What is Tobacco?
The Plants and Their Uses
What is tobacco?
Plants from the nicotiana genus are grown for
commercial and ornamental purposes. Nicotiana Tabacum is the species used to create tobacco that
is used for the psychoactive effects of nicotine, which is the main alkaloid ingredient.
In the botanical taxonomy or classification of plants, tobacco is actually a member of the Solanaceae
family. All plants in this classification contain compounds called alkaloids. In the case of tobacco
plants, nicotine is the main alkaloid and it is concentrated in the leaves. After harvesting
the leaves are dried and then either smoked or chewed.
Both routes of administration ensure rapid absorption so
the effects of nicotine on the brain can occur quickly.
Other plants in the Solanaceae family that have psychoactive effects include Datura and Belladonna.
Belladonna is also called deadly nightshade and is the source of the original pharmacologic agent
called atropine which is used therapeutically in modern medicine. Other drugs made from this family of
plants include pharmaceutical agents to treat allergies and motion sickness.
What is tobacco used for?
- insecticides - The Nicotiana Rustica species of tobacco has smaller leaves which makes it
unsuitable for smoking but has a higher nicotine content. It is grown mostly for the
production of insecticides that contain nicotine.
- cigarettes, cigars and pipe smoking - The Nicotiana Tabacum species is the most common
form of tobacco plants grown specifically for the commercial production of tobacco.
- homeopathy remedies - tobacco plants are also used to make homeopathic remedies.
A homeopathic remedy of tabacum could be used to treat any of the symptoms that are similar to
nicotine poisoning and/or addiction.
Return to top of What is Tobacco - The Plants and Their Uses
Go back to Tobacco Facts Fallacy and Effects
Go home to Smoking Facts Reveal the Real Dangers of Cigarette Smoking
