Nicotine extracted from tobacco leaves is mainly used in the following four major areas:
I. Pharmaceutical industry
Smoking Cessation Aid Products
As a core component in nicotine replacement therapy products, nicotine is widely used in formulations such as chewing gum, transdermal patches, and inhalants. By controlling the dose to regulate release, it can effectively alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce smoking dependence.
Clinical Therapeutic Studies
Nicotine exhibits neuroprotective properties that show promise in treating neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Its immunomodulatory effects may also alleviate clinical symptoms of conditions like ulcerative colitis and Tourette's syndrome.
II. Agricultural Applications
Biopesticide Development
Natural nicotine and its derivatives (e.g., nicotine sulfate) have broad-spectrum insecticidal properties, acting through contact and ingestion toxicity against pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Their mechanism involves interfering with acetylcholine receptors in insect nerve conduction, offering advantages like rapid degradation and low residue. New synthetic insecticides (e.g., imidacloprid), derived from modified nicotine structures, are both highly effective and environmentally friendly.
Plant Growth Regulation
As a synergistic agent in compound formulations, nicotine can enhance herbicide efficacy and regulate crop growth, playing a specialized role in precision agriculture.
III. Chemical Industry
Nicotine serves as a key raw material for synthesizing nicotinic acid compounds, such as nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and tocopherol nicotinate. These compounds hold significant value in pharmaceutical intermediates and food additives.
IV. Electronic Cigarette Manufacturing
As the core component of atomized e-liquids, nicotine generates a sensory experience mimicking traditional smoking when heated. Due to impurity concerns in natural extracts, the industry increasingly favors high-purity synthetic nicotine as an alternative.
