Wednesday, June 29, 2011

How Is Nicotine Used







About the Chemical


Nicotine is a chemical alkaloid that is used in tobacco products. It is also one of the most heavily abused substances in the United States of America. Found in the Nightshade family of plants, nicotine is a toxic chemical that acts as a stimulant in mammals that is highly addictive.


The History of Nicotine








The chemical nicotine takes its name from Nicotiana tabacum, which is more commonly referred to as tobacco. It was first isolated from plant to liquid form by German scientists in the 1800s, and was widely acclaimed for having healthy benefits. It is known to be addictive and is becoming more of a public health hazard in modern times due to its carcinogenic properties.


Nicotine and Its Uses


Nicotine is found in tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing tobacco, but it is also found in a variety of foods that are in the Nightshade plant family, like tomatoes and eggplants. Nicotine is also used in a variety of pharmaceutical products, especially in products that are designed to help people quit smoking tobacco products. It is used in cosmetic creams for its skin-tightening properties as well.

Tags: tobacco products, Nicotine chemical