Cytisine

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Cytisine

Chemical name	(1R-cis)-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro- 1,5-metano-8H-pyrido[1,2a][1,5] diazocin-8-one
Other names	Cytisine Baptitoxine Sophorine
Chemical formula	C₁₁H₁₄N₂O
Molecular mass	190.24 g/mol
CAS number	[485-35-8]
Melting point	152-153 °C
Boiling point	218 °C at 2 mmHg
SMILES	O=c1cccc2C3CNCC(C3)Cn21
Disclaimer and references

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.

1 Sources
2 Uses
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Sources

Plants that contain the alkaloid in various concentrations include those from several genera of the Faboideae subfamily, including Laburnum, Anagyris, Thermopsis, Cytisus, Genista and Sophora. Also present in Gymnocladus of the Caesalpinioideae subfamily.

[edit] Uses

Cytisine is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor 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. A 2006 literature review concludes that while trials performed with cytisine itself are mostly of poor quality, there is some evidence that cytisine may be prescribed to aid in smoking cessation.^[1]

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.