Cytisine is a toxic pyridine-like alkaloid. Pharmacologically it exhibits similar effects to nicotine due to structural similarity of the two molecules. In large doses it can interfere with respiration and become fatal.

Sources

Plants that contain the alkaloid in various concentrations include several from the Faboideae subfamily, including laburnum, anagyris, thermopsis, cytisus, genista and sophora.

Uses

Cytisine is a nicotine agonist, and as a pharmaceutical preparation it is available for the treatment of nicotinism. Cytisine derivative varenicline was approved in 2006 as a smoking cessation drug.

Plants containing cytisine, including the Common Broom and Mescalbean have also been used recreationally. Positive effects are reported to include a mild intoxication and heightened awareness of color. However this practice is not recommended since negative side-effects can include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, heart pain, headache and in larger doses even death via respiratory failure.

External links

• Chmoogle Chemical Search Results Cytisine information at chmoogle.
• Tabex official site Commercial site offering pharmaceutical preparation. Wealth of information on cytisine near the bottom of the page.
• Shaman Australis Cytisine pharmacology and information on substance availability in various plants.
• Erowid Library: Golden Guide Hallucinogenic Plants by Richard Evans Schultes More on the dangerous effects of cytisine on health and respiration.
• The Vaults of Erowid : Legal Highs by Adam Gottlieb Information on recreational use.

Alkaloids