Evidence supporting the use of: Nicotine
For the body system: Acetylcholine

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Nicotine is a well-established agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the nervous system. Its primary mode of action is to mimic the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by binding to these receptors, which are widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Scientific research has thoroughly documented nicotine’s effects on cognitive processes such as attention, learning, and memory, largely due to its interaction with the cholinergic system. In fact, nicotine’s ability to enhance cholinergic signaling is the basis for its use in some research settings to model or treat cognitive deficits associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. While nicotine is not typically recommended as a therapeutic agent due to its addictive properties and adverse health consequences, the scientific evidence clearly validates its impact on the acetylcholine system. Numerous studies using both animal models and humans have shown increased neurotransmitter release, improved cognitive performance, and modulation of neuronal activity following nicotine administration. However, it is important to note that these effects come with significant risks, and nicotine is not approved for general use as a cognitive enhancer outside of smoking cessation products like nicotine replacement therapies. Thus, there is substantial scientific validation for nicotine’s mechanistic support of the acetylcholine system, even though clinical utility is limited by safety concerns.

More about Nicotine
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Other body systems supported by Nicotine

Acetylcholine
Brain
Dopamine

Products containing Nicotine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.