Is nicotine (as an ingredient) extracted from tobacco?

  • Thread starter Stephen Tashi
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In summary, nicotine is a chemical found in the tobacco plant and can also be produced synthetically. It is used as an ingredient in various products such as electric cigarettes and chewing gums. There is no specific requirement for the quality of tobacco used in extracting nicotine, as both high and low quality tobacco can be used. The process of extracting, refining, and processing nicotine is not discussed in detail in the source from Medical News Today.
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Stephen Tashi
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Is tobacco the source of the nicotine that used as in ingredient in compounds for electric cigarettes, chewing gums etc.? If so, is it extracted from varieties of tobacco that are considered high quality for use in (conventional) cigarettes? - or can inferior quality tobacco be used?
 
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"Extract," refine, process...what do you think?
 
  • #3
Here's something from Medical News Today:

Nicotine is a chemical that contains nitrogen, which is made by several types of plants, including the tobacco plant. It is also produced synthetically.
(Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240820#_noHeaderPrefixedContent)

Quite a bit more detail is in the source, although not so much about its manufacture.
 

1. What is nicotine?

Nicotine is a chemical compound found in tobacco plants. It is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system.

2. How is nicotine extracted from tobacco?

Nicotine is typically extracted from tobacco leaves through a process of solvent extraction. This involves soaking the leaves in a solvent, such as ammonia or hexane, which helps to break down the plant material and extract the nicotine. The solvent is then removed, leaving behind a concentrated nicotine extract.

3. Is nicotine the only active ingredient in tobacco?

No, there are many other chemical compounds present in tobacco, including tar, carbon monoxide, and various carcinogens. Nicotine is just one of the many substances that make tobacco addictive.

4. Can nicotine be extracted from sources other than tobacco?

Yes, nicotine can also be extracted from other plants in the nightshade family, such as eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes. However, tobacco remains the primary source of nicotine for commercial use.

5. Is nicotine extracted from tobacco used in other products besides cigarettes?

Yes, nicotine extracted from tobacco is used in a variety of products, including nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gum, and lozenges. It is also used in some insecticides and can be found in small amounts in certain foods and drinks, such as tomatoes and tea.

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