Anabasine is a natural, nicotine-related alkaloid first isolated from plants of the genus Nicotiana. It binds the same receptor as nicotine, the nicotinic acetylcholine α4β2 subtype (Ki = 38 nM) and increases nicotine-induced hyperactivity, sensitization, and intravenous self-administration. Anabasine reportedly aids smoking cessation when administered orally or sublingually. It can be used as a biomarker for tobacco use, as urinary excretion of anabasine correlates well with nicotine intake.
