The chemical alkaloid contained in the roots and stems of various family members, such as
Rauwolfia species - effectiveness in reducing blood pressure. The Madagascar periwinkle has proven effective in treating a particular childhood leukemia. Species of Strophanthus are known mostly as deadly arrow poisons. Acokanthera abyssinia and related species yield the dreaded “Yaboyo” poison of Somalia. Another interesting member of this family of plants, is called Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco, an enormous tree from Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. It yields the “quebracho bark”, which contains a mixture of alkaloids and is used for treating emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. All family members exude a milky latex. The flowers are hermaphrodite and regular, that is, the male and female flowers are borne on the same plant.
Iboga grows to a height of 2m, but it may grow into a small tree up to 10 m tall.
Iboga has white and pink flowers and a small green leaves. Iboga fruit has orange colour and can be an oval shape, or a round spherical shape. Iboga roots contain a number of indole alkaloids which is found in the highest concentration in the root-bark. The root material taste bitter and causes an anaesthetic sensation in the mouth.