RESUMO
Abstract The aim of the present study was to analyze the mechanisms of ibogaine action by measuring its ex vivo effects on antioxidant defense in the honey bee (Apis mellifera, L.) midgut. The transcriptional levels of selected genes: Cu/Zn dependent and Mn dependent superoxide dismutases (Sod1 and Sod2, respectively), catalase (Cat) and transcription factor Nrf2 (Nrf2) were determined. The applicability of midgut tissue, which expected to have well developed antioxidant protection system, for this type of analysis was confirmed by testing cell viability and response to paraquat, an effective inducer of oxidative stress, ex vivo. Incubation for 2 h with paraquat (10 µg/mL) induced a significant increase in expression of Sod1 and Cat genes. The results of ibogaine treatment showed that exposure to 5 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL of ibogaine for 2 h induced significant increase in expression of Sod1 gene. On the other hand, ibogaine did not lead to a significant increase of Sod2, Cat and transcription factor Nrf2 genes expression in honey bee midgut ex vivo. Our results confirmed positive effect of ibogaine on the antioxidant protective system and its pro-antioxidant action.
RESUMO
Abstract Background Therapeutic properties of ibogaine in the treatment of addiction are attracting both clinicians and patients to its use. Since ibogaine is not an authorized medicine, the quality of these products is not always known, increasing the probability of adverse reactions. Objective This study collects different types of iboga-derived samples from treatment providers, vendors and online buyers to analyse their content. Methods Analysis of iboga products (n = 16) was performed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry methods (GC/MS). Products included Iboga root bark, Total Alkaloids (TA), Purified Total Alkaloids (PTA HCl), ibogaine hydrochloride (ibogaine HCl) and one Voacanga africana root bark. Results The content of ibogaine was highly variable, ranging from 0.6% to 11.2% for products sold as iboga root bark, from 8.2% to 32.9% for products sold as TA, 73.7% for one sample sold as PTA and from 61.5% to 73.4% for products sold as ibogaine HCl. One sample did not show any iboga alkaloids. Other alkaloids and unknown substances were found in almost all samples. Discussion The purity of iboga products is highly variable. These results should be taken into consideration by suppliers and users, especially regarding correct dosing to avoid overdose, as well as potential interactions with other substances.