Question 1

Is Nicotiana tabacum used in Sri Lankan Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Nicotiana tabacum is listed in Sri Lanka's ayurvedic medicinal plant catalogue primarily for historical and botanical documentation. Traditional practitioners referenced certain external applications for its alkaloid-rich leaf preparations, but modern ayurvedic medicine in Sri Lanka does not prescribe internal use of any part of this plant.

Question 2

What is the Lakpura catalogue number for Nicotiana tabacum?

Accepted Answer

Nicotiana tabacum is catalogued under reference number LK94005759 in the Lakpura ayurvedic medicinal plant inventory. This reference is used to systematically document botanical and traditional medicinal information for researchers, practitioners, and educators.

Question 3

What are the main chemical compounds in Nicotiana tabacum leaves?

Accepted Answer

The leaves of Nicotiana tabacum contain several notable alkaloids, including nicotine, nornicotine, and anabasine, along with polyphenols and solanesol. These compounds are the focus of ongoing pharmacological research, particularly in relation to antimicrobial activity and neurological applications.

Question 4

Does Nicotiana tabacum grow wild in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Nicotiana tabacum is an introduced species in Sri Lanka and does not grow naturally in the island's forests or protected areas. It is found almost exclusively in cultivated plots or occasionally near former agricultural sites, and it plays no ecological role in Sri Lanka's native flora.

Question 5

Why is a tobacco plant included in a medicinal plant catalogue?

Accepted Answer

Ayurvedic and indigenous medical traditions document plants across a wide spectrum of toxicity, recognising that many substances are harmful in large doses but have specific applications when prepared and dosed correctly. Nicotiana tabacum's inclusion reflects this scholarly comprehensiveness rather than an endorsement of tobacco use.

Question 6

Which family does Nicotiana tabacum belong to?

Accepted Answer

Nicotiana tabacum belongs to the Solanaceae family, commonly called the nightshade family. This family also includes other well-known plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, and chilli peppers, many of which contain biologically active alkaloids.

Question 7

Where is Nicotiana tabacum cultivated in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Historically, tobacco cultivation in Sri Lanka was concentrated in parts of the North Central and North Western provinces. Cultivation has declined significantly over recent decades as agricultural priorities shifted toward tea, coconut, and food crops, and as public health awareness around tobacco increased.