Harmaline vs Ibogaine
A side-by-side research comparison of Harmaline and Ibogaine across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Harmaline | Ibogaine |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Harmaline (harmala alkaloid) | Ibogaine (from Tabernanthe iboga) |
| Category | Psychedelics | Psychedelics |
| Status | Natural alkaloid; research compound | Schedule I (research compound) |
| Mechanism | Inhibits the enzyme MAO-A, which lets oral DMT work; also has mild psychedelic and sedative effects of its own. | Acts on multiple systems at once, including serotonin and opioid receptors, NMDA receptors and nicotinic receptors. Its active metabolite noribogaine is thought to drive much of the lasting anti-addiction effect. |
| Molecular weight | 214.26 g/mol | 310.43 g/mol |
| Half-life | Several hours | ~4-7 hours (ibogaine); noribogaine much longer |
| Bioavailability | Oral | Oral |
| Typical dose | Varies by individual and setting | Weight-based, given in specialized clinics |
| Frequency | Occasional | Usually a single session |
| Route | Oral | Oral, under medical and cardiac monitoring |
Harmaline reported benefits
- Enables oral DMT (ayahuasca)
- Studied in ethnobotany
- Natural harmala alkaloid
- Dreamy effects at higher doses
Ibogaine reported benefits
- Studied for opioid use disorder
- Can reduce withdrawal symptoms quickly
- May lower cravings after a single session
- Investigated for traumatic brain injury (with magnesium) in veterans
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.