Nicotine

Description

Nicotine is a colorless, oily, liquid Alkaloid that turns brown upon exposure to air.

60 mg of pure Nicotine placed on the tongue is rapidly lethal to an adult.

Cardiovascular System

 Nicotine may increase Blood Pressure and may cause Hypertension by causing Blood Vessels to constrict.

Digestive System

 During the early stages of Tobacco Smoking, Nicotine may cause Vomiting (by stimulating the Vomiting Center in the Brain) - however tolerance to this side-effect of Nicotine develops rapidly.

Metabolism

 Nicotine may increase total serum Cholesterol levels.

Nervous System

 Nicotine has very strong Addiction (Drug Dependence) potential:  ^[1]

 The pharmaceutical and behavioral processes that determine Tobacco (read Nicotine) addiction are similar to those that determine addiction to drugs such as Heroin and Cocaine and involve indirect activation of Dopamine Receptors in the Midbrain.

 The period of withdrawal from Nicotine may be intense and persistent, often lasting for several months.

 The symptoms of Nicotine withdrawal (known as Nicotine Withdrawal Syndrome) are Aggressiveness, Anxiety, increased Appetite, craving for more Nicotine, Irritability, poor Concentration ability, Impatience and Insomnia.

 Part of the Addiction caused by Nicotine results from its stimulation of Nicotinic Receptors within the Caudate Nucleus (the Pleasure Center) of the Brain.  ^[2]

 Part of the Addiction caused by Nicotine results from its stimulation of Dopaminergic Receptors within the Limbic System of the Brain.

 Tobacco Smokers who are “addicted” to Nicotine subconsciously adjust their Nicotine intake to maintain Nicotine levels at 30 - 40 nanograms of Nicotine per milliliter of Blood Plasma.

 During the early stages of Tobacco Smoking, Nicotine may cause Nausea (by stimulating the Vomiting Center in the Brain) - however tolerance to this side-effect of Nicotine develops rapidly.

 Excessive doses of Nicotine may temporarily cause Tremors.

Minerals

 Nicotine may reduce the body's absorption of Calcium.

Vitamins

 Nicotine may cause the depletion of the body's Vitamin B1 reserves.

Hormones

 Melatonin may help to counteract the toxicity associated with Nicotine.  ^[3]

Phenolic Acids

 Ellagic Acid may counteract Nicotine toxicity.  ^[4]

Polyphenols

 Hesperidin may reduce the toxicity of Nicotine.  ^[5]

Vitamins

 The Nicotinic Acid form of Vitamin B3 may help to protect against the toxic effects of Nicotine. 

 Vitamin C may help to protect against the toxic effects of Nicotine.  ^[6]

Algae

 Wakame may counteract many of the toxic effects of Nicotine.  ^[7]

Fermented Soybean Products

 Miso may chelate (binds to and removes) Nicotine from the body. 

 The Shoyu form of Soy Sauce may facilitate the elimination of Nicotine from the body.