Abstract

TUMBURU (ZANTHOXYLUM ARMATUM DC.) AS A POTENTIAL NATURAL REMEDY FOR TOBACCO CHEWING ADDICTION: A PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Dr. Aarti Pangtey, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Tiwari*, Dr. Bhawana Mittal, Dr. Priyanka Rani and Dr. Garima

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Abstract

Tobacco addiction remains one of the leading global health challenges worldwide, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually. Chewing tobacco is a deeply entrenched habit affecting worldwide more than 300 million people with particularly high prevalence in south asia and southeast-asia. Despite the extensive awareness campaigns and the well documented health risks, the addictive nature of nicotine creates a formidable barrier to quitting. Unlike smoking, smokeless tobacco delivers nicotine and an array of carcinogens directly to the oral mucosa, triggering leukoplakia, periodontal disease and ultimately oral cancers. Tobacco addiction is primarily driven by nicotine, a psychoactive substance that creates physical and psychological dependence which makes it difficult for the person to break free from the insatiable cravings. Tobacco has become a coping mechanism for a person’s anxiety and stress. The long-term use of smokeless tobacco results in addiction which further on poses health hazards on an individual. From the origin in the America to the global spread, there is no such safe level of exposure to tobacco. The modern-day challenges of health regulations continue to evolve as the society balances between the interests of public health, economic considerations and freedom of an individual. This article reviews the scientifically validate data of Zanthoxylum armatum that can provide an acceptable aid for tobacco chewing cessation. This review examines the mechanisms and phytopharmacology of Tumburu that helps an individual in quitting tobacco for not only for the physical health but also for mental and social well-being. It reviews Zanthoxylum armatum’s traditional ethnobotanical knowledge, phytochemical profile and preclinical research outcomes. It also provides valuable insights for individuals to learn about the health risks associated with chewing tobacco that can reinforce the decision to quit addiction. The efforts to combat tobacco-free life is essential to decrease the long-term harmful effects and to make healthy choices in life.

Keywords: Tobacco, addiction, Ayurveda, Zanthoxylum armatum, Tumburu, nicotine.