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.
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Tobacco, Coffee Show Potential Against Parkinson’s
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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22nd Century & Smoker Friendly Expand Partnership
22nd Century Group, Inc. and Smoker Friendly have signed a new five-year agreement to expand their collaboration. The deal includes manufacturing 11 existing Smoker Friendly cigarette brands and launching eight new premium products. These additions aim to strengthen Smoker Friendly’s market position by tapping into the growing demand for natural tobacco products.
The agreement deepens a decade-long partnership between the two companies and secures a significant production volume for 22nd Century’s North Carolina manufacturing facility. The new premium Smoker Friendly brands are expected to occupy a higher-tier market segment, broadening Smoker Friendly’s customer base and increasing sales opportunities for both companies.
A key aspect of the partnership is the potential introduction of reduced nicotine content products, which align with 22nd Century’s VLN line of non-addictive cigarettes. These products, designed to help smokers control their nicotine intake, represent a growing category in the tobacco market. The companies plan to expand their collaboration further, integrating additional products like filtered cigars and companion VLN brands.
“Our next focus will be to expand the range of products covered under this agreement as well as our projects currently underway to add VLN companion brands that will help to build out a new category of reduced nicotine content products, creating greater visibility and sales reach for products that use our proprietary tobacco strains containing 95% less nicotine – a level considered to be non-addictive and shown in clinical studies to reduce smoking activity among adult smokers,” said Keelan Gallagher, Vice President Operations at Smoker Friendly.
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Maine: Advocates Push for Tax Increase
For the upcoming 2025 legislative session, the Maine Public Health Association (MPHA) is prioritizing a tobacco tax increase, unchanged for 20 years, to fund cancer prevention in a state with one of the region’s lowest tobacco taxes and higher-than-average cancer rates.
“Maine has one of the lowest tobacco taxes in the region but a higher cancer rate than the national average,” said Matt Wellington, MPHA’s associate director. “One in three Mainers will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Raising the tobacco tax is a proven tool to reduce smoking rates and prevent cancer.”
The proposed increase aims to address Maine’s growing cancer burden by deterring tobacco use, especially among youth, and funding critical public health initiatives. Advocates emphasize that higher tobacco taxes are directly linked to lower smoking rates and long-term health savings.
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E-cigarettes, E-baraku Banned from Students in Thailand
On January 7, the cabinet of Thailand approved a proposal from the Ministry of Education that prohibits students from possessing electronic cigarettes and electronic baraku. Those items join cigarettes and narcotics on the nation’s list of prohibited items under the Child Protection Act.
E-cigarettes and baraku (also known as water pipes or hookahs) are already illegal in Thailand, but are still widely available. E-baraku is a fairly new item that allows users to imitate smoking a cigarette.
Deputy government spokesman Karom Ponpornklang said there would be four levels of punishment for students, climbing from warning to probation to deduction of behavioral points to behavioral modification activities. Education minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob said the ministry did not have the right to confiscate banned items, so other parties would have to be responsible for preventing their spread.