According to a recent study, a plant-based drug may offer hope for those trying to quit smoking. The drug, known as Cytisine, has shown promising results in helping people kick the habit.
The Power of Cytisine
Cytisine is a plant-based compound that has been utilized as a stop-smoking aid in Eastern Europe since the 1960s. It has been found to significantly increase the chances of successful smoking cessation compared to a placebo and may even be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy.
However, despite its potential, Cytisine is not widely licensed or marketed outside of central and eastern Europe, leaving it unavailable in most parts of the world, including many low and middle-income countries.
What is Cytisine?
Cytisine works by easing smoking withdrawal symptoms. It was first synthesized as Tabex in Bulgaria in 1964 and has since been marketed in other nations in Eastern Europe and Asia.
Lead author Dr. Omar De Santi emphasized, “Our study adds to the evidence that Cytisine is an effective and inexpensive stop-smoking aid. It could be very useful in reducing smoking in low and middle-income countries where cost-effective smoking cessation drugs are urgently needed.”
Cytisine has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against smoking, a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, according to Dr. De Santi. The study compiled the results of eight randomized controlled trials, involving nearly 6,000 patients, which demonstrated that Cytisine significantly increased the probability of successful smoking cessation by more than twofold compared to a placebo.
Comparing Cytisine with Other Treatments
The study also compared Cytisine with other smoking cessation methods. While the results were modestly in favor of Cytisine when compared to nicotine replacement therapy, there was no clear benefit of Cytisine over varenicline.
This groundbreaking research has shed light on the potential of Cytisine as an effective tool in combating smoking addiction, offering hope to millions of smokers worldwide.
For more information on the study, you can visit the India Health website.
As we look to the future, the potential of Cytisine as a viable solution for smoking cessation is an exciting prospect. With further research and potential global accessibility, it has the power to positively impact public health on a global scale.
