• The study utilized a comprehensive experimental approach that included the synthesis of TBG and IBG, head-twitch response (HTR) assays to assess hallucinogenic properties, hERG channels inhibition studies for cardiotoxicity evaluation, and various behavior experiments in rodent models to study effects on addiction and depression.
• In rodent models, the effects of TBG on alcohol and heroin-seeking behaviors as well as its antidepressant-like effects were quantitatively measured, with comparisons to ibogaine and vehicle controls.
• The study demonstrated TBG’s ability to promote neural plasticity without significant safety concerns noted with ibogaine, such as cardiotoxicity and hallucinogenic potential.

• Ibogaine: A naturally occurring psychedelic with anti-addictive properties.
• Psychoplastogen: A class of compounds capable of promoting neural plasticity.
• Hallucinogenic Potential: The capacity of a substance to cause hallucinations.
• hERG channels: Human Ether-a-go-go-Related Gene channels, associated with cardiac action potential.
• 5-HT2A receptors: A subtype of serotonin receptors involved in various neurological and psychiatric processes.

TBG as a Safer, Non-Hallucinogenic Alternative

• TBG, unlike ibogaine, does not exhibit hallucinogenic properties or significant hERG channel inhibition, reducing concerns about cardiotoxicity.
• The synthesis of TBG represents a more practical and potentially safer alternative for therapeutic applications.

Neural Plasticity and Behavioral Impacts

• TBG was shown to increase dendritic spine density and promote neural plasticity, akin to the psychoplastogenic effects observed with psychedelics like ibogaine.
• TBG significantly reduced alcohol and heroin-seeking behaviors in rodent models, indicating potential as a treatment for addiction.

Therapeutic Potentials Beyond Addiction

• Beyond its anti-addictive properties, TBG exhibited antidepressant-like effects in stressed mice, suggesting a broader therapeutic utility in treating depression.