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Understanding Ibogaine's Effects on the Brain in Opioid Use Disorder

This study is looking at how ibogaine treatment might change brain activity and symptoms in people with moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD). Ibogaine is a plant-derived compound that some studies suggest can help reduce opioid cravings. You would already be scheduled to receive ibogaine treatment at a licensed clinic outside the U.S. (Ambio Life Sciences in Tijuana, Mexico). The research team at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) will then conduct brain imaging (MRI and EEG) and ask you to fill out questionnaires before and after your treatment. The goal is to see if ibogaine reduces brain responses to opioid cues and changes brain chemistry. This is an observational study, meaning the UCI team is studying the effects of treatment you receive elsewhere, not providing the treatment itself. They aim to enroll 20 participants.

Study design
This is an observational study with an unclear status, planning to enroll 20 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would need to undergo MRI and EEG procedures at UC Irvine at three different visits: before ibogaine treatment (baseline), and then approximately 4 to 6 weeks after treatment.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed with assessments approximately 4 to 6 weeks after their ibogaine treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07226570

Mapping Ibogaine Neural Dynamics in Opioid Use Disorder

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 21–70Observational
University of California, Irvine
~20 participants
Updated 2026-05-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Observational study with MRI/EEG

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Reward Circuitry
Measured over Baseline (Visit 1; within 2 weeks of consent) and follow-up assessments approximately 4 to 6 weeks after baseline (Visits 4 and 5).
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Explore related trials

Opioid Use Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Study leadership

  • Richard E Harris, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, Irvine, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute

Who to contact

Richard E Harris, PhD
[email protected]
949-824-7000
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Adults aged 21-70 with confirmed moderate to severe OUD as assessed by equal or greater than 4 symptoms using DSM-5 criteria.
Independently scheduled to receive ibogaine treatment at Ambio Life Sciences in Tijuana, Mexico.
Able to undergo MRI and EEG procedures at UC Irvine at Visit 1 (baseline), Visit 4, and Visit 5, totaling three sessions.
Able to complete psychometric surveys at each study time point.
Able to provide urine samples at all three scanning sessions at UCI.
Able to provide urine samples at a local external lab for 3- and 6-month follow-ups.
Capable of giving written informed consent.
Proficient ability to speak, read, and write in English.

Exclusion

Presence of known past procedures, devices in the body, claustrophobia, or other contraindications for MRI.
Use of any psychedelic substances within 3 months prior to screening.
Diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (type I or II), or borderline personality disorder.
Use of ibogaine within 6 months prior to screening.
Pregnant or nursing. Participants who become pregnant during the study will be withdrawn from further participation.
Diagnosis of epilepsy or history of seizures.
Other contraindications to MRI/EEG methods. These may include but are not limited to: brain surgical clips and surgical staples, metal implants in the brain, and certain metallic dental material.
Inability to complete MRI/EEG sessions or follow-up visits.
Inability or unwillingness of an individual to give written informed consent.

What this trial measures

  • Change in Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Reward CircuitryBaseline (Visit 1; within 2 weeks of consent) and follow-up assessments approximately 4 to 6 weeks after baseline (Visits 4 and 5).

    Resting-state functional MRI will assess functional connectivity within reward circuitry, including the basal ganglia, nucleus accumbens, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, insula, and amygdala. Connectivity will be quantified using correlation coefficients between regional BOLD signals. Unit of Measure: Correlation coefficient (range: -1 to +1, where higher values indicate stronger positive connectivity)

  • Change in BOLD Activation to Drug Cues During Task-Based fMRIBaseline (Visit 1; within 2 weeks of consent) and follow-up assessments approximately 4 to 6 weeks after baseline (Visits 4 and 5).

    Task-based functional MRI will measure blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal activation in reward-related brain regions (basal ganglia, nucleus accumbens, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, insula, and amygdala) while participants view opioid-related versus neutral images. Unit of Measure: Percent signal change in BOLD activation

  • Change in Glutamate+Glutamine Concentration in Nucleus AccumbensBaseline (Visit 1; within 2 weeks of consent) and follow-up assessments approximately 4 to 6 weeks after baseline (Visits 4 and 5).

    Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) will measure glutamate+glutamine (Glx) concentration in the nucleus accumbens. Unit of Measure: Institutional units (ratio relative to creatine)

  • Change in Glutamate+Glutamine Concentration in Anterior InsulaBaseline (Visit 1; within 2 weeks of consent) and follow-up assessments approximately 4 to 6 weeks after baseline (Visits 4 and 5).

    Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) will measure glutamate+glutamine (Glx) concentration in the anterior insula. Unit of Measure: Institutional units (ratio relative to creatine)