A recent review published in NeuroToxicology has uncovered promising evidence that compounds found in tobacco and coffee may help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide.
Although smoking and coffee are commonly associated with negative health outcomes, the review points to several non-nicotine and non-caffeine compounds in tobacco and coffee that may have neuroprotective effects. These compounds, the review suggests, could play a role in reducing the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease by targeting the brain’s complex biochemical processes.
However, researchers caution that it is the lesser-known bioactive compounds in tobacco and coffee—rather than nicotine or caffeine themselves—that seem to offer the most promise.
According to the review, certain compounds in both tobacco and coffee could work in a variety of ways to protect against Parkinson’s disease. Among the most important are substances that inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B), an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain. Higher levels of MAO B are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. Compounds like quercetin, found in both tobacco and coffee, can inhibit this enzyme, helping to preserve dopamine levels and reduce neuron damage.
The review’s authors stress that while the evidence suggests tobacco and coffee may play a role in preventing Parkinson’s disease, further studies are crucial to identify which compounds are most beneficial and how they can be safely used for therapeutic purposes.
Category: News This Week
Tobacco, Coffee Show Potential in Protecting Against Parkinson’s
Study: U.S. Soldiers 10x More Likely To Use Nicotine Pouches
Active-duty U.S. Army soldiers are nearly 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches than civilians, heightening their long-term risk for cancer, according to a University of Virginia (UVA) study. Researchers, in collaboration with Fort Liberty Public Health and the University of North Carolina, surveyed 2,000 soldiers and found that 25% had used nicotine pouches in the past month, compared to less than 3% of the civilian population.
“Military personnel historically use tobacco and nicotine products at much higher rates than civilians,” said Melissa Little, director of UVA’s Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Research. The study highlights the dangers of nicotine pouches, which contain synthetic nicotine, bypass traditional tobacco regulations, and are often flavored to appeal to younger users. Unlike traditional chewing tobacco, pouch users swallow the juice, raising concerns about excessive nicotine consumption.
Nicotine pouches are often used by soldiers as a discreet alternative to smoking, especially given restrictions on smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco in Department of Defense facilities. Soldiers also turn to pouches during long field exercises to suppress hunger and stay alert, said Army Capt. Nicholas Hassell.
The study found nicotine pouch users were predominantly young, male, white, and unmarried, with many also using other tobacco products. As 200,000 soldiers transition to civilian life each year, researchers emphasize the importance of addressing nicotine addiction early. “Providing military personnel with tools to lead healthy lives is the best way we can give back,” said Little, adding that tailored interventions for military personnel are in development.
India: Over 1,500 Kg of Product Seized in 2024 Virudhunagar Raids
Authorities seized 1,531 kilograms of banned tobacco products in 2024 across 403 shops and 44 vehicles in Virudhunagar, India, imposing fines totaling ₹1.06 crore (US$ 12,340) on offenders. The operations were part of the state government’s initiative to eliminate banned tobacco sales, particularly near schools and colleges.
Joint teams from the Food and Safety Department and the police conducted 831 raids throughout the year. Offending shops were sealed, and vehicles transporting illicit tobacco were confiscated. In early 2025, additional raids led to the seizure of 16.275 kilograms of banned products from six shops in just four days.
District Collector VP Jeyaseelan affirmed that strict measures will continue against those violating the ban, underscoring the administration’s commitment to public health and safety. The crackdown aims to curb access to harmful products and deter illegal sales in sensitive areas.
India: BJP Leader Condemns Exploitative Prices
BJP Jogulamba Gadwal District (India) President S. Ramachandra Reddy has criticized Alliance One International for pricing that he calls exploitative compared to nearby ITC, which he says offers fair pricing. Reddy visited Alliance One’s procurement center near Alampur X Road Market Yard following farmer complaints. Farmers reported deductions of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 (US$ 93.13–116.41) per quintal under the pretext of moisture content, despite an agreed price of ₹15,500 per quintal.
Reddy condemned the unfair practices, noting the challenges farmers already face, including rising labor costs, poor yields, and delays in Rythu Bandhu benefits. He warned Alliance One to cease unjust deductions and ensure consistent daily procurement of crops, pledging BJP’s support for farmers if the exploitation persists.
The visit was attended by several district representatives and party leaders, reflecting a collective effort to address the grievances of tobacco farmers and ensure fair treatment in the procurement process.
UKVIA Decries Lack of Representation at Bill Hearing
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has expressed disappointment over the exclusion of vaping sector representatives and former smokers from a committee hearing on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The association emphasized the importance of including voices from the industry and consumers who have successfully quit smoking through vaping.
“The legitimate industry, devoted to helping smokers quit and achieving a smoke-free future, should have had a voice,” the UKVIA said in a statement. To address this, the association is hosting an event in Parliament to present its views, including support for a retail licensing scheme—a measure it has long championed.
As part of its advocacy, UKVIA has launched the ‘Real Vapers’ campaign, encouraging consumers to share personal stories of how vaping helped them quit smoking. The initiative aims to highlight vaping’s potential as a smoking cessation tool and influence policymakers as the Bill progresses.
KT&G Secures Strong Credit Ratings
KT&G has received stable credit ratings from S&P Global and Moody’s, earning an A- and A3 rating, respectively. These ratings reflect the company’s robust position in Korea’s tobacco market, where it leads with a 66.8% share in traditional cigarettes and a 46% share in heated tobacco products as of Q3 2024.
KT&G stated it remains committed to maintaining a stable financial structure while continuing investments in its core businesses. These efforts aim to sustain its market leadership and solidify its credibility in both domestic and global markets.
Vapes Four Times More Profitable for C-Stores
Vapes are now four times more profitable for convenience stores than traditional tobacco products, according to a University of Edinburgh study. Retailers earn an average profit margin of 37.1% on vape sales compared to just 8.5% on tobacco. The surge in vape popularity has driven a nine-fold increase in weekly vape transactions, jumping from 10 in 2019 to 93 by 2022. Researchers suggest this upward trend has likely continued, signaling a significant shift in consumer preferences.
Tobacco-related sales have plummeted in recent years, dropping nearly 40% since 2015. Transactions involving tobacco fell from 21% in 2015 to 12.8% in 2022, reflecting a broader decline in smoking rates. Office for National Statistics data shows the percentage of UK adults who smoke has decreased from 16% in 2016 to 12% in 2023.
Morocco Cigarette Prices to Increase
Morocco will see an increase in cigarette prices this year, reports Morocco World News.
Some packs will increase by up to MAD2 ($0.20) while premium brands will have minimal or no increase.
The increase is aimed at narrowing the gap between low-cost and premium cigarettes to create a more balanced market, according to the Moroccan government.
Entry-level brands are the main targets of the increase. Societe Marocaine des Tabacas raised prices of Gauloises and Marquise by MAD1. Philip Morris International increased L&M and Chesterfield prices by MAD2. Japan Tobacco International increased prices of Monte Carlo by MAD2 and LD by MAD1. Camel saw an increase of MAD0.5.
Morocco’s 2025 finance bill introduced measures to boost tax revenues while increasing public spending and investment, with a goal of reducing the budget deficit to 3.5 percent of GDP. In order to achieve this goal, the government plans to raise domestic consumption taxes on products like hard alcohol, beer, and manufactured tobacco. This is projected to bring in MAD657.8 billion, which is a 14.49 percent increase. Tax revenues from cigarettes are expected to be MAD13.7 billion.
The Domestic Consumption Tax’s specific quota will increase to MAD550 while the minimum tax per 1,000 cigarettes will increase to MAD953.
Latvia: Tobacco Sellers Look for Loopholes in New Regulations
Tobacco sellers in Latvia are reportedly looking for loopholes in the new regulations that go into effect this month, according to Euro News.
Beginning January 2025, tobacco products, including disposable vapes, refillable e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches, cannot be sold to individuals under 20 years old, and vaping products can no longer have flavors other than tobacco. The amount of nicotine in nicotine pouches will also be reduced.
According to Latvijas Televizija, a Latvian public television channel, companies selling refill cartridges are looking for ways to circumvent the new rules and continue selling the same products—some are planning to sell separate bottles of flavoring and nicotine that customers can mix themselves.
“Certainly, after the new year, there will be alternatives that can be offered to the client, but they will not have such a wide range. Let’s increase the range bit by bit and, after some time, it will definitely be bigger,” said Jakaterina Smirnova, representative of e-cigarette company Ecodumas.
“I assume that, similarly to other products, relatives and friends who travel will be able to bring them [the banned products] from abroad. Like all illegal things, Telegram trading will probably also develop. And it’s hard to stop,” said Anrijs Matiss, a board member of the Traditional and Smokeless Tobacco Products Association.
The association estimates a state budget loss of €10 million annually following the new laws.
The nicotine pouch industry expects that products will disappear from retail shelves, at least temporarily.
Milan Bans Outdoor Smoking
Milan has banned smoking in outdoor and public areas, effective Jan. 1, 2025, reports Euro News.
The ban includes “all public spaces, including streets” but provides an exception for isolated spaces as long as smokers maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from other people. Those caught violating the ban face fines ranging from €40 to €240.
The ban aims to improve the city’s air quality and protect the health of citizens from secondhand smoke. Milan is one of Europe’s most polluted cities in terms of air quality.
The new law does not apply to electronic cigarettes, however.
