Nicotiana Alata
Also known as: Flowering tobacco, White Nicotiana, Nicotiana alata
Overview
Nicotiana alata is a species of flowering tobacco primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant, prized for its fragrant white flowers and extended bloom period from summer to fall. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, making it a relative of other tobacco species. Unlike many botanicals, Nicotiana alata is not recognized or commonly used as a dietary supplement ingredient in mainstream herbal or nutraceutical contexts. Research on this plant predominantly focuses on its botanical, genetic, and biochemical characteristics, such as the expression of specific β-glucan synthase genes in its pollen tubes, which are crucial for plant cell wall synthesis. There is a notable absence of high-quality clinical trials or systematic reviews evaluating Nicotiana alata for direct human supplementation or therapeutic applications.
Benefits
There is no peer-reviewed evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses supporting any direct health benefits of Nicotiana alata supplementation in humans. While some related Nicotiana species (e.g., Nicotiana tabacum) are extensively studied for their nicotine content and associated effects, Nicotiana alata has not been established as a therapeutic agent. A systematic review on herbal medicines for tobacco cessation did not include Nicotiana alata, indicating a lack of recognized role in this context. Therefore, no evidence-based benefits can be attributed to Nicotiana alata for human health.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action studied in Nicotiana alata relates to its botanical functions. Molecular studies have shown that Nicotiana alata pollen tubes express unique β-glucan synthase enzymes, which are integral to cell wall biosynthesis in plants. However, there are no known bioactive compounds from Nicotiana alata that have been clinically characterized for specific human biological effects or pharmacodynamics. Consequently, no mechanism of action relevant to human health supplementation has been identified or studied.
Side effects
No clinical safety data or toxicity profiles for Nicotiana alata as a supplement ingredient are available. Related species within the Nicotiana genus are known to contain alkaloids, such as nicotine, which can be toxic. However, the specific alkaloid content of Nicotiana alata and its safety profile for human consumption remain entirely uncharacterized. Due to the lack of established safety data, ingestion or use of Nicotiana alata without proper scientific evaluation is not recommended. General botanical safety considerations advise caution when consuming plants from genera known to contain toxic compounds, especially when no specific human safety studies exist. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications identified for Nicotiana alata due to the absence of human clinical research.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for Nicotiana alata as a supplement or medicinal ingredient. The lack of human clinical trials means that no recommended dosage ranges, timing considerations, or specific dosages for different purposes have been determined. Furthermore, no information exists regarding its absorption factors, upper limits, or safety thresholds for human consumption. Without any scientific basis, it is impossible to provide any dosage recommendations for Nicotiana alata.
FAQs
Is Nicotiana alata used as a dietary supplement?
No, Nicotiana alata is primarily an ornamental plant and is not recognized or used as a dietary supplement ingredient in mainstream herbal or nutraceutical contexts. There is no scientific evidence supporting its use for human health.
Does Nicotiana alata have any health benefits?
There is no peer-reviewed evidence from clinical trials or systematic reviews supporting any direct health benefits of Nicotiana alata supplementation in humans. Its use for health enhancement or therapeutic purposes is not supported by science.
Is Nicotiana alata safe to consume?
There is no clinical safety data or toxicity profile for Nicotiana alata as a supplement ingredient. Due to the lack of established safety data and its relation to other potentially toxic Nicotiana species, ingestion is not recommended.
Can Nicotiana alata help with smoking cessation?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that Nicotiana alata can aid in smoking cessation. A systematic review on herbal medicines for tobacco cessation did not include this plant, indicating no recognized role in this context.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC88859/ – This study by Schlüpmann et al. (2001) focused on the molecular characterization of β-glucan synthase genes in Nicotiana alata pollen tubes. The research contributes to understanding plant cell wall biosynthesis but does not provide information on human health applications or supplement efficacy.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37560083/ – Mitra et al. (2023) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on herbal medicines for tobacco cessation. Nicotiana alata was not mentioned in this comprehensive review, indicating a lack of evidence or recognition for its use in this specific therapeutic area.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10550887.2020.1860422 – This systematic review on nematicidal plants discussed various species and the importance of administration routes on toxicity. While not directly about Nicotiana alata, it underscores the general lack of data regarding Nicotiana alata's toxicity or efficacy for any specific application, including human health.
