Background
Lobeline is a partial nicotine agonist, which has been used in a variety of commercially available preparations to help stop smoking.

Objectives
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of lobeline on long term smoking cessation.

Search strategy
We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group trials register (most recent search January 2009).

Selection criteria
Randomized trials comparing lobeline to placebo or an alternative therapeutic control, which reported smoking cessation with at least six months follow-up.

Data collection and analysis
We extracted data in duplicate on the type of subjects, the dose and form of lobeline, the outcome measures, method of randomisation, and completeness of follow-up.

Main results
We identified no trials meeting the full inclusion criteria including long term follow-up.

Authors' conclusions
There is no evidence available from long term trials that lobeline can aid smoking cessation.

Plain language summary
Can lobeline help people to quit smoking
Lobeline is an alkaloid derived from the leaves of an Indian tobacco plant, and has been widely used in commercial smoking remedies. Its adverse effects include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, and tablets and pastilles containing Lobeline may lead to throat irritation. The review found no adequate long-term trials which could provide evidence that Lobeline can help people stop smoking. Even short-term studies do not indicate a consistent effect on smoking behaviour.