Anatabine

PhytochemicalAlkaloid

What is it

Anatabine is a minor alkaloid found in plants of the Solanaceae family, including tobacco, tomato, and eggplant, that was sold as a supplement marketed for inflammation support.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

General inflammation reduction

Mixed Evidence

Promoted as an anti-inflammatory but human evidence is limited and the leading commercial product was the subject of FDA enforcement for unsupported claims.

How it works

Anatabine partially agonizes nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and has been shown in cell models to dampen NF-kB activation, a central inflammation pathway. Human evidence for clinically meaningful anti-inflammatory effect is limited, and a major FDA enforcement action led to withdrawal of the main commercial product.

Dosage

Earlier marketed products provided 1 mg to 8 mg lozenges several times per day. No reference daily intake is established; current supplement availability is restricted in many markets.

When and how to take it

Marketed regimens used multiple doses through the day. Given the safety profile and limited evidence, no recommended timing is offered here.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Anatabine citrate

The form used in past commercial lozenges.

Orally absorbed; pharmacokinetics not well characterized publicly.

Safety

FDA flagged the leading anatabine product for unsupported claims; concerns about cardiovascular effects, nausea, and possible nicotinic-receptor side effects exist. Long-term safety is not well characterized.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or on nicotine-replacement should not use it.

Interactions

May interact with nicotine, cholinergic drugs, and possibly antihypertensives. Evidence is limited.

Food sources

Tomato, eggplant, peppers (trace amounts)

Amount
negligible
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is anatabine still on the market?⌄

The most widely marketed anatabine supplement was withdrawn after FDA action. Availability in U.S. dietary supplements is limited.

Is anatabine the same as nicotine?⌄

Both are tobacco alkaloids and both bind nicotinic receptors, but they are distinct molecules with different effects.

References

Anatabine on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Anatabine (ChEBI:2705) — ChEBI link

Anatabine (PubChem CID 11388) — PubChem link

Anatabine on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Anatabine (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Anatabine with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.