IPA: //ɪˈboʊɡeɪn//
KK: /ɪˈboʊɡeɪn/
A chemical substance derived from a plant that is used to help treat addiction and depression by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
Ibogaine is being studied for its potential to help people overcome addiction to opioids.
Ibogaine is derived from the word 'iboga', which comes from the Fang language of Central Africa, specifically referring to the root of the Tabernanthe iboga plant. The term 'iboga' itself does not have a Latin or Greek root but is a direct borrowing from the indigenous language, meaning the plant used for its psychoactive properties.
Think of the word 'iboga' as the name of the plant that provides the psychoactive substance, helping you remember that ibogaine comes from this specific root.