Nicotine takes its name from the French diplomat, Jean Nicot, ambassador in Lisbon, in Portugal. It was he who was responsible for Catherine de Medicis discovering tobacco, recommending it to her for its supposedly soothing virtues, which then set off the development of tobacco use in Europe. Nicotine is an alkaloid contained in great concentration in the tobacco leaf; nicotine effectively represents over 5% of the plant's weight.
Nicotine is a poison which is naturally produced by the tobacco plant and is used notably in numerous insecticides for its neutralising power. An essential constituent of the cigarette, nicotine stimulates the nervous system but by its powerful and toxic action on the body, it can lead to serious poisoning.
Nicotine provokes a rise in blood pressure and increase in heart rhythm, a release of adrenaline and it reduces the appetite. With excessive consumption, nicotine leads to nausea and vomiting which in turn can lead to death through respiratory paralysis. Withdrawal symptoms manifest themselves in the form of irritability, headaches and anxiety which can lead to depression.
The European HELP programme for fighting against tobacco can bring you a lot of information and support for giving up smoking.
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