Definition of Nicotiana tabacum

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Nicotiana tabacum: A South American herb whose leaves contain 2-8% nicotine and serve as the source of smoking and smokeless tobacco and the basis of huge health problems.

Nicotiana tabacum belongs to the nightshade family, which also includes potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and red peppers. All contain nicotine. However, the concentration of nicotine in those vegetables is far lower than the level in tobacco.