This patent concerns the discovery of the effectiveness of an alcoholic
total extract of the aerial parts of the plant Anisotes trisulcus
(Forssk.) Vahl family Acanthaceae and its active constituent peganine as
a new means for suppression of tobacco intake and as a suppression to
appetite (as anororexiants). The treatment of Wistar rats with the total
alcoholic extract in doses of 600 mg/100 ml drinking water decreased oral
nicotine intake by 87.7% and food intake by 84.9%. The active constituent
peganine in doses of 1.4 mg/ml drinking water decreased nicotine
consumption by 79% and food intake by 77.8%. In other experimental in
mice, the extract enhanced nicotine actions by more than 70% and mimicked
nicotine in inducing intestinal stimulation in the isolated guinea pig
ileum. Peganine is hereby claimed to be a new deterrent for tobacco
intake.