Gabon has introduced a government decree to protect the traditional knowledge associated with the iboga plant, a slow-growing central African rainforest shrub. The decree, issued in May this year, recognises this knowledge as national heritage and mandates benefit-sharing for any commercial use of the plant.
The move comes as pharmaceutical companies express significant interest in ibogaine, a drug derived from iboga, for its potential in addiction treatment. A US executive order, signed by President Donald Trump on 18 April, specifically named "ibogaine compounds" and directed federal agencies to establish a treatment pathway for eligible patients.
Early observational studies have indicated that ibogaine may lead to sharp reductions in opioid withdrawal and craving after a single treatment. A 2024 study involving 30 US special operations veterans, most with mild traumatic brain injury, reported an average reduction of at least 81% in PTSD, depression, and anxiety scores a month after receiving ibogaine combined with magnesium. However, this study was small, uncontrolled, and included complementary therapies, meaning it could not establish efficacy, and its authors have called for further controlled trials.
The increasing demand for iboga has raised ecological concerns. While small amounts of root bark can be harvested without harming the shrub, commercial extraction can incentivise taking the entire root system, which kills the plant. Lee White, former environment minister for Gabon, described wild iboga as "rare and poorly studied," with evidence of severe local over-harvesting found in some areas.