CHENNAI: Tobacco is extracted from around 65 species of the tobacco plant. Most of the tobacco from northern India and Afghanistan comes from the species Nicotiana rustica.
The growing use of tobacco is a cause of concern around the world due to its serious effects on health. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like ischemic heart diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases are the leading causes of death globally and associated with tobacco use.
According to WHO statistics for 2010 in India, NCDs are estimated to account for 53% of all deaths.
Nicotine
It is the major cause of predominant behavioral effects of tobacco. It is poisonous and leads to addiction. After absorption, nicotine travels rapidly to the brain in seconds therefore, the psycho-active rewards associated with smoking occur quickly and these rewards are highly reinforced. Nicotine binds to the receptors in the brain where it influences the cerebral metabolism. Nicotine is then distributed throughout the body, mostly to skeletal muscles.
Consequences
Tobacco is considered as a major behavioral risk factor for NCDs, one of the leading causes of death. Treatment of cardiovascular diseases and cancer imposes maximum financial burden on the individuals and their families.
Cancers Associated With Tobacco
Tobacco is also associated with cancer of the respiratory tract, lung, upper gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, kidney, urinary bladder, oral cavity, nasal cavity, cervix, etc. Smokeless tobacco (chew tobacco, snuff etc.) is a major cause of cancer of the oral cavity.
Siddha Treatment
Agathi keerai (Sesbania grandiflora) leaves and its flowers should be added in dishes to minimise the ill-effects of tobacco.
— Dr B Thamizhkkani
(Government Siddha Physician, Tiruchy)