Method for Decreasing Nicotine and Other Substance Use in Humans

Abstract

A method for decreasing nicotine and other substance use in humans is disclosed. Tetrahydroberberine (THB) and its analogs, l-Tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) and l-Stepholidine (l-SPD), are present in and can be isolated from several plants in the Magnoliidae superorder. According to the disclosed method, THB and its analogs are used to block nicotine-induced DA release, and modulate heterologous or homoeric expression of human nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in humans. Specifically, THB exhibits bi-directory modulation of α4β2-nAChR-mediated currents induced by nicotine. THB also shows predominant inhibition on homologously expressed α7-nAChR function. Thus, according to the disclosed method, THB is used to simultaneous blockade midbrain DA system function, the brain reward center, and neuronal α4β2- and α7-nAChR function, the major nicotine targets in the brain. Therefore, THB and its analogs serve as a novel class of natural compounds to decrease nicotine dependence in humans. Furthermore other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, and opiates, also operate by triggering the brain reward center, resulting in a cycle of substance or alcohol abuse. THB and its analogs can be used to decrease use of substances such as alcohol, cocaine, and opiates. Finally, because THB and its analogs are DA antagonists, THB and its analogs can also be used as a treatment for Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease and Schizophrenia.

Description

CLAIM OF DOMESTIC PRIORITY[0001]The present application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 360,112, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,341,745, filed on Feb. 7, 2003, entitled “Method for Decreasing Nicotine and other Substance Use in Humans,” and claims priority to the foregoing parent application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0002]The present patent application is related to co-pending U.S. continuation patent application Ser. No. 11 / 972,993, filed on Jan. 11, 2008. The present patent application is further related to co-pending U.S. divisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 013,089, filed Jan. 11, 2008.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates generally to a method for decreasing human's cravings for cigarettes and reducing instances of relapse during detoxification once smoking abstinence has been achieved, and more specifically, to a method for decreasing nicotine use by treating a human with a novel class of natural compounds s...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Smokers incur medical risks attributable to direct inhalation.

Bystanders, termed passive smokers, also incur medical risks from second-hand smoke.

Society, as a whole, also bears the economic costs associated with death and disease attributable to smoking.

Therefore, tobacco dependence is a health hazard for millions of Americans.

Other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, and opiates, operate in the same manner, resulting in a cycle of substance or alcohol abuse.

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