From the Guidelines
Nicotine has limited health benefits that must be weighed against its significant risks, and its use should only be considered under medical supervision for smoking cessation or other specific medical conditions. The health benefits of nicotine are primarily related to its potential to aid in smoking cessation, as it can reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve quit rates 1. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been shown to be effective in aiding smoking cessation, with combination NRT incorporating long-term and fast-acting NRT offering the greatest potential benefits for smokers 1. However, the potential benefits of nicotine do not outweigh its highly addictive nature and associated health risks, including cardiovascular problems and increased cancer risk when consumed through tobacco products.
Some potential health benefits of nicotine include:
- Improving attention, concentration, and memory in some individuals, particularly those with attention deficit disorders or early cognitive decline
- Managing symptoms of Parkinson's disease and ulcerative colitis, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Aiding in weight management by suppressing appetite
- Having neuroprotective effects that could potentially benefit patients with certain neurodegenerative conditions
These effects occur because nicotine stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, affecting neurotransmitter release and neural activity. However, the use of nicotine for these purposes should only be considered under medical supervision, and non-tobacco delivery methods would be preferable if such treatments were developed.
It is essential to note that the majority of the evidence supports the use of nicotine for smoking cessation, and its use for other medical conditions is still being researched and debated. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2016, which found that combination NRT offers the greatest potential benefits for smokers 1. Therefore, the use of nicotine should be limited to smoking cessation and other specific medical conditions, and only under medical supervision.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use reduces withdrawal symptoms, including nicotine craving, associated with quitting smoking The health benefits of nicotine are that it reduces withdrawal symptoms, including nicotine craving, associated with quitting smoking 2.
From the Research
Health Benefits of Nicotine
The health benefits of nicotine are numerous, despite its association with tobacco smoking. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduction of body weight 3
- Enhancement of performance 3
- Protection against certain diseases, such as:
- Improvement of mood and cognitive functioning 5
- Potential therapeutic use in smoking cessation and neurodegenerative disorders 6
Mechanism of Action
Nicotine acts on cholinergic (nicotinic-specific) receptors, which are depleted in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease 4. Nicotinic receptors also interact closely with several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which is implicated in both Parkinson's disease and Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome 4.
Therapeutic Potential
Nicotine may have therapeutic value or at least be a useful tool for future drug development 4. Its potential therapeutic applications include the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease 6. Additionally, nicotine may be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of certain diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Tourette's disease 3.