Home > Herbs > Nicotiana

Nicotiana

Tobacco plant

Nicotiana, commonly known as tobacco, is a genus of approximately 74 species within the Solanaceae family. While widely recognized for its commercial cultivation, many species possess significant medicinal properties. Historically, various parts of the plant have been utilized in traditional practices for their potent alkaloids and diverse pharmacological effects.

  • Scientific name: Nicotiana
  • Family: Solanaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Nicotiana.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Solanales WCVP
Family Solanaceae WCVP
Genus Nicotiana WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Nicotiana, is referred to by various common names across different languages. In Polish, it is called tytoń, while in Estonian, it is known as Tubakas. Moving to Scandinavia, the Swedish name for the genus is Tobaksläktet, the Finnish name is tupakat, and in Danish, it is simply called Tobak.
Language Common Name Source
pl tytoń Wikidata
et Tubakas Wikidata
sv Tobaksläktet Wikidata
fi tupakat Wikidata
da Tobak Wikidata
ko 담배속 Wikidata
de Tabak Wikidata
ja タバコ属 Wikidata
te నికోటియానా Wikidata
lt tabakas Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution includes the coastal and inland areas of Denmark and Great Britain. The species can also be found growing within the landscapes of Ireland and Sweden. Moving toward the center of the continent, it is documented in Middle Europe. Specifically, one of its key locations in this central region is Austria.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Nicotiana (commonly known as tobacco), possesses specialized anatomical features that play significant roles in its biological processes. One of its most distinctive characteristics is the presence of multicellular trichomes, which are tiny, hair-like structures covering the leaves and stems that serve to protect the plant from herbivory and reduce water loss. Additionally, the flowers of the Nicotiana species produce nectar, a sugar-rich fluid secreted by specialized glands to attract various pollinators, ensuring the plant's reproductive success.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
trichomes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nectar 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Nicotiana has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Nicotiana has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Psychoactive, Teratogenic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Psychoactive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Teratogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Nicotiana has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include osmotic stress.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
osmotic stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆