Abstract: A tobacco-like product includes a coffee, tea, cocoa or soy base material. A flavor ingredient is added to the base material and the final product is formulated to a suitable form, such as lozenges, tablets, cakes, shredded, powdered and capsules. In the practice of the method of the present invention, a tobacco-like product is manufactured by selecting a base material, drying the base material, converting the base material, adding a flavor ingredient, adjusting a caffeine content, processing the combined ingredients, formulating the final product and packaging the final product.

Abstract: A vaporising device (80) for vaporising vaporisable matter without burning the vaporisable matter, typically, tobacco, comprises a vaporisation chamber (61) for the vaporisable matter, and a gas powered heating unit (1) for heating the vaporisation chamber (61). The heating unit (1) comprises a housing (2) having a main cylindrical side wall (4) closed at its respective ends by a first end wall (5) and a second end wall (6) to form a main chamber (8) within which fuel gas is converted to heat. A secondary cylindrical side wall (62) extends from the second end wall (6) to form the vaporisation chamber (61) for receiving a tobacco product (81), a cylindrical sleeve (83) of tobacco (84) for producing an aerosol of vaporisable constituents in the tobacco (84). A cylindrical partition wall (10) concentric with the main side wall (4) of the housing (2) extends into the main chamber (8) from the first end wall (5) and defines a primary combustion chamber (11) and a secondary combustion chamber (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic atomization cigarette which only contains nicotine without harmful tar. The electronic atomization cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An electronic circuit board, a normal pressure cavity, a sensor, a vapor-liquid separator, an atomizer, a liquid-supplying bottle are sequentially provided within the shell, wherein the electronic circuit board comprises an electronic switching circuit and a high frequency generator. A stream passage of the sensor is provided on one side of the sensor, and a negative pressure cavity is provided in the sensor. The atomizer and the liquid-supplying bottle is in contact with each other. An atomization cavity is arranged in the atomizer. A retaining ring for locking the liquid-supplying bottle is provided between one side of the liquid-supplying bottle and the shell, and an aerosol passage is provided on the other side of the liquid-supplying bottle.

Abstract: DNA encoding a plant quinolate phosphoribosyl transferase (QPRTase) enzyme, and constructs comprising such DNA are provided. Methods of altering quinolate phosphoribosyl transferase expression are provided.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.

Abstract: Articles of manufacturing for preventing or reducing tobacco smoke- and smokeless-tobacco associated injury in the aerodigestive tract of a subject are disclosed, which comprise at least one agent capable of reducing or preventing tobacco associated loss of peroxidase activity in said aerodigestive tract, said at least one agent being selected from the group consisting of a cyanide chelator and an iron chelator.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring.

Abstract: Smokable rods of cigarettes are manufactured using wrapping materials that incorporate at least one fibrous material (e.g., flax fibers, hardwood pulp fibers and/or softwood pulp fibers) at least one filler material (e.g., calcium carbonate in particulate form). The wrapping materials possess multi-layer coatings. The wrapping materials possess coatings in the form of series of spaced apart bands, each band possessing a series of layers. At least one of the coating layers can have a filler material dispersed or suspended within a film-forming material of that layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel tobacco cultivar designated AOB 175, which has low to intermediate nicotine content. The invention provides seeds of the cultivar AOB 175, plants and parts thereof of the cultivar AOB 175, a tissue culture derived from the cultivar AOB 175, hybrids produced from cultivar AOB 175 and lines derived from cultivar AOB 175, as well as genetically modified forms of the foregoing plants and tissue culture. Also provided are methods of producing cultivar AOB 175 plants, cultivar AOB 175 hybrid plants, and tobacco lines derived from cultivar AOB 175. In addition, products produced from the plants of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel tobacco cultivar designated AOB 171, which has low to intermediate nicotine content. The invention provides seeds of the cultivar AOB 171, plants and parts thereof of the cultivar AOB 171, a tissue culture derived from the cultivar AOB 171, hybrids produced from cultivar AOB 171 and lines derived from cultivar AOB 171, as well as genetically modified forms of the foregoing plants and tissue culture. Also provided are methods of producing cultivar AOB 171 plants, cultivar AOB 171 hybrid plants, and tobacco lines derived from cultivar AOB 171. In addition, products produced from the plants of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel tobacco cultivar designated AOB 176, which has low to intermediate nicotine content. The invention provides seeds of the cultivar AOB 176, plants and parts thereof of the cultivar AOB 176, a tissue culture derived from the cultivar AOB 176, hybrids produced from cultivar AOB 176 and lines derived from cultivar AOB 176, as well as genetically modified forms of the foregoing plants and tissue culture. Also provided are methods of producing cultivar AOB 176 plants, cultivar AOB 176 hybrid plants, and tobacco lines derived from cultivar AOB 176. In addition, products produced from the plants of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: An electronic smoking-substitute device 110 includes a tube containing a reservoir 310 containing a liquid. The liquid includes a substance to be inhaled by the user, for example a nicotine dilution. The device also has a heating element 320, the heating element is a coil and is in direct contact with the reservoir 310. A power source 340 is arranged to power the heating element.

Abstract: A tobacco product comprising nanocrystalline particles and methods of reducing the levels of undesirable compounds in tobacco smoke are provided. The nanocrystalline particles are effective sorbents of numerous toxic compounds released by burning tobacco and may be incorporated into the tobacco itself, incorporated into a filter element, or incorporated into the fibers of a wrapping paper.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to transgenic plants, including transgenic tobacco plants and derivative seeds, genetically modified to impede the transport of Cadmium (Cd) from the root system to aerial portions of transgenic plants by reducing the expression levels of HMA-related transporters. Various embodiments are directed to transgenic tobacco plants genetically modified to stably express a RNAi construct encoding RNAi polynucleotides that enable the degradation of endogenous NtHMA RNA variants. Reduced expression of NtHMA transporters in transgenic plants results in substantially reduced content of Cadmium (Cd) in the leaf lamina. Various consumable products that are substantially free or substantially reduced in Cd content can be produced by incorporating leaves derived from transgenic tobacco plants modified to reduce the expression of NtHMA transporters.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel tobacco cultivar designated AOB 171, which has low to intermediate nicotine content. The invention provides seeds of the cultivar AOB 171, plants and parts thereof of the cultivar AOB 171, a tissue culture derived from the cultivar AOB 171, hybrids produced from cultivar AOB 171 and lines derived from cultivar AOB 171, as well as genetically modified forms of the foregoing plants and tissue culture. Also provided are methods of producing cultivar AOB 171 plants, cultivar AOB 171 hybrid plants, and tobacco lines derived from cultivar AOB 171. In addition, products produced from the plants of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel tobacco cultivar designated AOB 175, which has low to intermediate nicotine content. The invention provides seeds of the cultivar AOB 175, plants and parts thereof of the cultivar AOB 175, a tissue culture derived from the cultivar AOB 175, hybrids produced from cultivar AOB 175 and lines derived from cultivar AOB 175, as well as genetically modified forms of the foregoing plants and tissue culture. Also provided are methods of producing cultivar AOB 175 plants, cultivar AOB 175 hybrid plants, and tobacco lines derived from cultivar AOB 175. In addition, products produced from the plants of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: Shredded tobacco of the invention is treated with metal iodate. A method of treating tobacco of the present invention includes adding metal iodate to shredded tobacco to decompose tobacco specific nitrosamines and polyphenols in the shredded tobacco, thereby reducing the TSNAs and polyphenols.

Abstract: This invention relates to a production process of tobacco sheet by papermaking. The technical arrangement of this invention are: (a). to immerge and to extract tobacco stem and leaf scrap respectively by water-soluble solvents to respectively obtain solid tobacco stem and solid leaf scrap, and tobacco stem extract and leaf scrap extract via solid/liquid separation; (b). to defibrilate solid tobacco stem and solid leaf scrap respectively, to mix the obtained tobacco stem fiber and leaf scrap fiber and combined with dust to prepare fiber base; (c). to wholly or partly abnegate the tobacco stem extract obtained by Step (a), and to evaporated and to concentrate other extracts that then are sprayed or immerged to coat the formed fiber base that is then dried, threshed and shaped. The tobacco sheet production process offered by this invention has improved the tobacco sheet's filling capacity and its sensory quality.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing cut tobacco material, whereby a tobacco initial material is heated and placed under pressure and once heated and placed under pressure, the material is fed through a shearing gap and expanded and defibrated. It further relates to a device for producing cut tobacco material with a pressure chamber, which has a tobacco material inlet at the low-pressure end and a tobacco material outlet at the pressure end and a conveyor system for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet, and the tobacco material outlet has a gap through which the material passes and expands, and the gap has walls which can be moved towards one another. It further relates to a smoking article containing such a cut, defibrated tobacco material product and the use of a plug screw feeder-extruder with a shearing gap outlet for defibrating tobacco material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a product and method of making thereof for the consumption of smokable substances such as tobacco or herbs. The product is comprised of tobacco, homogenized tobacco and/or natural leaf materials and has a hollow conical shape that allows for the easy insertion of smokable substances and further provides for larger amounts of smokable substances in the end of the product the consumer lights, resulting in an initial slower prolonged burn and more even distribution of nicotine. Additionally, the placement of a structure into one end of the hollow cone permits the consumer to consume the majority, if not all, of the smokable substance. This structure also prevents debris and other unwanted materials from being sucked through the end of the product and into the mouth and respiratory system of the consumer.

Abstract: A smoker's requisite embodies a substance selected from pharmaceutical products, food supplements, natural products and combinations thereof. The substance is embodied in the requisite such that, when the requisite is lit and smoked by a smoker, a quantity of the substance is ingested by the smoker.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.

Abstract: A method and composition to help persons reduce or quit smoking is disclosed, employing raw tobacco leaves, or tobacco fluid extract, or food grade tobacco like flavor and aroma, and Antioxidants, with or without and SAMe and caffeine. All ingredients can be in a micro-powdered or liquid form, for buccal administration. The composition can be in a tablet or capsule that is intended to be slowly sucked and dissolved in the mouth, and that delivers the nicotine, caffeine or SAMe, proved to be effective in alleviating smoking withdrawal symptoms. The composition can also be embedded inside a soft squeezable plastic cigarette for simulated smoking, providing additional periodic doses of nicotine, caffeine and SAMe to satisfy cravings for cigarettes.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product suitable for human consumption is prepared from powdered tobacco. In one aspect, the powdered tobacco has a collective content of N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(N-nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), N′-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and N′-nitrosoanabasine (NAB) which is 0.3 &mgr;g/g or less. In another aspect, a smokeless tobacco product comprises powdered tobacco and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % spearmint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol, and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % eucalyptus. The powdered tobacco can be prepared by pulverizing cured tobacco or, alternatively, from an aqueous extract of tobacco.

Abstract: Selectively tobacco shortened cigarettes are disclosed, which have a multiplicity of components including a shortened butt and an inner tube for reinforcing a casing of the selectively tobacco shortened cigarette. Selectively tobacco shortened cigarettes have an extinguishing gap region to limit burning of the selectively tobacco shortened cigarette. Selectively tobacco shortened cigarettes are either filtered or unfiltered. Selectively tobacco shortened filtered cigarettes include a filter covering, which is contiguous with a casing. Selectively tobacco shortened unfiltered cigarettes have a perforated intake cover to prevent tobacco from spilling into other interior portions of the selectively tobacco shortened unfiltered cigarette. Selectively tobacco shortened filtered cigarettes with vents having a multiplicity of holes are suitable for lessening the desire to smoke.

Abstract: A roll of tape formed of a flexible material and having a length and a plurality of portions defining a plurality of sealed, air-tight elongate chambers along said length, wherein each chamber is adapted to retain a cigarette, and wherein a selected number of each of said chambers is defined in part by an interchamber portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing flavorful and aromatic compounds from tobacco by (1) adjusting the pH of an aqueous composition comprising water and a tobacco material to at least about 6 using a nitrogen-free base, such as an alkali metal hydroxide; and (2) heating the pH-adjusted aqueous composition for a time and under conditions sufficient to produce flavorful and aromatic compounds, such as pyrazines. A reducing sugar can be added to the aqueous tobacco composition to further increase the amount of flavorful and aromatic compounds produced. The tobacco material in the aqueous tobacco composition may comprise solid tobacco particles or an aqueous tobacco extract in either liquid form or in the form of spray-dried particles. The treated aqueous composition can be applied to a smokable material during the manufacture of a smoking article, such as a cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to tobacco and tobacco products having a reduced amount of nicotine and/or tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA). More specifically, several ways to make tobacco plants that have reduced nicotine and TSNA levels have been discovered. Embodiments include tobacco harvested from said tobacco plants, cured tobacco from said tobacco plants, tobacco products made with said cured tobacco and methods of making these compositions.

Abstract: The tobacco substitute composition according to the present invention is comprised of 80-90 weight percent of eucommia ulmoides, 1-10 weight percent of glycyrrhiza glabra, and 1-10 weight percent of periila frutescens. In the present invention, a flavoring material which is generally added to the composition of a tobacco such as a sodium chloride, glycerol, sweetener, spices, etc. may be added.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tobacco product, which gives a high yield of taste and nicotine without chewing and has a pleasant appearance, comprising a multi-layer (laminate) structure wherein the product comprises at least one load layer and a construction layer. Also provided is a method for manufacturing said tobacco product comprising the following step: pressing at least one load layer with a construction layer in a press apparatus.

Abstract: A smoke-less tobacco composition includes at least one thickening agent such as xanthan gum or a mixture of xanthan gum and galactomannan.

Abstract: A smoker's requisite embodies a substance selected from pharmaceutical products, food supplements, natural products and combinations thereof. The substance is embodied in the requisite such that, when the requisite is lit and smoked by a smoker, a quantity of the substance is ingested by the smoker.

Abstract: A process for reducing the permeability of a paper wrapper used in the construction of a smoking article is disclosed. The paper wrapper is treated with a film-forming composition that forms treated discrete areas on the wrapper. The treated discrete areas have a permeability within a predetermined range sufficient to reduce the ignition proclivity properties of a smoking article made with the wrapper. In accordance with the present invention, the film-forming composition is applied as multiple layers to the paper wrapper. After each application step, the wrapper is dried. Applying the film-forming composition to the paper wrapper in multiple layers minimizes distortion and other adverse affects that may occur to the wrapper.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product suitable for human consumption can be prepared from an aqueous extract of cured tobacco. In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco product comprises a solid tablet having at least 50 wt % powdered tobacco. The powdered tobacco preferably consists essentially of Virginia flue tobacco stems. The smokeless tobacco product optionally includes eucalyptus and/or propolis in an amount effective to remove bitterness from said powdered tobacco. The smokeless tobacco product preferably contains powdered tobacco having a collective content of N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-(N-nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), N′-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and N′-nitrosoanabasine (NAB) which is 0.1 &mgr;g/g or less, preferably 0.05 &mgr;g/g or less, more preferably 0.03 &mgr;g/g or less. The powdered tobacco preferably has a content of 4-(N-nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) which is 0.002 &mgr;g/g or less, preferably 0.001 &mgr;g/g or less.

Abstract: A substantially pure stabilized compound having Vitamin E activity is added to smokable or smokeless tobacco or non-tobacco products to achieve less irritation and antioxidant benefits. In a preferred embodiment, a substantially pure “dry” powdered ester analog of Vitamin E, such as Vitamin E acid succinate, Vitamin E acetate or d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate is mixed directly with the tobacco during the curing or manufacturing process. For cigarette applications, these Vitamin E compounds can also be inserted into a cigarette filter, holder and/or paper, either in powdered form or in microencapsulated form. Although not preferred, a common oily form of Vitamin E can be used in the present invention so long as it is stabilized and does not ruin the appearance and function of the tobacco or non-tobacco products.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture is provided that includes tobacco and at least one inorganic particulate material. The at least one inorganic particulate material is effective to reduce the temperature of a burning portion of the tobacco smoking mixture upon combustion/pyrolysis thereof. The at least one inorganic particulate material can be an inorganic carbonate, an inorganic hydrate, an inorganic oxide, an inorganic phosphate, a carbon material or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The tobacco product carries on its surface catalytically active material for improving the burning process. The catalytically active material is selected from the group of crystalline and non-crystalline oxides and hydroxides of aluminium, e.g. gibbsite, having a particle size of 1 to 100 &mgr;m and a specific surface of 75 to 250 m2/g. With the use of the catalyst in the tobacco, the amount of noxious compounds in the mainstream and sidestream smoke can be considerably reduced in the combustion process of the smokers' article during its consumption.

Abstract: A non-smokeable cigarette unit which may be rendered smokeable by application of a tubular sleeve to the cigarette filter region has a tobacco rod, a filter plug portion and connecting material for connecting the filter plug to the tobacco rod. At least a portion of the periphery of the filter plug is of a sufficient porosity to render the cigarette unit unsmokeable. The filter has a diameter less than the diameter of the tobacco rod. The connecting material bridges a transition from the smaller filter to the larger tobacco rod. This transition portion assists in sliding the sleeve onto the larger tobacco rod to provide a smokeable cigarette.

Abstract: A composition for inclusion within a cigarette, cigar, pipe or smokeless tobacco. The composition can be included within the tobacco itself, a filter for filtering tobacco smoke once burned or even within the paper or wrapper surrounding the tobacco product. In the cigarette filter, be it internal or external filters, the antioxidant complex is capable of scavenging and neutralizing the free radicals emanating from the burning or heated tobacco and passing through the filter as the smoker inhales. The composition is also capable of reducing free radical damage to the oro-pharyngeal cavity, respiratory tract and lungs resulting from tobacco smoke. The composition includes glutathione and preferaby L-glutathione and green tea and/or grape seed extract.

Abstract: A method for preparing beads containing at least one active ingredient, such as a flavor, fragrance, vitamin, and/or coloring material, to food or tobacco products, where the active ingredient is released at a controlled rate. Discrete droplets of the active ingredient and an acid polysaccharide are formed in an aqueous medium, then the droplets are converted to water insoluble gel beads by introducing the droplets into a solution containing multivalent cations, thereby building a suspension of gel beads. The beads may then be added to the food or tobacco product in an effective amount to flavor, perfume, vitamize, and/or color the product. The beads are heat and mechanically stable.

Abstract: Salts formed from nicotine and anion-forming sweeteners, for example acesulfame or acesulfame-K, in a molar ratio of 1:1 or 1:2, in which case the sweetener molecules can be identical or different, are distinguished by a pleasant sweet taste which masks the nicotine taste even after a long residence time in the mouth, and are therefore suitable for producing preparations, in particular chewing gum, chewing tablets or compressed compositions, which can be used for oral administration of nicotine, for example in withdrawal from smoking.

Abstract: In a tobacco flavoring agent containing ascorbic acid, a salt or isomer thereof, a chlorophyll-containing material, and potassium nitrate, the maximum particle size of the potassium nitrate is set to 0.8 mm or less, making it possible to obtain a tobacco flavoring agent that lowers the tar or nicotine content of tobacco smoke, maintains a burning portion of tobacco in a stable state, and preserves its powdery state. This tobacco flavoring agent may be used by being deposited on the tips of cigarettes or other tobacco products, or by being mixed with shredded tobacco leaves.

Abstract: A new tobacco wrapping paper for allowing a person to roll their own cigars. The inventive device includes a plurality of tobacco sheets of wrapping paper. The tobacco sheets of wrapping paper are comprised of a blend of tobacco and pulp products. The tobacco sheets each have a generally rectangular configuration defined by opposed long edges and opposed short edges. Each of the tobacco sheets have a layer of adhesive disposed thereon inwardly of one of the opposed long edges thereof. A package is dimensioned for containing the plurality of tobacco sheets therein.

Abstract: A composition for inclusion within a quantity of smokeless tobacco. The composition of antioxidants is capable of reducing free radical damage to the oro-pharyngeal cavity of a user resulting from consumption of smokeless tobacco. The composition includes L-glutathione and a source of selenium.

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 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.