Nicotine was previously believed to be injurious to health but new studies have revealed surprising benefits of nicotine when isolated from tobacco. Nicotine's appeal stems from its ability to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, where it triggers the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasurable effects. Moreover, nicotine can act as a form of self-medication for individuals with neurological or mental health conditions, as it can alleviate troubling symptoms.
Working Mechanism of Nicotine
In our bodies, there are specific proteins called receptors that only respond to certain neurotransmitters or chemicals. The receptors that nicotine binds to are known as nicotinic-cholinergic receptors. Nicotine acts as an agonist, meaning it triggers a biological response when it binds to these receptors.
Nicotinic-cholinergic receptors are found in various locations in the body, including the brain, neuromuscular junctions (where nerves communicate with muscles), the inner part of the adrenal gland, and ganglia (clusters of nerve cells).
Nicotine's stimulating effects arise from its ability to bind to these receptors, leading to the release of neurotransmitters in the body. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetylcholine, beta-endorphin, norepinephrine, serotonin, and ACTH are released when nicotine binds to the receptors.
Some of these neurotransmitters, like dopamine, beta-endorphin, and serotonin, play a role in regulating pleasure, mood, emotion, and pain relief. For example, the release of dopamine is responsible for the pleasurable feeling one experiences after smoking a cigarette.
Other neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, control physiological responses like heart contractions and muscle movements.
How Nicotine Helps With Mental Health?
Increase Neurotransmitters
The human brain consists of billions of neurons that rely on neurotransmitters to communicate and process information. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including energy levels, sleep, libido, addictions, cravings, and mood. They also influence learning, memory, focus, and stress management.
Nicotine increases serotonin levels by acting as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, which prevents the breakdown of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, resulting in higher levels of these neurotransmitters.
Cognitive Development
Nicotine has been shown to enhance specific cognitive functions, such as attention, working memory, and information processing speed. This positive effect is believed to be a result of nicotine's interaction with acetylcholine receptors in the brain.
Nicotine affects various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. As a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, nicotine imitates the effects of acetylcholine in the brain. The changes induced by nicotine in the brain make it appealing to individuals with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
Acts As An Antidepressant
In some cases, medical professionals may prescribe nicotine as an antidepressant. Nicotine can induce mood-altering effects, such as increased alertness and relaxation, and some individuals may use it to self-medicate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress
Carries Neuroprotective Properties
According to some scientists, nicotine has the potential to protect neurons from degeneration by influencing the stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and reducing estrogen levels.
For Treating Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia often presents with severe cognitive deficits, and it is well-established that many individuals with the disorder self-medicate with nicotine. Nicotine is believed to help alleviate cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, enhancing a person's learning, memory, and overall functioning. Its action on Alpha-4-Beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is thought to be responsible for these benefits. Animal studies have demonstrated that agonists targeting these receptors, such as nicotine, improve cognitive impairments related to processing speed, visual learning, working memory, and social cognition. Several preliminary human studies have also shown promising results with compounds targeting these receptors.
For Managing ADHD
Studies from the 1990s suggest that nicotine may have potential in managing symptoms of ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). In one study, nicotine was found to improve performance by increasing vigor, reducing reaction time, and enhancing concentration. A placebo-controlled experiment conducted in 1996 with adults diagnosed with ADHD showed that nicotine, delivered through transdermal patches, significantly improved measures of inattention and overall clinical impressions.
Another study in 2001 compared the effects of nicotine, a placebo, and methylphenidate (Ritalin) on attentional deficits, demonstrating that nicotine improved performance on an attention task and reduced ADHD symptoms. A case report in 2008 highlighted a positive response to transdermal nicotine patches in an adult with ADHD and comorbid anxiety and depression. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that nicotine agonists may hold promise as potential treatments for ADHD.
For Preventing & Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases
Mounting evidence suggests that nicotine may have preventive and therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative diseases. A study from 2000 proposed studying nicotinic receptors' influence on central nervous system (CNS) functions, particularly in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
In Alzheimer's, although controversial, some studies indicate that smokers have lower rates of the disease, possibly due to nicotine's stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), which may prevent age-related decline. Nicotine has shown promising results in enhancing mental functions such as attention, vigilance, and recognition in individuals with Alzheimer's.
In Parkinson's, there is evidence that nicotine may improve cognitive performance, motor abilities, and processing speed for complex tasks. Smokers have a lower incidence of Parkinson's, suggesting a potential role of nicotine in reducing symptoms.
Nicotinic agonists like ABT-418 have been highlighted for their ability to improve verbal acquisition and retention while decreasing errors, indicating potential use as adjunct treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Enhance Brain Waves
Nicotine has been shown to impact the brain's electrical activity. In individuals with high levels of stress-related beta waves, nicotine can lead to an increase in the production of alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation and calmness. When nicotine is administered through the skin, it has been found to stimulate the production of alpha waves in both hemispheres of the brain, unlike individuals with depression who typically show alpha wave production in only one hemisphere.
Promote Relaxation
Smokers often perceive a cigarette as relaxing, despite nicotine being known for its stimulating properties. Smoking cigarettes has been found to increase bilateral alpha waves, associated with relaxation in the brain. It's worth noting that research suggests part of the relaxation induced by nicotine ingestion is due to alleviating anxiety caused by nicotine withdrawal. By continuing to smoke, individuals experience reduced anxiety and a sense of relaxation. Studies on rats have shown that nicotine enhances smooth muscle relaxation, suggesting a similar effect might occur in humans, although further research is needed.
Conclusion
Nicotine carries the risk of addiction, regardless of the source. However, some believe that using low doses of nicotine through a transdermal patch, gum, or lozenge may reduce the potential for addiction. Inhaling nicotine, such as through smoking or using an inhaler or nasal spray, poses a greater risk of addiction due to the rapid passage of nicotine through the blood-brain barrier.
