Abstract: Methods of reducing the content of and preventing formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in harvested leafy plants such as tobacco and marijuana, are disclosed. The methods are directed to subjecting the plant to microwave radiation, at appropriate times in the cure cycle. With tobacco, products suitable for human consumption, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., can be made in accordance with the present invention, having contents of tobacco-specific nitrosamines on a par with fresh-cut, green tobacco. In preferred embodiments, the resultant tobacco products are dried, golden-yellow leaves having almost negligible amounts of the known carcinogens NNN and NNK, in comparison to conventionally cured tobacco.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the content of and preventing formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in harvested leafy plants such as tobacco and marijuana, are disclosed. The methods are directed to subjecting the plant to microwave and/or higher frequency radiation, at appropriate times in the cure cycle. With tobacco, products suitable for human consumption, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., can be made in accordance with the present invention, having contents of tobacco-specific nitrosamines on a par with fresh-cut, green tobacco. In preferred embodiments, the resultant tobacco products are dried, golden-yellow leaves having almost negligible amounts of the known carcinogens NNN and NNK, in comparison to conventionally cured tobacco.

Abstract: A method of treating tobacco to reduce the content of, or prevent formation of, harmful nitrosamines which are normally found in tobacco is disclosed. The method includes the step of subjecting at least a portion of the plant, while the portion is uncured and in a state susceptible to having the amount of nitrosamines reduced or formation of nitrosamines arrested, to a controlled environment capable of providing a reduction in the amount of nitrosamines or prevention of the formation of nitrosamines, for a time sufficient to reduce the amount of or substantially prevent the formation of at least one nitrosamine, wherein the controlled environment is provided by controlling at least one of humidity, rate of temperature change, temperature, airflow, CO level, CO2 level, O2 level, and arrangement of the tobacco plant. Tobacco products and an apparatus for producing such tobacco products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the content of and preventing formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in harvested leafy plants such as tobacco and marijuana, are disclosed. The methods are directed to subjecting the plant to microwave radiation, at appropriate times in the cure cycle. With tobacco, products suitable for human consumption, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., can be made in accordance with the present invention, having contents of tobacco-specific nitrosamines on a par with fresh-cut, green tobacco. In preferred embodiments, the resultant tobacco products are dried, golden-yellow leaves having almost negligible amounts of the known carcinogens NNN and NNK, in comparison to conventionally cured tobacco.

Abstract: Tobacco products improved by the use of uncured, green tobacco and propolis for use in smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, tobacco chewing gum, beverages and foods. In one preferred embodiment green tobacco provides reduced carcinogenic nitrosamines. In another preferred embodiment, the addition of propolis reduces bitterness, prolongs flavor and shelf life, and reduces tar and particulate content. The tobacco products can be used to reduce smoking withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and weight gain by providing nicotine and monoamine oxidase B inhibitor. Further, the invention can be used to treat Alzheimer's disease and to manage weight control in non-smokers.

Abstract: Tobacco products improved by the use of uncured, yellow tobacco low in tar and carcinogenic nitrosamines, treated by microwaving, or convection heating, or freeze drying to kill microbes responsible for curing, for use in smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, tobacco chewing gum, beverages and foods. In one preferred embodiment tobacco, uncured or cured, is microwaved to reduce further tar and carcinogenic nitrosamines.