Compound Monograph
Anabasine
Anabasine is a pyridine alkaloid related to nicotine, found in tobacco and tree tobacco.
Sources · 3
Where Does It Come From?
Anabasine is a naturally occurring pyridine alkaloid, found in Tobacco, Tree tobacco and 1 other source. It is flagged as toxic.
Principal source Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum Herb monograph → 
Source Mapacho Nicotiana rustica Herb monograph → Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
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 recognized teratogenic potential. It should be treated as a hazardous plant alkaloid.
