In a recent testimony in the U.S. House Oversight Committee, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf stated that there were no health benefits associated with using nicotine. Unfortunately, the scientific literature does not agree with this perspective. In fact, nicotine has been found to have potential benefits in preventing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies on animals suggest that nicotine can protect against neuronal degeneration, improve motor abilities, and enhance cognitive performance. Additionally, research indicates that nicotine intake may increase the processing speed of complex tasks in individuals with Parkinson’s. Nicotine also has been shown to have a positive impact on memory by acting on regions of the brain involved in visual attention and attention processing. This is probably due to nicotine acting as a neuroprotective agent by stimulating nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brain.

Furthermore, nicotine has been shown to promote wakefulness by enhancing brain activity and inducing alpha brainwave activity. This leads to improved attention, alertness, and creativity. The drug also affects various areas of the brain related to arousal and motor activation. Moreover, trials on animals and humans have demonstrated that nicotine can promote weight loss by suppressing appetite. It also improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.

Studies also demonstrate that nicotine patches can have a positive effect on ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation in the gut lining. Nicotine provides relief from inflammatory bowel disease and has been shown to stimulate the body to enhance the growth of blood vessel capillaries and tissues. It promotes tissue repair and accelerates healing processes when applied topically in low concentrations through a nicotine patch.