Abstract: This invention provides a method for removing undesirable constituents from tobacco which includes extracting tobacco material in an aqueous or organic solvent and filtering the product of the extraction using a horizontal belt filter. The extract and insoluble tobacco residue may be further treated enzymically, chemically or otherwise to remove a complement of undesirable constituents. The extract and insoluble tobacco residue are recombined to form a regenerated tobacco material that is less harmful when combusted than the original material.