Update 12/6/22. At one time, Anatabloc was a SUPER popular anti-inflammation supplement. It was sold online and at GNC and elsewhere. It was touted to help reduce pain, help joints and arthritis pain, and reduce chronic inflammation. Anatabloc was unique. It contained an ingredient not found in any other supplement I've EVER seen in over 20 years of investigation. This unique ingredient also contributed to its own downfall. In this unbiased, updated review, I reveal everything you need to know about Anatabloc, from its rise – and fall – to the research and proof and the company which made it. I'll also shed light on other anatabloc supplements too.
What Is Anatabloc
Before we talk about Anatabloc (sometimes misspelled Anatablock), I need to tell you about Anatabine (also called anatabine citrate). Anatabine is the active ingredient in Anatabloc. Anatabine is a chemical found in
- eggplants
- potatoes
- green tomatoes
as well as tobacco and tobacco smoke (remember this).
Chemically, anatabine “looks” like nicotine. Because of this, it was also used some anti-smoking supplements. Anatabine has a longer half life than nicotine, so it stays in the body longer. That's why it was thought it might help people quit smoking.
How Does Anatabloc Work?
Here is the way Anatabloc was supposed to reduce chronic inflammation:
1. Anatabine enters the cells of the body where it…
2. Deactivates a protein called NFkB.
3. When NFkB is deactivated, it can't enter the nucleus of the cell (the brain center of the cell) to cause excessive cellular inflammation.
Inflammation is thought to play a role in MANY diseases, such as:
and many others.
So, if Anabloc worked, it might have disease-modifying benefits. If you read the comments below, you will see some people have said some pretty amazing things too.
Anatabloc Ingredients
Anatabloc contains these ingredients
| Anatabine | 1 mg |
| Vitamin A | 500 IU |
| Vitamin D3 | 40 IU |
This review will focus only on Anatabine because this is “secret sauce” in Anatabloc.
Other Ingredients
These other ingredients are also found in this supplement: Mannitol, natural and artificial mint flavors, sucralose, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide (color), natural glaze, methylparaben, propylparaben, triethyl citrate, citric acid, BHT, mono and diglycerides, and polysorbate 80
These ingredients played no role in the results or benefits of Anatabloc.
Anatabloc Research
When this review was originally created, the proof for Anatabloc was mostly on lab animals. There is now human proof. This review will focus only on human research. Much of the research is on Anatabine, which is an active ingredient in Anatabloc. Still, proof for anatabine is proof for Antabloc.
Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals (more on them below) supports and plays a role in much of the research.
Studies On Anatabloc
In one report, researchers in the US gave Anatabloc or a placebo to 146 people with Hashimoto's disease – the most common form of hypothyroidism. People were given 9-24 mg of anatabine in the form of lozenges. Those taking Anatabloc saw a significant reduction in thyroid autoantibodies.
Some people saw over a 20% decrease in thyroid autoantibodies. This means better working thyroid glands.
One small study (10 people) noted a face cream containing anatabine improved skin appearance, reducing redness and blotchy skin appearance. This does make some sense. Niacin, which looks a little bit like anatabine has been used in skin creams for years.
Niacin is also VERY popular in the anti-aging world. See the Niagen review for more on this.
Anatabine cigarettes have been shown to reduce nicotine levels in smokers significantly. This study reflects the interest in using anatabine to help people quit smoking.
Because inflammation follows exercise, researchers were interested in seeing if anatabine would reduce inflammation after people worked out. In this study, 18 men were given either a placebo or 6-12 mg of anatabine per day for 10 days. They also performed an intense exercise program.
Unfortunately, this noted anatabine did not reduce pain, or swelling or help muscle strength. This is noteworthy, given TV commercials featuring pro golfers John Isner and Fred Couples.
In another exercise study, researchers gave Anatabloc or a placebo to 17 men. The dosage of Anatabloc used was 6-12 mg. While these researchers saw that Anatabloc did not reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, it did appear to reduce markers of inflammation such as C reactive protein (CRP). That is interesting.
Preliminary research suggests anatabine activates NFR2, a substance that raises naturally produced antioxidant defenses such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). This is at the heart of some proposed anti-aging supplements, such as Protandim and PB125.
There are also several lab animals and test-tube studies involving Anatabloc/anatabine. I won't cover them here because we are people and not mice, rats or test tubes.
Summary Of Anatabloc Research
Here is a summary of the Anatabloc human research:
- Anatabine reduced thyroid antibodies in people with hypothyroidism
- Anatabine lowers nicotine levels in smokers
- Anatibine did not reduce muscle damage, pain, or swelling but may lower CPR levels
Anatabloc Questions
Let's now answer some common questions people have asked me about this supplement.
Can Anatabloc help muscle soreness?
Muscle soreness after exercise (DOMS) is very common. Currently, the proof seems to show Anatabloc doesn't reduce muscle soreness, swelling or muscle damage. It may reduce a blood test marker of inflammation called CRP. I think we need more exercise research.
Can Anatabloc Help Concussions?
There is brain inflammation when someone gets a concussion. But there is no proof that taking Anatabloc:
- reduces the risk of getting a concussion
- improves recovery time after getting a concussion
- reduces brain damage from concussions
I cannot find any research involving anatabine and concussions.
In December 2013, the FDA sent a warning letter to Star Scientific – makers of Anatabloc – telling them to remove references on their websites which gave people the impression the supplement might help concussions and other forms of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
For more on concussions and TBI see these reviews:
Can Anatabloc Help Multiple Sclerosis?
The proof that Anatabloc can help MS is in its infancy. There is some mouse evidence it may help, but no human studies have been conducted yet.
What About Anataboc and Weight Loss?
Websites might discuss how anatabine/Anatabloc can help people lose weight or reduce weight gain, which sometimes happens when people quit smoking. But there is no good proof for this. No study has looked at reducing gaining weight after quitting smoking.
What is CigRx?
This is the anti-smoking product Star Scientific was developing before it began researching anatabine for arthritis pain and other health problems. CigRx contains anatabine too.
Anatabloc Dosage
The general recommendation is to take 2 lozenges per day. Do not use more than 6 lozenges per day. Another dosage recommendations= take your body weight into consideration. Here the Anatabloc dosages would be:
- 100-120 lbs: 2 lozenges 3x per day
- 121-170lbs: 2 lozenges 4x per day
- 171-220lbs: 2 lozenges 5x per day
- over 220lbs: 2 lozenges 6x per day
I've never seen this dosage regimen used in human studies. So, I'm not sure how accurate this is.
Who Makes Anatabloc?
Anatabloc is a product of a company called Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals. Another name for this company is Star Scientific. Star Scientific was the original name of the company. When the research changed directions from looking at Anatabine as a cure for smoking to helping arthritis pain, the company changed its name to Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals.
The phone number for the company was 800-778-2031. The company website was Anatabloc.com (the website no longer works). When this review was originally created, the Better Business Bureau listed the company address as 4470 Cox Rd Ste 110, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
There is also a connection to another company called the RosKamp Institute, located in Florida. Some of the research on Anatabloc has been conducted by this company too.
The company has since filed for bankruptcy and is no longer making Anatabloc supplements.
Should I Invest In Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals?
Star Scientific formally changed its name to Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals in 2014. Its stock symbol is RCPI. It's a publicly traded company. Regardless of what you invest in, do your homework.
Be careful with “gurus” who talk stocks up on websites, as you don't always know who you are dealing with. Sometimes unscrupulous people say things about a company to create interest so they can pump the stock price up so they can dump it for a profit. This trick is sometimes called “pump and dump.” Unless you’re an investing pro (think Warren Buffett), I recommend you talk to a financial advisor before risking any money.
Anatabloc And The FDA
Many people think the FDA does not regulate supplements. Anatabloc is proof it does. Almost from the start, the FDA claimed anatabine contained a new dietary ingredient (NDI). A new dietary ingredient is any substance that was not sold as a supplement before 1994.
Products containing new dietary ingredients need to prove to the FDA they are safe. There is also the issue that anatabine is found in tobacco. Tobacco cannot be called a dietary supplement. I think this may also have played a role in the demise of Anatabloc.
Rock Creek pharmaceuticals state that because anatabine is found in things like peppers and eggplants, it is not new and can be sold as a supplement. In the end, the FDA won, and Rock Creek stopped making Anatabloc.
Calls To Bring Back The Sale Of Anatabloc
Problems with the FDA have not stopped people from hoping for the return of Anatabloc.
This has not stopped people who loved Anatabloc from continuing to hold out hope. Former customers have launched a petition at Change.org to petition the FDA to reverse their decision and let Anatabloc be sold again.
They created the website BringBackAnatabloc.org where you can share your testimony of how the supplement helped you, sign an FDA petition to bring Anatabloc back, and read news about the supplement.
How To Buy Anatabloc: Can You Still Purchase It?
While this supplement was once VERY popular and sold at GNC and other stores, it is no longer permitted to be sold in the US. The FDA forced Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals to stop the production of Anatabloc.
Anatabloc Supplements
While Anatabloc is no longer able to be purchased in the US, I did notice other companies selling supplements said to contain anatabine.
One such company is HydraPharm (PredatorNutrition.com). They sell a supplement literally called “Anatablok” which they say contains “pure anatabine.” Predator Nutrition is not based in the US. I am not sure if they are allowed to ship their Anatablok supplement to the US.
The supplement is marked as an anti-inflammatory nootropic (brain enhancer) used to support memory and attention.
The Va Governor Controversy
As if things could not get worse, Rock Creek Pharm found itself at the center of a very public controversy involving the former Virginia governor, Robert McDonnell, and his wife. It's alleged Rock Creek gave $165,000 in gifts to the former Va governor and his wife in exchange for helping Rock Creek's development of Anatabloc.
Anatabloc Side Effects
Anatabloc is probably safe for healthy people, at least for short-term use. Human research shows no significant negative side effects. Mild to moderate side effects reported have included:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tingling feelings
- Insomnia
In the comments section below, one person reported feelings of depression. This has not been observed in clinical studies.
Does Anatabloc Work?
Despite the problems with the FDA, several people swore Anatabloc worked. I never experimented with it when it was being sold and the only person I knew who did try it told me it did not reduce his pain. Pain is complicated and its possible others may have had better results.
Unfortunately, Anatabolc supplements are no longer available in the US. While, in the past, I have been rather hard on this supplement and Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, I was sad it was taken off the market. I am happy to see some human research on anatabine, look forward to more and hope one day to see it sold once again.
I’ve been taking anatabloc for over a year and have never had a problem with unordered shipments. It’s been well worth the price, to say the least.
In June 2011 I had a total ankle replacement surgery. The anesthetic, injected just above the knee, injured the sciatic nerve. At my six week checkup the foot was paralyzed and had no sensation. An electromyelogram showed that parts of the sciatic nerve just weren’t conducting any signals. I was told I would have a “drop-foot” for life and was fitted with a brace.
I noted that a line of very sore inflammation followed the route of the sciatic nerve, from the place where the anesthesia was injected, all the way to the foot. I knew about anatabloc’s anti-inflammatory effects and thought that if I could get rid of the inflammation, the nerve might have a chance to heal. So I started taking six tablets a day. The nerve healed slowly, half an inch or so per month, but sensation and muscle function followed the healing of the nerve, from knee down to foot. It was a great day when I donated that brace to charity! I now walk normally. The sensation in my foot is still a little patchy. But healing is STILL continuing.
Let me say that none of my doctors has seen such healing take place in their experience and none of them has any good explanation for it. My belief is that if anatabloc helped the nerves heal in MS in mice, it’s probably responsible for the healing of my sciatic nerve as well.
A free trial means free. It shouldn’t mean that you are enrolling in a reoccurring program. They have to know that people don’t always look at the terms and conditions. If this were a good/honest company, they wouldn’t be trying to trick people into unknowingly ordering their product before they even get to try it fully.
Their 11 day trial start from when you order, not when you receive (6 days into the 11 day trial). If the product is that good, then shouldn’t they let it speak for itself? Half of your product is the way you do business.
I had an artificial ankle joint surgically inserted in June 2011. At the six week checkup the foot was paralyzed and had no sensation. Tests at a major medical center indicated that the sciatic nerve had been severely damaged. The prognosis was “foot drop” for the rest of my life. I was fitted with a brace for that condition.
I noted that along the route of my sciatic nerve, from the place where the nerve block medication was injected, all the way down to the toes, there was a line of pain. This indicated to me that there was inflammation around the nerve. I thought that if I could soothe the inflammation, the nerve might heal.
I learned of Anatabloc and started taking six pills a day. Well, it took a year and a half, and progress was gradual, but I walk normally now and can walk several blocks. Sensation has returned. The parts of the foot are hypersensitive, but they’re still improving. What a great day it was when I gave that foot-drop brace to charity!
None of my docs has seen a similar recovery.
And I feel better in other ways as well.
Carol, your story about the foot issues hit home to me…I went thru hip replacement 2+ yrs ago and was left with a mess, IT band damage down the thigh, worse knee from that surgery, and down to my ankle/foot….
I’m only going into 2nd month and have dramatic relief to my pained body all since hip surgery…..my ankle is weak but it feels like it’s improving, I still wear an ankle support and will continue, but all in all, I’m getting relief in t his short time and taking less pain meds….
My daughter has a tendon issue in her foot and ortho is talking surgery, so I’m wanting to get Anatabloc for her…that area has got to be inflamed….thanks
Why the sample issues, I can’t explain but companies do what they do and now the restrictions have been removed…no auto ship….
Teri – if you receive Anatabloc in the mail and do not want it i will buy it from you + plus shipping.
Well, again on the Trial Order changes, the right hand
wasn’t communicating with the left hand…the auto ship
requirement has been removed…..
If a person goes to the Anatabloc trial link, and read the
Terms and Conditions, it has been changed…no auto ship
as when I started with the product….
So I hope things are Clear for now for everyone….
Just so anyone knows….. I just visited the site of Antabloc and if you go to the end of the Terms, this is what it says “today” Rock Creek may at any time revise these Terms and Conditions by updating this posting. You are bound by any such revisions and should therefore periodically visit this page to review the then current Terms and Conditions to which you are bound. So I guess when the cust service rep told me I was bound to their terms and conditions it can change to whatever suits them.
Mike L….I just talked to the company, the
auto ship has NOT been discontinued as you say
in your comments above….
What is the TRUTH here…..
People read the Terms & Conditions when you
try the sample, you will be shipped a month supply
and billed……
i will buy Teri’s Anatabloc if they ship it to her + I will pay for the shipping.
Hi John, I’m hoping they will not ship the product since I have called before it even ships. The comments by Allen that they do not do the auto shipment is wrong as I had to cancel any future shipments today to avoid this problem next month. have you tried the product before and are happy with it? I would have a problem having someone pay for something that didn’t work for me as I don’t want any hard feelings.
Teri,
I have happily used Anatabloc for arthritis pain since it was first offered to the public. My wife began taking it New Years Day 2012 in an attempt to improve her thyroid health and her recent test results are improved. Surprisingly enough she discovered that it has largely solved another health condition punctuated by regular painful inflammation. It has been a wonderful success story for both of us. I am sorry the company is not yet skilled at first-class customer service, because the product really sells itself for most people.
RE: Hard feelings – As long as the product is unopened I will be happy to buy it from you (if in fact they do auto-ship to you) Joe knows my full name and email address so I am “good for it.” Also I will pay your for the cost of shipping just to make sure you feel like you emerge completely whole on this.
I also will buy teri’s shipment of Anatabloc and pay for the shipping, if it is shipped to teri and she still doesn’t want it.
I am curious about the ingredients that are nightshade. Nightshade vegs and tobbaco do a number on people with RA. I have a high CRP level due to food intolances. I have had to give up diary, flour, sugar and all processed foods. This was due to my abuse of foods. My pain has all but gone away by giving up these foods. I still look for things that will help with inflammation.
Donna, if you try anatabloc I’d love it if you got your CPR level tested just before you try it and a month or so later. I’d be interested in knowing if anatabloc reduced your CRP levels.
Joe, You may want to know that I just got an email that reports that the auto-ship part of the trial offer has been discontinued. Now it’s pay $4.95 shipping for 80 free lozenges.
“Will My Credit Card Be Billed Automatically Each Month? No, you will not be billed again. You only pay the shipping and handling cost. The free trial offer does not enroll you into any automatically recurring membership program. We’re so confident you’re going to love the results you’ll be happy to continue receiving Anatabloc by placing another order for a full supply of dispenser packs.”
Mike L, thanks for letting me know about that!
This has been an interesting read (LONG) but well worth it ,better than the newspaper! I just had to comment. I started on cigr-x in April or may of 2011, I don’t smoke and never have, I took it for a worn rotator cuff simply because of the reviews I was reading.
I have had the rotator problem since about 2001. Moved back to Ohio form Va. in 2006 and now I’m shoveling snow and boy did it hurt. Well the cigr-x helped so I went to the anatabloc when it cam out in august of 2011. Still on it .
I have tried the idea of the placebo and went off it and the pain returned. I don’t do it anymore ,I just continue taking the anatabloc. Now I have also noticed other reliefs. Arthritis in hands and knees relieved, lower back pain from herniated disc and 2 degenerating disc, mostly relieved . Prostate issues that had me on prescribed meds. for 10 years and still had the issues of the nightly trips to the BR ,gone no more unless I get up for another reason and walking around seem too make me go!
I’m no longer taking the prescribed meds. Years of sinus issues, mostly relieved,no more sniffing the afrin or saline at night to sleep! the money saved goes for the ANATABLOC. I do hope sometime in the future insurance will cover the cost! I also have become an investor, as Peter Lynch felt know the product you are invested in.
I really enjoyed your website , keep up the good work! Frank L
Frank, thanks for that and Im happy that you are seeing good results with Anatabloc.
Joey G. I just got my second month supply from Anatabloc, they gave me a $10 discount of the normal $80 price, this is thru the trial sample route…one becomes a member of sorts and uses auto ship but can control the auto ship via 800#…. So my 2nd month supply was $70….
This is useful information – thanks to all for taking the time to post. Especailly you Joe for your insights. I have herniated discs C1-C7 in my neck with inflamation – I am on the standard NSAID and PT – I also have mild artheritis in my right hand and hip. I am going to risk the $100 or so and give this a try. I play golf at least 3x a week during the wamer months and summers in New Jersey, so that will be the big test. I’ll keep you posted.
FWIW
Here’s a video of mice not on Anatabine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ4sL-VgW7Q&feature=youtu.be
Here’s a video of mice that are taking Anatabine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt2DKp36-oo&feature=youtu.be
For the most part I like to believe all the positive testimonials I read and realize the product won’t work for everyone. Case in point it didn’t work for my Lumbar Spinal Stenosis but in all fairness I did have spinal surgery and a implant called x-stop.
On the other side of the coin a Doctor friend of mine has a condition called Peracaditis which is a inflammation of the Sac that holds the heart and is very painful. He was taking Prednisone for 5 years and now he just takes the Anatabloc.
My cardiologists nurse tried it for Sciatica and is now pain free.
My brother in-law had rectal bleeding with no pain and blood count dropped and had to take a transfusion. They found the inflamed bleeding area by him swallowing a camera. He took Anatabloc along with the doctors recommendation to take some iron as well as follow a high fiber diet. Blood count is now normal and no bleeding. Hard to guess who deserves the credit so I told him get off the Anatabloc to see if the bleeding returns.
Finally I told a dentist friend of mine about the product and how doctors can request free samples. He did so and gave some to a patient who had severe inflammation of the gums. When he came back to his office after two weeks his gums were in great shape. The dentist was so pleased he contacted the head scientist at Star and they sent him enough product to conduct a small study. This study results cannot be used by Star but if the results are good I’m sure he will share them with other dentists.
Fair Disclosure. I’ve been taking and recommending Anatabloc for over a year and bought a small position in the company about 3 weeks ago.
Jim
Did you read the Terms and Conditions on the trial offer, it’s an auto ship deal, so be aware as I don’t think you want a surprise of a shipment and charges….
I did the trial too, but called them a couple days on the trial and found out about the terms and conditions, as I didn’t read them….
I’m doing good on the supp, but people get really upset as they don’t read the T&C’s….
I started the free trial of Anatabloc ($4.95 shipping) to see if it would help a sinus condition. It may be helping but too soon to tell. But I have to say…I found out about this product from my doctor who is usually underwhelmed with new products. He said it made a chronic elbow injury disappear, aids in his workout recovery and has improved a condition in his hands where blood vessels constrict causing cold extremities. (can’t remember the name of the condition).
Hi Joe,
I found your information Anatabock very interesting. I’ve being looking for something to help my wife who has very bad inflammation problems in the back. I saw a Fred Couples’ (my personal golf hero) Anatablock advertisement and searching through the internet found your web site. I would hate to think Fred would endorse this product, only for the money. Somehow, seem unlawful.
We plan on waiting for more human tests before trying out.
Tom for what its worth I really do hope it helps if your wife tries it.
Hi Joe, I appreciated reading your objective article and all the comments. I’m 55 and have suffered from mild intermittent osteo arthritis in my wrists for years, lower back and knee pain, as well as seborrheic dermatitis (flaking of skin behind my ears, sides of nose, and scalp). I am also a professional ski instructor.
Before skiing, my day would include a few Aleve; however, I have been taking Anatabloc for the last four months and can tell you, I don’t feel the need to take any pain meds. Furthermore, the flaking of my skin has disappeared completely and for the first time in my adult life I no longer have to use dandruff shampoo.
In general, I have a better sense of well-being and truly believe it is as a result of Anatabloc because nothing has worked so systemically before. I hope they come out with a single daily time release version. All the best.
west909, thanks and Im happy its been helping you. Continued success!
Kevin, maybe it is too much Mex Food!!!
When layers of pain are being removed, we
can feel lighter and happier, I sleep better
and longer too and wake up in No Pain to speak of.
I’ve been taking this product for about six months. I started it to address chronic hip pain, and it has reduced, but not eliminated it. I’ve been taking six tablets a day, and based on what I’ve read here, will try increasing the dosage.
I am 6’4″ tall, 218 pounds, 55 years old. As a side affect, I seem to need less sleep than I once did. Also I seem to be mentally sharper and generally in a happier mood than I was before. Has anyone else experienced this? I also get gas from the product, as some posters commented on. Or maybe I eat too much Mexican food? LOL.
This is the last supplement I would use since its sourced from the very vegetables that cause 99% of my pain; nightshades.
I had known about the nightshade diet for arthritis pain for 30 years, but as a vegan, I didn’t want to stay away from any veggies. However, as a writer, I was given an assignment to write a piece about horses and poisonous weeds. Over and over I came across deadly nightshade and figured maybe the Universe was trying to tell me something.
Since I sat against a hot water bottle most of the day (spinal arthritis), and was kept awake most of the night (hip arthritis), I thought I might as well give it a try.
Well, long story short, my back pain was gone within 2 weeks and my hip pain reduced by 80%.
However, I discovered over the years, that even a tiny amount (as in many supplements, some capsules and some medications) would bring the pain back and rather quickly. I suspect this is why some people say it doesn’t work for them– they are getting into nightshades somewhere (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, tobacco and all peppers (including paprika) except black pepper.
I suspect that all the supplement companies as well as Big Pharma, would rather people don’t know about this. It doesn’t necessarily stop arthritis per se, but it does vastly reduce inflammation (the source of the pain) in at least 1/3 of the population which are sensitive to them. It’s worth a try, folks– and it’s free.