Chewing tobacco

Related Terms

2,3,6-Trimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, 2-methylquinone, 2-naphthylamine, acrolein, albumen, aldehydes, anabasine, anatabine, anatalline, anethole, anthalin, areca nut, arghile, aromatic hydrocarbons, beta-naphthylamine, benzo[a]pyrene, betel quid, bidi, carbon monoxide, catechols, cembrene, chewing tobacco, choline, cigar, cigarette, collidine, fatty acids, furfurol, goza, gum, harman, hookah, hubble bubble, hydrocyanic acid, ketones, latakria, narghile, narkeela, nicotelline, Nicotiana fruticosa, Nicotiana latissima, Nicotiana multivulvis, Nicotiana persica, Nicotiana quadrivalis, Nicotiana repandu, Nicotiana rustica, nicotianin, nicotine, nicotinine, nitric oxide, nitrosamines, norharman, organic acids, orinoco, paraffins, paraphenols, Persian tobacco, phenolic compounds, phenols, pipe, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), propionic acid, pyrene, pyridine, resin, shisha, smokeless tobacco, snuff, tabacine, tabacinine, tannins, toombak (Sudan), Turkish tobacco, water pipe, waxes.
Note: This summary does not review quitting smoking in detail. Information on quitting smoking may be accessed under a separate Natural Standard summary. Also, this summary does not review nicotine-only supplements in detail. Products containing only nicotine are not considered dietary supplements.

Background

Nicotiana tabacum is the most commonly used tobacco plant for commercial tobacco products. The leaves of the tobacco plant are the source of all smoking and chewing tobacco products. Tobacco leaves contain around 2-8% nicotine.
Tobacco has been reportedly used for many conditions in traditional and folk medicine. Limited research suggests that tobacco may be used to treat Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, or nicotine cravings.
However, it is well-known that smoking tobacco represents a major public health concern. Nicotine is highly addictive and contains several compounds known to cause cancer. Nearly one-third of people who try a cigarette later become addicted to nicotine. An estimated 25-35% of all cancer-related deaths are due to nicotine.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Although this area has not been well studied in humans, limited research suggests that nicotine may promote memory recovery and protect against Alzheimer's disease. However, conclusive evidence in this area is currently lacking. More high-quality research is needed before any firm suggestions may be made, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 C


Although this area has not been well studied in humans, limited research suggests that nicotine may promote memory recovery and protect against Alzheimer's disease. However, conclusive evidence in this area is currently lacking. More high-quality research is needed before any firm suggestions may be made, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 C


Although this has not been well studied in humans, tobacco has been suggested as a risk factor for schizophrenia. Compared to healthy people, those with schizophrenia are more likely to smoke, according to some evidence. However, it has also been suggested that nicotine aids in the relief of psychotic symptoms. Conclusive evidence in this area is currently lacking. More high-quality research is needed, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 C


Although this has not been well studied in humans, tobacco has been suggested as a risk factor for schizophrenia. Compared to healthy people, those with schizophrenia are more likely to smoke, according to some evidence. However, it has also been suggested that nicotine aids in the relief of psychotic symptoms. Conclusive evidence in this area is currently lacking. More high-quality research is needed, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 C


Limited research suggests that various nicotine products may reduce cravings to smoke and help people quit smoking. Such products include nicotine chewing gums, lozenges, and the patch. More high-quality research in this area is needed, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 C


Limited research suggests that various nicotine products may reduce cravings to smoke and help people quit smoking. Such products include nicotine chewing gums, lozenges, and the patch. More high-quality research in this area is needed, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 C


According to early research findings, evidence is lacking to support the claim that either the nicotine content of cigarettes or the act of smoking itself helps reduce stress. More high-quality research in this area is needed, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 D


According to early research findings, evidence is lacking to support the claim that either the nicotine content of cigarettes or the act of smoking itself helps reduce stress. More high-quality research in this area is needed, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 D


Some research suggests that smoking and nicotine use may be associated with adverse sexual function in both males and females. Cases of impotence and decreased sexual arousal have been seen. More high-quality research in this area is needed, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 F


Some research suggests that smoking and nicotine use may be associated with adverse sexual function in both males and females. Cases of impotence and decreased sexual arousal have been seen. More high-quality research in this area is needed, especially on the use of the Nicotiana tabacum plant.

 F
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Tobacco has been taken by mouth as a tea or smoked as part of a cigarette. Nicotine-only products are available; however, they are not considered dietary supplements.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Tobacco may interact with blood pressure-lowering agents. Caution is advised in people taking any drugs that affect blood pressure.
Tobacco may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Tobacco may also interact with agents that affect nicotine receptors, agents that block cannabinoid receptors, alcohol, Alzheimer's disease agents, antianxiety agents, anticancer agents, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, blood vessel-widening agents, marijuana, nicotine replacement therapies, opiates, and silver acetate.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Barnfather KD, Cope GF, Chapple IL. Effect of incorporating a 10 minute point of care test for salivary nicotine metabolites into a general practice based smoking cessation programme: randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2005;331(7523):999.
Boyle RG, Enstad C, Asche SE, et al. A randomized controlled trial of telephone counseling with smokeless tobacco users: the ChewFree Minnesota study. Nicotine Tob Res 2008;10(9):1433-1440.
Christian P, West KP Jr, Katz J, et al. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in rural Nepal. Risk factors and effects of beta-carotene and vitamin A supplementation. Eur J Clin Nutr 2004;58(2):204-211.
Fiore MC, Smith SS, Jorenby DE, et al. The effectiveness of the nicotine patch for smoking cessation. A meta-analysis. JAMA 1994;271(24):1940-1947.
Glick ZR, Saedi N, Ehrlich A. Allergic contact dermatitis from cigarettes. Dermatitis 2009;20(1):6-13.
Harte CB, Meston CM. Acute effects of nicotine on physiological and subjective sexual arousal in nonsmoking men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Sex Med 2008;5(1):110-121.
Harte CB, Meston C. M. The inhibitory effects of nicotine on physiological sexual arousal in nonsmoking women: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. J Sex Med 2008;5(5):1184-1197.
Hatch JP, Bierner SM, Fisher JG. The effects of smoking and cigarette nicotine content on smokers' preparation and performance of a psychosocially stressful task. J Behav Med 1983;6(2):207-216.
Houtsmuller EJ, Henningfield JE, Stitzer ML. Subjective effects of the nicotine lozenge: assessment of abuse liability. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2003;167(1):20-27.
Johnson N. Tobacco use and oral cancer: a global perspective. J Dent Educ 2001;65(4):328-339.
Lopez-Arrieta JM, Rodriguez JL, Sanz F. Efficacy and safety of nicotine on Alzheimer's disease patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2001;(2):CD001749.
Punnoose S, Belgamwar MR. Nicotine for schizophrenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;(1):CD004838.
Severson HH. What have we learned from 20 years of research on smokeless tobacco cessation? Am J Med Sci 2003;326(4):206-211.
Stead LF, Perera R, Bullen C, et al. Nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008;(1):CD000146.
Yach D, Hawkes C, Epping-Jordan JE, et al. The World Health Organization's framework convention on tobacco control: implications for global epidemics of food-related deaths and disease. J Public Health Policy 2003;24(3-4):274-290.