I'm guessing that this is the article that Chris was referring to at the conference. Does anyone have a copy that could be shared -- without violating any copyright agreements, of course?
Abstract
Tissue lines, selected from explants of Tabernanthe iboga H. Bn. and cultured in shake flasks, produced and released from three to five indole alkaloids into the culture medium. the iboga alkaloids in order of their relative abundance were ibogaine, dihydroxyibogamine, ibogamine, voacangine, and ibogaline. All five compounds have the same basic ring structure as ibogaine, a putative anti-addictive drug. Three of these could consistently be detected in culture medium that was removed and replaced at two-week intervals over periods of at least five months. the nutrient-hormone combination used consisted of Gamborg's B5 medium with 2% w/v sucrose, 2mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.1 mg/16-benzyladenine (BA). These results suggest that plant tissue culture procedures can be developed as an economically feasible and environmentally responsible source of ibogaine and other potential anti-addictive drugs.
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a757815221&db=all
Perhaps the "nutrient-hormone combination" mentioned in the abstract could be included in the aeroponic medium to accelerate RB growth and alkaloid production? Dump a bunch of hormones and precursors into those tender, absorbent root hairs? Force them rootlets to grow uncontrollably. Then we'll come out with the organic version, without the hormones and vegan precursors, at 10x the price! We'll be rich, famous and powerful! (And we shall become the new Post-Neo-Republicans with a host of lobbyists in our vest pockets.) Isn't capitalism fun ? ! ? !
That the RB cells were "cultured in shake flasks" is a good indicator, in my battered & beaten brain, that the root bark cells WILL produce several alkaloids, some of which are still legal in the Unenlightened Stalag of Amerikka.
Ya-freakin-Hoo! ~et
PS -- Hey kidz, can YOU find the mini-rants hidden in this message? !e