Tree Tobacco Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) is a tall, woody shrub or small tree in the nightshade family. It has bluish-green leaves and yellow, tube-shaped flowers. Although it is called tobacco, it is a different plant from the tobacco grown for cigarettes.

It is originally from South America but now grows as a weed in many warm, dry regions around the world, including the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of the Mediterranean. It is often found along roadsides, riverbeds, and disturbed soil.

In some folk traditions, the crushed leaves have been applied to the skin for pain, swelling, or wounds. However, the plant is well known to be poisonous, and we do not consider it a safe supplement or remedy.

People have traditionally used tree tobacco leaves on the skin for joint pain, headaches, swelling, and wounds. It has also been used as a natural insecticide.

There is no reliable human evidence that tree tobacco safely or effectively treats any health condition. The little research that exists is mostly laboratory work looking at its chemical compounds, not studies in people.

Because the plant is poisonous, the main thing the medical literature reports about it is cases of poisoning in people who mistakenly ate it (sometimes confusing it with edible greens). We cannot recommend it for any use.

The main active compound in tree tobacco is anabasine, an alkaloid that is chemically similar to nicotine. The plant also contains other related alkaloids.

Anabasine acts on nicotinic receptors in the nervous system, similar to how nicotine does. At high enough levels it can overstimulate these receptors and then block them, which disrupts nerve and muscle function—including the muscles needed for breathing.

These effects are why the plant is dangerous rather than helpful. The information about its compounds comes mostly from laboratory studies and poisoning reports, not from controlled research on benefits.

Tree tobacco is considered toxic. Eating the leaves has caused severe poisoning and death. Symptoms of poisoning can come on quickly and may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures.

Anabasine, the key toxin, has also been associated with birth defects in animals. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should not use this plant in any form.

Children, older adults, and people with heart, lung, or nervous system conditions are at especially high risk. Because the plant can be confused with edible wild greens, never forage or eat it. If you suspect someone has swallowed tree tobacco, contact Poison Control or seek emergency care right away.

Even small amounts taken internally can cause poisoning. Reported effects include nausea, vomiting, drooling, dizziness, headache, sweating, muscle twitching, weakness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Serious poisoning can lead to paralysis of the breathing muscles, respiratory failure, and death. Handling the plant or applying it to the skin may also cause irritation, and toxins can potentially be absorbed.

There is no safe or established dose for tree tobacco. It is not sold or recommended as a standardized dietary supplement, and no amount is known to be safe to swallow.

Because of its toxicity, we recommend avoiding it entirely. If you are looking for a remedy for pain, wounds, or another condition, please talk with a pharmacist or doctor about safer, proven options.