Tabernanthalog
Non-hallucinogenic ibogaine analog psychoplastogen: 5-HT2A-driven BDNF/TrkB signaling, preclinical data only.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS TABERNANTHALOG?
Detailed overview
Tabernanthalog (TBG) is a non-hallucinogenic synthetic analog designed from the iboga alkaloids (ibogaine), developed in the laboratory of David E. Olson as a psychoplastogen: a molecule that promotes neuronal plasticity. It acts at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and through it engages the BDNF-TrkB-mTOR pathway, driving dendritic spine growth in cortical neurons and strengthening synaptic connections without the hallucinations typical of classic psychedelics. In rodent models it produced antidepressant-like effects, reduced alcohol- and drug-seeking behavior, and restored neural circuits disrupted by stress. Tabernanthalog was engineered to avoid the dangerous cardiac-rhythm (QT-prolongation) risk of ibogaine. It has never been tested in humans: its human safety is unstudied and it is currently only a preclinical research compound.
Mechanism
5-HT2A partial agonist → BDNF/TrkB/mTOR plasticity
Evidence
Preclinical only (cell + rodent, no human data)
Legal status
Unapproved research compound
Receptor profile
- 5-HT2A receptorStrong
- TrkB / BDNF signalingModerate
- hERG channel (low affinity, reduced cardiac-rhythm risk)Weak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- No human safety data: only cell and animal (rodent) studies exist; the compound has never been tested in humans
- Unknown long-term safety and incomplete toxicity profile in humans
- As a 5-HT2A agonist it may theoretically cause transient anxiety, blood-pressure rise or headache
- Designed to reduce the cardiac-rhythm (hERG/QT) risk seen with ibogaine, but this is unconfirmed in humans
- Nicotinic (α7, α9α10) receptor inhibition from animal data: human relevance unknown
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not established, avoid
- Cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia or prolonged QT: caution due to 5-HT2A/hERG activity
- Serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, triptans): theoretical serotonin-syndrome risk
- Not an approved medicine or dietary supplement; experimental research compound, not recommended without clinical supervision
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
A non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogue with therapeutic potential
Cameron LP, Tombari RJ, Lu J, Pell AJ, Hurley ZQ, Ehinger Y, et al.
An analog of psychedelics restores functional neural circuits disrupted by unpredictable stress
Lu J, Tjia M, Mullen B, Cao B, Lukasiewicz K, Shah-Morales S, et al.
Engineering Safer Psychedelics for Treating Addiction
Cameron LP, Patel SD, Vargas MV, Barragan EV, Saeger HN, Warren HT, et al.
Tabernanthalog Reduces Motivation for Heroin and Alcohol in a Polydrug Use Model
Heinsbroek JA, Giannotti G, Bonneau N, Cameron LP, Olson DE, Ford CP, et al.
Tabernanthalog and ibogainalog inhibit the α7 and α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors via different mechanisms and with higher potency than the GABAA receptor and CaV2.2 channel
Arias HR, Tae HS, Micheli L, Yousuf A, Ghelardini C, Adams DJ, et al.
Non-hallucinogenic compounds derived from iboga alkaloids alleviate neuropathic and visceral pain in mice through a mechanism involving 5-HT2A receptor activation
Di Cesare Mannelli L, Tenci B, Micheli L, Arias HR, Ghelardini C, et al.
FAQ
FAQ
Non-hallucinogenic ibogaine analog psychoplastogen: 5-HT2A-driven BDNF/TrkB signaling, preclinical data only.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.