Cytisine and methylcytisine (alkaloid) dosage

Cytisine (CAS No. 485-35-8) and methylcytisine (CAS No. 486-86-2) are two quinolizidine alkaloids naturally present in several species of the Fabaceae family, including Cytisus laburnum (laburnum), Genista tinctoria, Thermopsis lanceolata, and Sophora secundiflora.
These molecules are known for their neuroactive effects, acting as partial agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. They have historically been studied for their pharmacological applications in smoking cessation, but they are also monitored for their potential toxicity at high doses.

The assay of cytisine and methylcytisine allows for the precise quantification of these alkaloids in plant extracts, powders or nutraceutical products, guaranteeing the safety of use and regulatory compliance of plant raw materials.

Advantages of analytical measurement

Analyzing cytisine and methylcytisine is essential for several reasons:

• Quality control of plant extracts used in supplements for neurotonic or smoking cessation purposes.
• Verification of regulatory compliance of plant-based nutraceutical products naturally containing these alkaloids.
• Toxicological monitoring of plant raw materials from Fabaceae, some species being potentially dangerous.
• Pharmacological or metabolic studies aimed at understanding the role of alkaloids in neurochemical or plant-like effects.
• Botanical identification and authentication of extracts via the specific chemical signature of alkaloids.

In the nutraceutical field, this analysis helps to prevent the risks of poisoning, to guarantee the reproducibility of formulas and to certify the botanical origin of raw materials.

Analytical methods used

At YesWeLab, the determination of cytisine and methylcytisine is carried out by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS), a reference method for the detection and quantification of alkaloids in trace amounts.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
This method separates alkaloids according to their polarity, allowing for initial quantification by UV or fluorescence detection. It is often used for routine controls and the comparison of plant extracts.

LC-MS / LC-MS/MS
: Coupling chromatography-mass spectrometry allows for maximum molecular specificity and an extremely low detection limit (down to a few ng/g). MS/MS fragmentation enables the unambiguous identification of cytisine and its methylated form, even in complex matrices such as hydroalcoholic extracts or encapsulated supplements.

The analyses are carried out according to protocols conforming to ISO 17025 and ICH Q2 standards, guaranteeing the traceability and reliability of the results.

Industrial and scientific applications

Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements:
Dosage is crucial for products made from neuroactive plants, in order to assess their content of active alkaloids and avoid exceeding safety thresholds. This analysis is particularly relevant for extracts of Cytisus, Sophora, or Thermopsis, sometimes used in products intended for cognitive well-being or smoking cessation.

Botany and phytochemistry
The quantification of cytisine and methylcytisine constitutes a tool for the chemical characterization of plant species, allowing the differentiation of closely related genera and the study of the natural distribution of alkaloids.

Regulatory control and safety:
Some plants containing these alkaloids are considered toxic or regulated. Dosage testing verifies the compliance of extracts with European regulations on potentially hazardous plant substances and with EFSA guidelines for food supplements.

Environmental and veterinary toxicology
The analysis can also be used in environmental monitoring (presence of alkaloids in contaminated feed or soil) or veterinary toxicology to detect possible accidental exposures.

Affected matrices

• Plant extracts from Fabaceae (Cytisus, Sophora, Genista, Thermopsis)
• Hydroalcoholic powders and extracts
• Herbal food supplements
• Biological or environmental matrices

Recommended Related Analyses

For a complete characterization of the bioactive compounds present in Fabaceae or neuroactive extracts, YesWeLab recommends combining the following:
Nicotine assay – for the nicotinic alkaloid profile.
Caffeine assay – to complement studies on psychostimulant molecules.
Total flavonoid assay – to evaluate associated antioxidant compounds.
DNA detection of plant species – to confirm the botanical origin of the extracts.

Why choose YesWeLab?

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories specializing in the quantification of plant alkaloids, polyphenols, and secondary metabolites.
Our teams support stakeholders in the nutraceutical, research, and quality control sectors in implementing reliable and customized analyses.
Thanks to our digital platform, ordering, tracking, and receiving results are simple, fast, and secure.