A research team from the University of Massachusetts has successfully tested a new drug for nicotine addiction based on the plant compound cytisinicline. The results of the study were: presented in JAMA magazine.

Cytisinicline is found in the seeds of the Russian broom plant. This is a deciduous shrub with grayish-brown bark, twig-like shoots with grayish-white pubescence, small leaves and bright yellow flowers collected in pointed inflorescences. The plant has a stimulating effect on the respiratory center, increases motor activity, has a hypertensive, diuretic and cardiotonic effect, stimulates the activity of the adrenal glands.

Scientists say cytisinicline selectively binds to nicotinic receptors in the brain that are responsible for nicotine addiction. As a result, the desire to smoke after taking it disappears.

The trial involved approximately 800 smokers who were divided into four groups. The first took a placebo for 6 weeks, the second – the real drug, the third and fourth took a “dummy” and medication, but for 12 weeks. Total follow-up time for all groups was 24 weeks.

The substance was well tolerated by the participants and no serious side effects were reported. In the 12-week treatment group, approximately 32% of participants who took cytisicline abstained from sexual intercourse for 9-12 weeks. At the same time, 25% of the group that used the drug for six weeks did not smoke for three to six weeks.