As Donald Trump accelerates research into psychedelic therapies, one little-known African plant has found itself at the center of a growing debate.
Bernd Debusmann Jr, journalist, on the benefits and side effects of Ibogaine “It dramatically reduces the cravings”
President Donald Trump’s decision to fast-track research into psychedelic drugs has pushed ibogaine into the spotlight, turning a substance once associated mainly with traditional ceremonies in West Africa into a major topic of discussion in American healthcare.
Speaking on the BBC World Service podcast What in the World?, journalist Bernd Debusmann Jr. explained why interest in the drug has grown so quickly, particularly among military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, and addiction.
The Trump administration has committed $50 million to research, with ibogaine receiving particular attention because of its potential role in treating opioid dependency.
According to Debusmann, what sets ibogaine apart from many existing addiction treatments is the way it appears to affect cravings.
“Rather than manage withdrawal symptoms, which is something other substances that are much more common in the Western world do, it kind of dramatically reduces or eliminates the cravings after just a single dose,” he said.
Researchers and former patients have described the experience as a “mental reset,” especially for people addicted to opioids such as heroin.
There is growing interest in psychedelics in the US - including from the Trump administration, which sees the benefit that it might have for those with PTSD or TBI. I took a look at the reasons why here:
— Bernd Debusmann Jr (@BernieDebusmann) May 28, 2026
https://t.co/BMgjrovuhw
Ibogaine’s intense experience
Derived from the roots of the iboga shrub, which grows in parts of Central and West Africa, ibogaine has long been used in spiritual ceremonies in Gabon’s Bwiti religion.
The experience is not a quick one. Debusmann noted that the effects can last up to 36 hours, with users often describing vivid memories, intense introspection, and what feels like a chance to process past experiences with unusual emotional clarity.
There is also growing interest in its potential to help people suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, conditions that have affected many veterans returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Why experts remain cautious on ibogaine
Despite the excitement, ibogaine is far from risk-free.
“There is, and it’s certainly not something that can be taken lightly,” Debusmann said when discussing safety concerns.
The biggest danger is cardiac. Ibogaine can trigger serious heart rhythm problems, while seizures have also been reported. Deaths have occurred in unsupervised settings, prompting reputable clinics to require extensive medical screening and cardiac monitoring before treatment.
Even for those who complete treatment safely, the experience is often described as physically and emotionally exhausting. Nausea, fear, and intense psychological discomfort are common.
As research expands under the new executive orders, scientists hope to determine whether the drug’s promising benefits can be harnessed safely, while balancing growing demand with concerns over health risks and the protection of the plant’s cultural heritage in Africa.
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