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Still Images/ Getty Images An inexpensive quit-smoking drug sold in Eastern Europe can assist cigarette smokers quit, but it's not as reliable as more pricey medications readily available in the U.S, a brand-new research study discovers. Researchers from University College of London led a study of 740 Polish cigarette smokers who were randomly appointed to attempt the smoking-cessation drug cytisine (Tabex) or placebo for nearly a month.

4% of the cytisine group remained smoke-free, while only 2. 4% of the control group were still abstinent. More than triple the advantage? That may seem excellent, but Tabex's success rate pales in contrast to that of varenicline (Chantix), a popular stop-smoking drug sold in the U.S., which studies reveal assists about 20% of cigarette smokers stay abstinent, compared to about 10% of placebo takers, after 12 months.

About 4. 6% of cytisine users reported psychiatric problems, compared with 3. 2% of the placebo group, a small increased danger of these adverse results. (Typical adverse effects included nausea and stomachache.) Cytisine, which is made from Golden Rain acacia seeds, likewise costs much less than varenicline. It has been sold in Eastern Europe since the 1960s, according to the authors.

Cytisine works by imitating nicotine and binding to acetylcholine receptors in the brain, which can fool the body into believing it's being exposed to nicotine. While even the authors warn that it may not be the most effective anti-smoking agent available, they note it might be of aid to a certain portion of cigarette smokers, especially in the establishing world.

And anything that curbs the desire for cigarettes is an advantage for public health. Alice Park is an author sometimes. Find her on Twitter at @aliceparkny. You can also continue the conversation on TIME's Facebook page and on Twitter at @TIME.

N100, stop smoking, nicorette, Tabex tablets 1. 5MG, 100 TABLETS. tabex quit smoking : Treatment of nicotine reliance. Cytisine 1. 5 mg and excipients. Action: damages the signs of nicotine withdrawal. Always utilize as described in the leaflet or as directed by your physician or pharmacist. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.