3.5_Alternative Botanical Sources of Ibogan Alkaloids_Felix Krengel Artwork

Iboganautics

Unveiling the iboga experience for first-timers and shamans alike, Iboganautics is the podcast committed to discovering everything there is to know about "Tabernanthe iboga," or simply called iboga, a naturally occurring psychedelic plant from Gabon in western Central Africa. While other podcasters and content producers mainly focus on the addiction interruption properties of ibogaine, the main acting alkaloid in iboga, there is so much more to discuss, so much more one could and should know for a richer appreciation of the experience. For this reason, I invite members of the iboga community and other experts on the podcast to speak not just about addiction but about alternative topics pertaining to iboga-the-plant as well as the subjective experiences elicited by iboga. After several transformative personal experiences in addition to my own academic research, I speak with people that have something educational and interesting to say about this substance/experience, directly or indirectly related; for example, from scholars in neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and botany to experienced staff at retreat centers, artists, lay experts, and so on. While there’s much good information about iboga across multiple media, I believe there’s more to discover by conversing with said experts. For more information, visit https://amhouot.com/iboganautics/

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Iboganautics

3.5_Alternative Botanical Sources of Ibogan Alkaloids_Felix Krengel

February 27, 2021 • A.M.

Dr. Felix Krengel recently completed his PhD in biological sciences at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City. His research interests include phytochemistry, metabolomics, and plant tissue culture, focusing particularly on the biosynthesis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids by Mexican species of the Apocynaceae plant family. I invite Felix on the podcast to discuss his and his colleagues’ research into novel alkaloidal extraction and purification methods, resulting in three published papers in 2019. They are one of very few laboratories in the world, as far as I can tell, exploring the forefront of alternative botanical sources of ibogan-type alkaloids, especially ibogaine. Topics of our discussion include: the difference between primary and secondary metabolites; the difference between plant family/genus/species; his and his team’s research into Mexican Tabernaemontana species that produce ibogan-type alkaloids such as coronaridine, ibogamine, voacangine, ibogaine (“CIVI-complex”); factors affecting alkaloid concentrations in plants; variations in inner and outer root bark alkaloid concentration and its significance; using solvents to liberate alkaloids from wood products; “fake iboga” alkaloids; minor or auxiliary alkaloids; the role of environmental stress in producing alkaloids, alkaloids being one of a plant’s defense mechanisms; economic viability of ibogaine extraction from Voacanga and other non-Tabernanthe iboga species; and genetic modification of plants as potential means to increase ibogaine production. Also, visit my Podcast Supplements article regarding afterthoughts of Felix and I’s conversation (https://amhouot.com/87-ep3-5_alternative-botanical-sources-of-ibogan-alkaloids_felix-krengel/).

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Iboganautics is a podcast intended for entertainment purposes only and all content shared on Iboganautics is for entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider or legal counsel with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or legal situation. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Neither Iboganautics nor any of its affiliates, sponsors, producers, guests, or hosts encourage the illegal use of controlled substances.