Evidence supporting the use of: Cytisine
For the body system: Acetylcholine

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Cytisine is an alkaloid found in several plant species, most notably Cytisus laburnum (golden rain). Its primary pharmacological action is as a partial agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), particularly the α4β2 subtype. This means that cytisine binds to these receptors, mimicking acetylcholine's effect but to a lesser degree, and thereby modulates cholinergic neurotransmission. The most well-established clinical use for cytisine is as a smoking cessation aid, where its activity at nAChRs helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown cytisine to be effective for this purpose, leading to its approval for smoking cessation in some countries. While its primary indication is not to globally "support the acetylcholine system," its mechanism directly involves modulation of acetylcholine receptors. There is no strong evidence that cytisine is used or effective as a general cognitive enhancer or for other cholinergic disorders, but its validated action on nAChRs makes its use in supporting cholinergic neurotransmission (specifically in the context of nicotine withdrawal) scientifically justified. Overall, the evidence supporting cytisine's role in modulating the acetylcholine system—at least for smoking cessation—is strong, but its use for other acetylcholine-related conditions remains unproven.

More about cytisine
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Other body systems supported by cytisine

Acetylcholine
Brain
Dopamine
Specific Neurotransmitters

Products containing cytisine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.