Tobacco-specific N-Nitrosamines [TSNA] in Green Mature and Processed Tobacco Leaves from India

Tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines [TSNA] and tobacco alkaloids were determined in green mature tobacco leaves, sun-dried leaves and processed tobacco from the species N. rustica and N. tabacum cultivated in two different locations. Analyses showed the presence of TSNA in green mature tobacco leaves and the levels of TSNA increased further upon sun-drying and processing. N. rustica showed relatively higher amounts of nornicotine as well as of N’-nitrosonornicotine [NNN]. A clear correlation between the amount of nicotine and nornicotine and the use of fertilizers was not found.