Clearing The Smoke On Nicotine — Why It's Not All Bad
Critical Medical Disclaimer This post explores the theoretical health benefits of isolated nicotine . Nicotine is a highly addictive alkaloid. This is not medical advice and is not an endorsement of smoking or combustible tobacco. Always consult a physician before experimenting with bioactive substances. There is a massive divide between what the public believes about nicotine and what the literature reveals. When separated from the toxic delivery system of a cigarette, nicotine emerges as a pro-metabolic, anti-inflammatory, performance-enhancing, and neuroprotective powerhouse. 1. The Cholinergic Engine: Mimicking Acetylcholine Nicotine’s primary power lies in its ability to "mimic" acetylcholine (ACh) , the chief neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system. It does this by binding to 7-a-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) . But it doesn't just bind; nicotine actually upregulates these receptors, makin...