Compound Monograph
Anabasine
Anabasine is a pyridine alkaloid related to nicotine, found in tobacco and tree tobacco.
Classification
Anabasine is a pyridine alkaloid, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (2)
Anabasine is a naturally occurring pyridine alkaloid, found in Tobacco and Tree tobacco. It is flagged as toxic.
Research & Evidence
Anabasine is a pyridine alkaloid closely related to nicotine and found in Nicotiana species, particularly tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca). Like nicotine, it acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It is sometimes used as a biomarker to distinguish tobacco use from nicotine-replacement products, since it is present in tobacco but not in pharmaceutical nicotine.
Toxicity & Safety
Anabasine is toxic and has been responsible for poisonings, including fatal cases, following ingestion of tree tobacco that has been mistaken for an edible plant. It can cause nicotinic effects such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and in serious poisoning, paralysis of respiratory muscles. It also has recognised teratogenic potential. It should be treated as a hazardous plant alkaloid.