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Ibogaine as a double-edged sword: Developmental cardiotoxicity and neurobehavioral alterations in zebrafish
Arthur L de Oliveira1, Flavia R Abe2, Rafael Guimarães Dos Santos3
1Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil.
Behavioural Brain Research
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Ibogaine shows potential for substance use disorders but poses developmental risks. Zebrafish studies reveal cardiac and neurobehavioral toxicity, highlighting safety concerns for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Developmental toxicology
- Neuropharmacology
- Cardiovascular research
Background:
- Ibogaine is a potential treatment for substance use disorders.
- Its clinical use is limited by cardiotoxicity.
- Developmental safety of ibogaine is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate developmental cardiotoxic and neurobehavioral effects of ibogaine.
- Utilize zebrafish embryos and larvae as a translational model.
- Assess ibogaine's impact on cardiac function and neurobehavior during early development.
Main Methods:
- Exposed zebrafish embryos and larvae to varying concentrations of ibogaine.
- Monitored cardiac function (heart rate, pericardial edema).
- Assessed neurobehavioral endpoints (motor activity, locomotor patterns, exploratory behavior).
Main Results:
- Ibogaine induced bradycardia at 100ng/mL and pericardial edema at 500ng/mL.
- Observed disruptions in embryonic motor activity and larval locomotor/exploratory behavior.
- Neurobehavioral alterations occurred at lower concentrations than morphological toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Ibogaine exhibits developmental cardiotoxicity and neurobehavioral disruption in zebrafish.
- Neurodevelopmental endpoints may be more sensitive indicators of ibogaine exposure.
- Highlights risks of ibogaine exposure in vulnerable populations and need for safety evaluation.
