A Review on the Medicinal Plants for Tobacco Cessation

Abstract

Tobacco use is one of the major causes of mortality due to non-communicable diseases. The chemicals present in tobacco affect almost all the parts of the body and cause various diseases. Although majority of the tobacco users are aware about the ill effects of tobacco, they are unable to quit because of the presence of highly addictive substance nicotine. Tobacco users experience various withdrawal symptoms in their attempt to quit which further discourages them from quitting. Despite the fact that Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is found to be effective, it is associated with several side effects. Natural products or herbal remedies are safer alternatives to NRT. Numerous herbs with antioxidant and antianxiety properties have been tried to combat nicotine withdrawal symptoms and thereby facilitate tobacco cessation. Alternative therapies those are easily available, with fewer side effects can be used to reduce the burden of tobacco in the world. In this review, we have enlisted the various herbs that have been used for tobacco cessation with their medicinal properties and effects on nicotine and tobacco.