Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

MAIN-Alkaloid: Nicotine

a. Cultivation

Growing tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful attention to detail from seed to harvest. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you successfully grow tobacco:

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Tobacco

1. Choosing Seeds and Preparing Soil

Seeds:

• Purchase high-quality Nicotiana tabacum seeds from a reputable supplier.
• Tobacco seeds are extremely small, so handle them with care.

Soil Preparation:

• Type: Tobacco prefers a rich, well-draining soil. A loamy soil amended with organic matter works best.
• pH Level: A soil pH between 5.8 and 6.5 is optimal.
• Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-12 inches and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich it.

2. Starting Seeds Indoors

Timing:

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

Sowing:

• Trays or Pots: Use seed trays or small pots filled with a fine seed-starting mix.
• Sowing Seeds: Sprinkle the tiny seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them in. Do not cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate.
• Watering: Mist the soil lightly to keep it moist but not waterlogged.
• Covering: Cover the trays or pots with plastic wrap or a clear plastic lid to maintain humidity.

Germination:

• Place the trays in a warm location with temperatures between 75-80°F (24-27°C).
• Seeds should germinate within 7-14 days.

Lighting:

• Once the seeds have germinated, provide plenty of light, either with a sunny windowsill or fluorescent grow lights kept about 2 inches above the seedlings.

3. Transplanting Seedlings

Hardening Off:

• About 1-2 weeks before transplanting outdoors, start hardening off the seedlings. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours of sunlight each day.

Transplanting:

• Timing: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.
• Planting Depth: Plant seedlings at the same depth as they were in their pots.

4. Caring for Tobacco Plants

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to promote deep root growth.

Fertilization:

• Use a balanced fertilizer or one high in nitrogen to support leafy growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
• Fertilize plants every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.

Mulching:

• Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

5. Topping and Suckering

Topping:

• Purpose: Topping involves removing the flower buds as they appear.
• Timing: Do this when the plants start to form flower buds (usually around 8-10 weeks after transplanting).
• Benefit: This allows the plant to focus energy on producing larger leaves rather than flowers.

Suckering:

• Purpose: Remove the suckers (side shoots) that sprout from the leaf axils.
• Benefit: This helps to direct the plant’s energy to the main leaves.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms can be problematic.
• Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or hand-pick pests to control infestations.

Common Diseases:

• Watch for signs of leaf spot, root rot, and blue mold.
• Practice crop rotation and maintain good air circulation to minimize disease issues.

7. Harvesting Leaves

Timing:

• Tobacco leaves are typically ready for harvest 70-90 days after transplanting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Mature Leaves:

• Identifying: Leaves should be thick, sticky, and yellowish-green when ready for harvest.
• Method: Harvest the lower leaves first as they mature. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the leaves from the stalk.

8. Curing and Drying Leaves

Air Curing:

• Hanging: Hang the harvested leaves in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
• Spacing: Ensure good air circulation around the leaves by spacing them out.
• Time: Curing typically takes about 4-8 weeks. Leaves should dry to a uniform color and texture.

Fermentation:

• Purpose: Fermentation helps to develop the aroma and flavor of the tobacco.
• Method: Place cured leaves in a controlled environment with humidity around 70% for several weeks.

Additional Tips

• Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to prevent overcrowding and promote air circulation.
• Pruning: Regularly remove any dead or diseased leaves to maintain plant health.
• Monitoring: Keep a close eye on weather conditions and protect plants from extreme fluctuations in temperature and moisture.

Conclusion

Growing tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) involves several stages from seed to harvest, each requiring careful attention to ensure healthy plants and high-quality leaves. By following these steps, you can successfully cultivate tobacco in your garden. Remember to comply with any local regulations regarding the cultivation and use of tobacco plants.

b. Preparation & Dosage

Given the potential health risks associated with tobacco use, it’s important to approach this information with caution and awareness of legal and health guidelines. Nonetheless, information on the preparation and dosage of tobacco, typically for smoking or other uses, can be outlined as follows:

Preparation of Tobacco

Cultivation:

1. Planting: Seeds of Nicotiana tabacum are sown in the soil in nurseries and then transplanted to fields.
2. Growing: Plants are watered and weeded regularly. They require a sunny location and well-drained soil.
3. Harvesting: Leaves are harvested when they reach maturity, indicated by color change and slight yellowing.

Curing:

1. Air Curing: Leaves are hung in well-ventilated barns to dry for 4-8 weeks in shade.
2. Flue Curing: Leaves are dried in barns using flue heat over 5 to 10 days at controlled temperatures.
3. Fire Curing: Leaves are cured via smoke from hardwood fires.
4. Sun Curing: Leaves are dried under direct sunlight till fully cured.

Fermentation:

• Leaves may undergo fermentation to develop flavor, often in controlled environments where temperature and humidity are regulated.

Aging:

• Post-fermentation, leaves are aged for several months or years to further enhance the flavor profile.

Dosage of Tobacco

It’s important to note that there’s no safe dosage of tobacco, as it contains nicotine and other harmful substances that can lead to addiction and various diseases, including cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, and larynx, as well as cardiovascular disease and respiratory issues.

Common Forms of Usage:

Cigarettes:

• Typically, commercial cigarettes contain about 0.6 to 1.0 grams of tobacco. Nicotine content ranges roughly between 10-14 milligrams per cigarette, with the user inhaling about 1-2 milligrams.

Cigars:

• Cigars contain more tobacco, typically about 5-20 grams. Cigar smokers can inhale varying amounts of nicotine depending on the size and duration of smoking.

Pipes:

• Pipes are filled with loose tobacco, typically holding around 1–3 grams.

Chewing Tobacco and Snuff:

• Chewing tobacco is placed between the cheek and gum, with users keeping it in the mouth for extended periods.
• Snuff (finely ground tobacco) is either sniffed or placed in the mouth.

Risks:

• Nicotine Addiction: Highly addictive stimulant present in tobacco.
• Cancer: Strongly linked with cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, and others.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Increases risks of heart attacks and strokes.
• Respiratory Issues: Associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions.
• Secondhand Smoke: Affects non-smokers exposed to smoke.

Conclusion:

When handling tobacco, personal and public health risks must be considered carefully. The growing consensus among healthcare professionals is that the best dosage is no dosage given the significant health risks. Alternatives and interventions are available for those trying to quit. Always consider consulting a healthcare provider for advice on tobacco use and cessation support.

c. Medical Use

While the primary association of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is with recreational use and its significant health risks, some historical and limited contemporary medical uses have been documented. It’s important to note that these uses are highly specialized and should only be undertaken under professional guidance, taking into consideration the serious health implications of nicotine addiction and other harmful effects.

Historical Medical Uses:

Wound Healing and Inflammation:

• Historically, tobacco leaves were sometimes applied to wounds and inflammatory sites. The nicotine in the leaves was believed to have antiseptic properties.

Analgesic:

• Some cultures used tobacco as a pain reliever. Chewing or smoking small amounts was considered to alleviate pain.

Contemporary Medical Context:

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):

• In modern medicine, nicotine, the active compound in tobacco, is used in controlled doses to aid smoking cessation. Forms of NRT include nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers.
• These products help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by providing a lower and more controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful tar and chemicals found in tobacco smoke.

Potential Research Areas:

• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Emerging research is investigating nicotine for its potential impact on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to its neuroactive properties. However, this research is still in early stages, and the risks often outweigh the potential benefits.
• Bowel Disorders: Some studies have examined the effects of nicotine on inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. However, the therapeutic use of nicotine in such contexts is still controversial and not widely accepted.

Expectorants and Bronchodilators:

• Traditionally, small amounts of nicotine were used as expectorants and bronchodilators. Though not a common practice today, it highlights the compound’s pharmacological effects on the respiratory system.

Safety and Risks:

Despite these niche uses, it is crucial to emphasize the severe health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use:

• Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
• Respiratory Diseases: Strongly linked with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and other respiratory conditions.
• Cancer: Associated with various cancers, notably lung, oral, and throat cancers.
• Reproductive Health: Can negatively impact reproductive health and fetal development during pregnancy.

Conclusion:

The medical uses of tobacco and nicotine are limited, highly controlled, and generally reserved for specific clinical interventions such as smoking cessation programs. The substantial health risks associated with tobacco use far outweigh any potential benefits in most contexts. Therefore, any use of tobacco for medical purposes should be approached with extreme caution and under strict medical supervision. For most individuals, the focus remains on avoiding or discontinuing tobacco use to promote overall health and well-being.

d. Active Substances

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) contains a variety of active substances, with nicotine being the primary pharmacologically active compound. However, numerous other compounds also play significant roles. Here’s an overview of the key active substances found in tobacco:

Primary Active Substance

Nicotine:

• Function: Nicotine is a potent alkaloid that acts as a stimulant by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This results in the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, creating pleasurable and addictive effects.
• Health Effects: While nicotine itself is highly addictive, the combustion of tobacco releases numerous harmful chemicals that contribute to a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory issues.

Secondary Active Compounds

Nitrosamines:

• TSNAs (Tobacco-specific Nitrosamines): These are formed during the curing and processing of tobacco and are among the most carcinogenic substances in tobacco.
  • Examples: NNN (N’-Nitrosonornicotine), NNK (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone).

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs):

• Health Effects: These are formed during the burning of organic matter and are highly carcinogenic.
  • Examples: Benzo[a]pyrene.

Volatile Organic Compounds:

• Health Effects: Include a variety of harmful substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and acetaldehyde, many of which are carcinogenic or toxic to human health.

Acetaldehyde:

• Health Effects: Known to enhance the addictive properties of nicotine.

Toxic Metals and Elements:

Cadmium, Lead, and Arsenic:

• Health Effects: Metals like these are common in tobacco and contribute to the toxic and carcinogenic nature of tobacco smoke.

Other Alkaloids:

Nornicotine, Anabasine, and Anatabine:

• Function: These alkaloids are related to nicotine and have similar, albeit weaker, neurological effects.

Biological Toxins:

Cyanide, Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia:

• Health Effects: These substances interfere with vital cellular functions and contribute to the overall harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

Additives:

In addition to naturally occurring components, commercial tobacco products often include a range of additives to enhance flavor, increase nicotine delivery, or preserve the tobacco.

• Examples: Sugars, humectants like glycerol, and flavoring agents.

Summary:

The active substances in Nicotiana tabacum comprise a complex mixture, primarily driven by nicotine, which is the main addictive agent. However, the true danger of tobacco lies in its combustion, where a multitude of other harmful and carcinogenic substances are released. Understanding these components highlights the considerable health risks associated with tobacco use.

Given the significant health risks posed by these substances, the medical and health communities strongly advise against the use of tobacco products. Efforts are focused on harm reduction, smoking cessation, and educating the public about the dangers of tobacco use.

e. Effects

The effects of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from immediate physiological effects to long-term health consequences. These can be both direct (due to the active compounds in tobacco) and indirect (resulting from the combustion process). Here is an overview of the various impacts of tobacco use:

Immediate and Short-Term Effects

Nicotine-Driven Effects:

1. Stimulation: Nicotine acts as a stimulant, leading to increased alertness and concentration.
2. Dopamine Release: Produces a pleasurable, euphoric effect by inducing the release of dopamine.
3. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Nicotine stimulates the adrenal glands, releasing adrenaline, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.
4. Appetite Suppression: Can reduce appetite and increase metabolic rate.
5. Relaxation: Paradoxically, nicotine can also result in relaxation and stress relief, likely due to the modulation of mood through neurotransmitter release.

Long-Term Health Effects

Respiratory System:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
• Emphysema: Damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, reducing respiratory efficiency.
• Lung Cancer: Strongly linked as one of the predominant causes.

Cardiovascular System:

• Heart Disease: Includes coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (heart attacks), and stroke.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Narrowing of the peripheral arteries, reducing blood flow, often to the legs.

Cancer:

• Besides lung cancer, tobacco use is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix.

Gastrointestinal System:

• Peptic Ulcers: Increased risk of developing ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Tobacco weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing acid reflux.

Reproductive Health:

• Reduced Fertility: In both men and women.
• Pregnancy Complications: Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Erectile Dysfunction: Due to reduced blood flow.

Miscellaneous Effects:

Oral Health:

• Gum Disease: Increased risk of periodontal disease.
• Tooth Decay and Discoloration: Cigarette tar can stain the teeth.

Skin and Aging:

• Premature Aging: Tobacco use accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles.
• Delayed Wound Healing: Nicotine restricts blood flow, impairing wound healing.

Bone Health:

• Osteoporosis: Increased risk due to impaired bone healing and density.

Immune System:

• Weakened Immunity: More susceptible to infections and slower recovery from illness.

Psychological Effects:

Addiction:

• Nicotine Dependence: Highly addictive, leading to compulsive use despite awareness of harmful consequences.

Mental Health:

• While some users report temporary relief from anxiety and stress, long-term use can contribute to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Secondhand Smoke:

Effects on Others:

• Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Others who inhale smoke are also at risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, SIDS in infants, and various cancers.

Conclusion:

The overall impact of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) use is profoundly negative, affecting nearly every organ system in the body and leading to severe health consequences and premature death. Smoking cessation significantly reduces health risks and leads to better quality of life. Public health initiatives focus on reducing tobacco use, promoting cessation, and educating about the dangers of smoking. If you’re considering quitting, numerous resources and professional help are available to support smoking cessation efforts.

f. Legality (Europe & USA)

Legality of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in Europe and the USA

Europe

Regulation:

• European Union (EU): The regulation of tobacco products within the European Union is largely governed by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) which was updated in 2014. Key points include:
  • Packaging and Labeling: Mandatory health warnings covering 65% of the packaging front and back. Misleading terms like “light” and “mild” are prohibited.
  • E-cigarettes: Regulated under the TPD if nicotine content is below a certain level. Higher concentrations are regulated as medicinal products.
  • Flavors: Characterizing flavors like menthol have been banned to reduce attractiveness, particularly to young people.
  • Advertising: Strict restrictions on tobacco advertising, especially targeted at cross-border communications such as radio and online.
• Taxes and Pricing: Significant taxes are imposed on tobacco products, with minimum excise duty requirements in place across the member states.
• Public Smoking: Varies by country but generally includes comprehensive bans in public places such as bars, restaurants, and workplaces.

Individual Countries:

• United Kingdom: Similar regulations to the EU’s TPD, with additional measures like standardized plain packaging.
• France: Similar measures, with further public health campaigns to reduce smoking prevalence.
• Germany and Italy: Follow EU directives but may have individual variances in enforcement and additional national laws.

USA

Regulation:

• Federal Regulation: The regulation of tobacco products in the United States chiefly falls under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as per the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009.
  • FDA Authority: The FDA oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.
  • Youth Access: Strict measures to prevent tobacco access to minors, including age verification and restrictions on advertising targeting young people.
  • Health Warnings: Mandated health warnings on cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and other tobacco product packaging and advertisements.
  • Flavor Bans: The FDA has the authority to regulate and ban flavors in tobacco products to curb youth initiation.

State and Local Regulations:

• Smoking Bans: Most states have comprehensive bans on smoking in indoor public places and workplaces, though specifics can vary.
  • Public Places: Many states and cities ban smoking in restaurants, bars, public transport, and other public areas.
• Age Restrictions: In December 2019, the legal minimum age to purchase tobacco products was raised to 21 nationwide.
• Taxes: State-specific taxes on tobacco vary widely, influencing the price of tobacco products.

Key Points of Comparison:

• Advertising Restrictions: Europe generally has stricter limitations on tobacco advertising compared to the USA.
• Health Warnings: Both regions require significant health warnings, though the EU mandates larger, more graphic warnings.
• Flavors: The EU has stricter bans on characterizing flavors (e.g., menthol), with the USA also taking steps in this direction.
• Public Smoking: Both regions enforce public smoking bans, but the specific nuances and extent can vary by state/country and locality.

Conclusion:

Both Europe and the USA enforce rigorous regulations on the sale, marketing, and use of tobacco products to protect public health. The enforcement and specifics of these regulations can vary significantly from country to country within Europe and from state to state within the USA, but the overall trend is towards increasing restrictions aimed at reducing tobacco-related harm.