Cytisine is a naturally occurring compound proven by recent studies to be effective for smoking cessation. It has been widely used in European countries as a cost-effective alternative for nicotine patches.
What Is Cytisine?
Cytisine is an alkaloid compound that works as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. It is a plant metabolite commonly derived from the genera Laburnum and Cytisus of the Fabaceae family and extracted from the seeds of the plant Cytisus laborinum L., otherwise known as Golden Rain Acacia. Aside from its widespread use as a tool that aids in smoking cessation, the compound has been used as a recreational drug since the early 1960s. According to reports, the compound has nicotine-like properties.
The compound is usually included in the formulation of dietary supplements for heavy smokers who intend to cease smoking. In supplement formulations, it is also referred to as L-Cytisine, Cytisus Laburnum, Baptitoxine, and Sophorine. The compound is also marketed by Sopharma AD under the brand name Tabex.
This compound is also identified as having CAS Number 485-35-8 and the molecular formula of C11H14N2O. It has a molecular weight of 190.24 g/mol and has the appearance of light-yellowish powder. Although the compound is found to be very soluble in gastrointestinal fluids, its bioavailability may be diminished due to its limited permeability in the mucosal membranes of the digestive tract.
Cytisine vs Nicotine
Nicotine is a psychoactive compound that stimulates the rapid transmission of impulses from the brain to the body. Excessive consumption of nicotine through long-term smoking has been associated with various medical conditions which shorten human lifespan.
According to health studies, Cytisine is an effective alternative to Nicotine Replacement therapy among persons who are intending to quit smoking. This is because the compound is shown to effectively mimic the action of Nicotine in the body.
While the use of Nicotine is not indicated due to its nature as an addictive drug, its alternative Cytisine is not addictive.
Cytisine Forms And Specifications
Cytisine is commonly included in dietary supplement formulations in powder 99% form. Although the powder is not currently licensed in the UK as an aid for smoking cessation, it has been used in other countries across Europe for several decades.
How Does Cytisine Work?
As an aid in smoking cessation, Cytisine essentially works by imitating the effects of Nicotine in the body. In essence, it binds to the receptors which normally bind Nicotine. This results in Nicotine-like health effects, but without the addictive side effect.
Health experts say that this ingredient may very well work as an affordable alternative to nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches. In terms of effects, clinical studies show that Cytisine is quite effective as a nicotine alternative.
Cytisine Benefits
- It helps in smoking cessation.
Various studies have provided the foundational basis for the claim that it may help persons who are intending to quit smoking habits. In one study, it was found that patients who take this ingredient have an increased abstinence rate as compared to those who took a placebo drug. Some research also provided that the users have a higher self-reported abstinence rate when compared to those who have undergone nicotine replacement therapy.
- It may have chemotherapeutic properties.
It was suggested in one study that the compound may also be used in chemotherapeutic applications. As provided in the said study, Cytisine has induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells.
- It may help treat depression.
One animal research has shown that Cytisine supplementation may have potential effects in treating induced depression and anxiety. Experts say that the compound may very well work for stress and depression associated with cessation of smoking as it may intervene with the production and release of the neurotransmitter Serotonin.
- Other health benefits
Studies are currently being conducted to determine its efficiency as a health supplement ingredient. Recent studies show that the compound may also aid in the treatment of Type II Diabetes Mellitus and unpredictable chronic mild stress. Although not yet fully understood, some researchers also suggest that the compound may play a role in treating alcohol addiction as it modulates long-term consumption of ethanol.
Is Cytisine FDA Approval?
Although the compound has been widely used in many regions for smoking cessation, the Food and Drug Association (FDA) has only accepted the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for cytisine. This means that it is not yet approved by the FDA for its intended health purpose.
Recommended dosage
For smoking cessation purposes, health practitioners recommend the use of one tablet containing 1.5 mg of the compound every 2 hours for six days, depending on a physician’s advice. The said dose is thereafter titrated until the user is to take only two tablets of the compound for a day.
To ensure safety, individual users are recommended to consult their physician for the recommended dose for their case. Doses may differ depending on the individual user’s age, weight, and current medical status.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Common side effects associated with intake of the compound Cytisine include headaches, dyspepsia, and nausea. Some patients have also reported irritability and having a dry mouth as a side effect of Cystisine use.
Cytisine is contraindicated among pregnant and lactating women, as well as those who are diagnosed with cardiovascular health conditions.
Where To Buy Cytisine Powder?
To ensure safety, we regret to inform you that Nutri Avenue has decided to suspend the sale of cytisine powder. Once there is the latest news, we will update you and tell you in time. Welcome to contact us to know more about nutritional ingredients for various functions.
