CONTESTED SUBSTANCE: THE ROLE OF NICOTINE IN MODERN MEDICINE AND SOCIETY

Nicotine, a major component of tobacco, is widely recognized for its hazardous health effects, often linked to various diseases and malignancies. However, recent research has highlighted its potential therapeutic benefits when consumed in controlled doses. Nicotine has been found to have beneficial effects in treating conditions such as aphthous ulcers, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ulcerative cheilitis. Furthermore, studies suggest that nicotine may help in maintaining body weight. According to the principle by Paracelsus, "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; only the dose permits something not to be poison," nicotine's effects are dose-dependent. At lower doses and in healthier forms, nicotine may offer various health benefits. On the other hand, adverse health effects arise when nicotine is consumed in higher doses or through commercial products. This paper emphasizes the importance of using nicotine responsibly and in a controlled manner, suggesting that, when used properly, nicotine can serve as a therapeutic tool. It calls for a reconsideration of nicotine's potential as a medicinal agent, provided it is used in a safe and controlled way, recognizing nature’s ability to offer solutions to human health needs