Anatabine: a substitute for the medicinal activity of nicotine

Side effects and dependence limit the clinical application of nicotine. Anatabine, a structural analogue of nicotine, shares key molecular characteristics. Network-pharmacology and molecular-docking analyses demonstrate that both compounds target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), with the pyridine ring serving as the primary interaction site. This review synthesizes the pharmacology of anatabine, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities, and underscores a therapeutic potential comparable to that of nicotine. Although anatabine shows affinity for α₇ nAChRs similar to that of nicotine, the role of this receptor in the effects of anatabine remains unclear. Nicotine exhibits substantially greater activation capability at α₄β₂ nAChRs than anatabine (nicotine: EC₅₀ = 0.4 ± 3.9 μM; I_max = 17 ± 4 %; anatabine: EC₅₀ = 8.4 ± 5.2 μM; I_max = 4 ± 3 %), likely associated with differential electrostatic interactions between the two compounds with key residues (244, 385) within α₄β₂ nAChRs. Consistently, anatabine shows a relatively low activity for α₄β₂ nAChRs, which is closely related to nicotine dependence. This may partly account for its lower addictive potential and milder central effects in disorders such as anxiety and Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, its reported effectiveness in attenuating nicotine dependence and clinical use as an anti-arthritic dietary supplement to alleviate arthritis further supports its translational potential. In summary, anatabine may represent a potentially safer alternative to nicotine with distinct pharmacological properties. This review comprehensively outlines its synthesis, quantification, and pharmacological activities, and provides perspectives for the subsequent research and development of anatabine.