Cultivated tobacco
Nicotiana tabacum
Nicotiana tabacum is a plant species utilized across various global traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied as a sedative, anodyne, and diuretic, with additional uses reported for treating parasites, snakebites, toothaches, wounds, insect bites, lice, rheumatism, sores, head colds, headaches, and anorexia. Scientific evidence regarding its medicinal properties is limited, though studies have explored its growth regulation via the phenylpropanoid pathway and its response to environmental stressors like microplastics. Some research indicates certain genotypes may show resistance to specific nematodes. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the provided data.
- Traditionally for
- sedative · anodyne
- Traditions
- Unani · traditional · TCM
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- sedative
- anodyne
- parasites
- snakebite
- toothache
- wounds
- antidote (centipede)
- diuretic
- head cold
- headache
- insect bites
- lice
- rheumatism
- sores
- anorexiac
What the science says
- Six genotypes of wild Nicotiana species showed either high or moderate resistance to the guava root-knot nematode, M. enterolobii.
- Compound C4, an N-phenylphthalimide derivative, showed strong inhibition of Nicotiana tabacum PPO with superior herbicidal activity against six weed species while being crop-safe.
- The study found that NtMYB78 influences tobacco growth and development through modulation of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway.
- The study found that different doses and concentrations of microplastics and heavy metals had varying effects on tobacco growth and antioxidant systems, with both direct toxicities and regulatory impacts observed.
- Nicotiana tabacum showed promise as a botanical pesticide against fall armyworm in African maize systems, but its effectiveness varies with chemotype.
- VF fan treatment during tobacco curing led to changes in metabolic pathways, affecting leaf browning and aroma substances.
- Nicotiana tabacum had high iron and magnesium but also high antinutrient concentrations, with lead and cadmium levels exceeding safety limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cultivated tobacco?
Cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Cultivated tobacco traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Cultivated tobacco for: sedative, anodyne, parasites, snakebite, toothache, wounds. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Cultivated tobacco?
Cultivated tobacco appears in these traditions in our sources: Unani, traditional, TCM.
What does the scientific evidence say about Cultivated tobacco?
7 sourced findings are recorded for Cultivated tobacco; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Six genotypes of wild Nicotiana species showed either high or moderate resistance to the guava root-knot nematode, M. enterolobii.
How strong is the evidence for Cultivated tobacco?
The strongest finding for Cultivated tobacco carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cultivated tobacco safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cultivated tobacco in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cultivated tobacco interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cultivated tobacco in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Cultivated tobacco?
Cultivated tobacco is also known as: Табак обыкновенный, tabac commun.
Is Cultivated tobacco a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N-phenylphthalimide derivatives as potential protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase inhibitors. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Response and host status of diverse Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana spp. to infection by the guava root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nutritional, antinutritional, and heavy metal profiles of ethnopoultry botanicals in Central Uganda. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Analysis of the effect of variable frequency fan on tobacco metabolites during curing via untargeted metabolomics. literature abstract metadata
- T2 An R2R3-MYB transcription factor NtMYB78 modulates growth and development in tobacco via the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Botanical Pesticides Against Fall Armyworm in African Maize Systems: A Structured Narrative Review and SWOT Synthesis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effects of Microplastics and Cd/Pb Co-Contamination on Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Growth and Antioxidant Systems. literature abstract metadata