Botanical Studied in Nicotine Withdrawal

By CP Staff

A new study investigated the potential therapeutic effect of an adaptogenic botanical on nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine is one of the most frequently used addictive drugs in the United States, and is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking causes over 400,000 premature deaths in the United States each year, totaling about 1 in every 5 U.S. deaths.

In this new study, researchers analyzed the effect of Rhodiola rosea extract on preventing nicotine dependence and decreasing nicotine withdrawal symptoms in mice. In this study, mice were treated with nicotine injections to induce nicotine dependence. Symptoms of withdrawal were evaluated 20 hours after the last nicotine injection to evaluate nicotine dependence. Rhodiola rosea extract was given to one group of mice during the nicotine injection period and given to a second group of mice during the withdrawal period.

The results showed that Rhodiola rosea extract given during the nicotine exposure or nicotine withdrawal period inhibited the signs of nicotine withdrawal in a dose-dependent fashion, meaning the higher the dose of Rhodiola rosea extract, the less symptoms of withdrawal were present.

The study authors stated, “In conclusion, our data encourage additional studies to define the use of Rhodiola rosea L. as a therapeutic approach in the treatment of smoking cessation.”

References:

Mattioli L, Perfumi M. Evaluation of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on affective and physical signs of nicotine withdrawal in mice. J Psychopharmacol. 2009 Nov 25. Published Online Ahead of Print.