Nicotine

Nicotine
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Formula	C₁₀H₁₄N₂
Type	Alkaloid (parasympathomimetic stimulant)
Administration	Transdermal (patch), buccal (gum, pouch, lozenge), inhaled, sublingual
Solubility	Freely soluble in water; miscible with alcohol and ether. pKa ~8.0 (basic, so alkaline pH improves absorption)
Legal status	18/21+, OTC (nicotine replacement products); regulated in tobacco products; prescription in some countries
Synonyms	3-(1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)pyridine; (S)-nicotine; 1-Methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)pyrrolidine, Cigarettes, Tobacco, Zyn, Vape
Bioavailability	Oral: ~20% (due to first-pass metabolism); Transdermal: ~68-82%; Gum: 50-80%; Inhaled: ~51-56%
Recommended dose	1-2 mg daily for cognitive/metabolic effects (non-smokers); NRT: 2-4 mg gum/lozenges, 7-21 mg patches
Upper limit	Varies by individual; acute toxicity symptoms appear around 40-60 mg in adults. Conservative guidance suggests keeping daily use below 20 mg
LD50	Mice (IP): ~10 mg/kg; Mice (oral): ~23-33 mg/kg; Human estimated: ~0.5-1.0 mg/kg (contested; may be higher)
Ray's verdict	Cautious, sees the main danger in smoke inhaled.

Medical uses / Effects

Benefits

• Smoking significantly reduces the rate of Parkinson's disease.
• Nicotine consumption increases attention and speed of information processing.
• Nicotine and acetylcholine both increase reaction time and word recall.
• Nicotine is neuroprotective.

Bioenergetic perspective:

Short-term benefits include aromatase inhibition and MAO-B inhibition (supporting dopamine).

However, chronic use raises free fatty acids, triggers adrenergic/cortisol responses, and may impair metabolism long-term. Recommend extreme caution; caffeine preferred as stimulant.

Side / Adverse effects

"The effects of tobacco have been greatly exaggerated. The demonization of tobacco functions as a smokescreen. This tactic obscures hazards from industrial processes and environmental degradation. It frames the issue as one of individual weakness." - Travis

Harm reduction

PUFA interaction - Smoking releases polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blood stream and interacts by oxidizing them and reducing their plasma levels like linoleic and arachidonic acids, leading to elevated oxidative stress that harms cardiovascular health by promoting vascular damage and disease.

In commercial cigarettes, tobacco often contains sugar and/or glycerin additives. Using non-organic methods introduces higher levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium from inorganic phosphate fertilizers. Buying and shredding organic tobacco leaves avoids pesticides and mitigates heavy-metal concentration.

The combustion of tobacco produces carcinogens like benzene. These pyrolysis compounds share chemical components with those formed during food cooking. Epidemiological data correlating lung cancer and cigarette smoking is sometimes deemed low. If secondary smoke exposure is blamed for cancer, then greater environmental factors like nuclear accidents or diesel exhaust are frequently overlooked.

Switching from highly processed junk cigarettes to pure tobacco can change taste preference, proving junk cigarettes addictive.

More in Harm reduction

Dosing

"The carbon monoxide isn't likely to be absorbed in dangerous amounts if the smoke isn't inhaled. I think the safest way to use tobacco is either transdermally or orally; it has a laxative and anti-inflammatory effect." - Ray Peat

Brands and sources

• Rolling tobacco
  • Pueblo blue rolling tobacco
  • American Spirit
• Cigarettes
• Patches
• Oral
• Supplemental