of the dopaminergic system of the brain. Release of GDNF promotes the survival and differentiation of different dopamine neurons and has been associated with the anti-addictive properties of ibogaine. BDNF supports the survival of cells and promotes growth and differentiation of new neurons, and dysregulation of NGF has been related to neurodegenerative diseases. The increase of these neurotrophic factors by ibogaine have the potential to heal brain injury at theneuronal level.
To gather more evidence about ibogaine as a potential PTSD and TBI treatment option, VETS is supporting Stanford University researcher Dr. Nolan Williams’ observational and brain imaging study of the safety of ibogaine-assisted therapy in veterans with head trauma, combat, or blast exposure. In addition to psychological and cognitive testing of 30 veterans receiving ibogaine treatment in countries where the treatment is available, study participants will also receive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to explore possible brain changes associated with its use.