Nicotine uptake by peppermint plants as a possible source of nicotine in plant-derived products

Abstract

Recently, nicotine has been detected in a large number of food crops and plant-derived products such as spices and herbal teas, but the origin of this nicotine is unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the putative sources of nicotine. We investigate the uptake of nicotine from nicotinecontaminated soils and tobacco smoke using peppermint plants, Mentha × piperita, as a model system in mulching and fumigation experiments. Results show that all the peppermint plants contain minor amounts of nicotine before treatment, but the experiments revealed that the plants also incorporate nicotine considerably from the soil as well as from tobacco smoke. These findings demonstrate for the first time that the reported occurrence of nicotine indeed may originate from tobacco. The incorporated nicotine was subsequently metabolised by the plants. Apart from the nutritional aspects, the results on nicotine uptake may also affect basic plant biology, because they demonstrate that alkaloids can be transferred from one plant, after its death, to another plant species.

Nutrient uptake, yield and taste of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and soil chemical properties following amendment with uncomposted and composted tobacco waste and cattle manure

“…Furthermore, the effects were only observable with the 40 t/ha application rate of TSC pointing to a dose-dependent effect. 44 Although Delibacak and Ongun 15 recommended a 1-month waiting period before planting or sowing activities when soil is amended with uncomposted tobacco waste, the present study indicated that a shorter waiting period of at least 1 week may be adequate. A shorter waiting period may reduce opportunities for nutrient loss, thus fostering optimum nutrient utilisation.…”

A Review of Environmental Pollution from the Use and Disposal of Cigarettes and Electronic Cigarettes: Contaminants, Sources, and Impacts

“…This suggests that nicotine might also be acquired from the soil by agriculturally important plants. In support of this hypothesis, [198] demonstrated nicotine uptake from soil using peppermint plants (Mentha × piperita), suggesting an uptake from nicotinecontaminated soils due to discarded CBs. Subsequently, this pathway has been supported in additional studies with basil (Ocimum basilicum), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum), which all showed a significant accumulation of nicotine applied to soil either as tobacco leaf tissue or CBs [204].…”

“…Research interest in the plant uptake of nicotine from the environment originates, in part, from numerous detections of nicotine in plant tissues in phylogenetically diverse food crops and other plant-derived products, such as spices and teas. These plants are not known for endogenous nicotine synthesis, and elevated nicotine concentrations in their tissues can be found under conditions where nicotine-containing insecticides had not been applied [198][199][200]. Elevated nicotine levels in commodity plants are a concern due to the human health risks, which may result in the commodity being pulled from the market, causing economic losses for farmers and distributors.…”

Smoking on Road: Behavioural and Physical Changes

“…Smoking on road not only affects individual but it has adverse impact on children and on the plants also. 5 The psychosocial impacts on children is evident when someone smoke publically on roads, near malls, schools and hospitals. In addition to damage to personal health, smoking use results in severe societal costs like reduced productivity and health care burden, environmental damage and poverty of the families.…”