Nicotine, a naturally occurring alkaloid, is commonly associated with tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), but it is also found in varying concentrations across many other plants. These plants, many of which belong to the Solanaceae family.
Plants With High Nicotine Content
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
The primary source of commercial nicotine, tobacco contains the highest concentration of nicotine among plants. Its leaves are rich in this compound, making it widely used for smoking, chewing, and as a pesticide.
Wild Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica)
Known for its even higher nicotine content than cultivated tobacco, this species is traditionally used in indigenous rituals and for medicinal purposes.
Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)
A drought-resistant shrub, tree tobacco produces nicotine as a defense mechanism, primarily in its leaves and stems.
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
A common fruiting plant, tomatoes contain trace amounts of nicotine, mostly concentrated in the leaves and green, unripe fruit.
Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Potatoes have low levels of nicotine, primarily in the leaves and sprouts. The compound is less concentrated in the tubers.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Eggplants (aubergines) are another source of nicotine, with the highest concentrations found in the seeds and skin.
Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Certain varieties of peppers, including bell peppers and chili peppers, contain small amounts of nicotine in their leaves and fruits.
Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
This wild plant contains nicotine as part of its natural chemical defense system, although it is more toxic due to additional alkaloids.
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)
A member of the nightshade family, jimsonweed has nicotine and other alkaloids that make it highly toxic and hallucinogenic.
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
Also known as deadly nightshade, this plant contains nicotine in small amounts alongside other potent alkaloids, making it highly poisonous.
Petunias (Petunia spp.)
Ornamental petunias, close relatives of tobacco, contain nicotine in their stems and leaves, although at much lower concentrations.
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao)
Cocoa plants, while primarily known for their caffeine content, also contain trace amounts of nicotine in their leaves.
Coca (Erythroxylum coca)
The leaves of the coca plant, famous for their role in producing cocaine, contain small amounts of nicotine as well.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)
Commonly called Indian tobacco, lobelia contains lobeline, a compound similar to nicotine, and small amounts of actual nicotine.
Nicotiana alata
A flowering ornamental tobacco plant, it produces nicotine in its leaves and stems as a natural pest deterrent.
Nicotiana sylvestris
This wild tobacco plant contains significant nicotine levels and is often used in tobacco breeding programs.
Nicotiana benthamiana
Widely used in plant biology research, this species has moderate nicotine levels in its leaves.
Ground Cherry (Physalis peruviana)
Known for its edible fruit, ground cherry leaves contain trace amounts of nicotine, contributing to its insect-repelling properties.
Solanum dulcamara
Commonly known as bittersweet nightshade, this plant has small amounts of nicotine, primarily in its stems and leaves.
Tobacco Tree (Solanum mauritianum)
Native to South America, the tobacco tree contains nicotine and is used for its pesticidal properties in traditional agriculture.
Capsicum frutescens
A hot pepper species, including varieties like tabasco, contains nicotine in trace amounts alongside capsaicin, its primary bioactive compound.