The market today offers countless nicotine products. Besides traditional cigarettes, cigars, vapes, and snus, there are also other options. Among them is nicotine gum, which is primarily designed to simplify quitting nicotine. What is its history, and who invented it?  

What is Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is a product that aids in managing nicotine addiction. It contains a special type of nicotine – nicotine polacrilex. It is characterized by its binding to other substances that promote gradual release. The amount of nicotine released depends on the gum you choose. Typically, it ranges between 80% and 90%, significantly more than standard nicotine products.  

The nicotine content in gum varies from 2mg to 6mg. The choice of variant depends on the number of cigarettes smoked daily or the strength of snus usually consumed. 

An additional advantage of nicotine gum is its variety of flavours. Apart from classic and neutral options, you can choose fruity or refreshing mint varieties.

Nicotine gums are available over the counter. They can be purchased in physical and online pharmacies or specialized stores. Among the most popular brands is Nicorette.  

How Does Nicotine Gum Work?

Nicotine polacrilex is a short-acting version of nicotine designed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It is usually used independently, meaning that during the smoking cessation the consumer use only the gums, but can also be combined with other forms, such as patches or sprays.  

The process of using nicotine gum is relatively simple. Unlike regular gum, it should be chewed slowly. After chewing it about ten times, you should take a brief pause, then repeat. The gum is then placed under the tongue or against the cheek for 1-2 minutes before repeating the process. 

Nicotine gum is typically chewed for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, nicotine is gradually released and absorbed through the mucous membrane into the bloodstream. 

The number of gum pieces you use daily depends on your individual needs. Generally, it is recommended to follow a 12-week cessation program. In the first six weeks, one piece of gum is used every two hours. In week seven to nine, the interval increases to every 2 to 4 hours, and in the last two weeks, gum should be used every 5 to 8 hours.  

Who Invented Nicotine Gun?

Nicotine gum history dates back to the late 1970s when the Swedish pharmaceutical company AB Leo introduced it under the brand name Nicorette. Dr. Ove Frenö played a pivotal role in its development. He noticed that air and naval crews, unable to smoke traditional cigarettes, often turned to chewing tobacco. This observation inspired him to create a nicotine-infused gum to help people overcome nicotine addiction.

To ensure the gum was effective, Dr. Fernö developed a special chemical formula that allowed nicotine to be released gradually. This not only satisfied the craving for cigarettes or other tobacco products but also minimized withdrawal symptoms.   

Initially, nicotine gum had no specific flavour. Later, in 2004, a peppermint version was introduced, followed by a fresh mint flavour in 2005.  

Today, Nicorette remains one of the most well-known brands in the nicotine gum market, offering additional products such as patches, sprays, and lozenges. 

The History of Nicotine and Tobacco

The history of nicotine stretches much further back than that of nicotine gum. Nicotine is a natural compound found in plants of the Nicotiana genus, part of the Solanaceae family. There are over 70 species in this genus, with Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica being the primary sources for tobacco products like cigarettes and snus.

Nicotine’s use is closely linked to tobacco, as it is one of several components that are part of it. Scientists believe that Native Americans began cultivating tobacco more than 8,000 years ago. However, it took much longer for tobacco to reach Europe, arriving only after Christopher Columbus’s crew discovered the Americas.  

Tobacco – and by extension, nicotine – quickly became popular. Initially, it was used as a remedy for headaches. Later, it evolved into a means of relaxation and mood enhancement. 

The term “nicotine” comes from Jean Nicot, a French ambassador who, in the 16th century, recommended tobacco to Queen Cathrine de’ Medici for her severe migraines. He advised her to crush tobacco leaves into a powder and inhale it through her nose. The queen was reportedly thrilled with the results and encouraged her close circle to try the remedy.  

Key Milestones in Nicotine’s History

Nicotine has seen several significant milestones throughout history:  

  • 1571 – scientists identified raw nicotine.
  • 1828 – nicotine was extracted in a purified form.
  • 1843 – the molecular formula of nicotine was established.
  • 1904 – the first laboratory synthesis of nicotine was achieved.

Nicotine is known to be colourless and odourless in its liquid state. However, when exposed to air or light, it turns brown and develops a distinctive tobacco aroma.  

Development of Nicotine Products

Today, nicotine is found in a variety of products. Production began as early as the 16th century, but the commercialization of tobacco and its widespread availability to the public occurred in the 19th century.  

Here’s how different nicotine products evolved: 

  • Cigarettes and Cigars – the earliest record of tobacco smoking comes from the 16th century when Christopher Columbus’s crew was introduced to tobacco leaves and their effects by Native Americans. Modern cigarettes and cigars, as we know them, were only sold in the 19th century. In 1847, Spanish inventor Juan Nepomuceno Adorno patented the first cigarette-making machine. 
  • Snus – snus originated in the 16th century in Sweden. People crushed dry tobacco leaves and mixed them with salt and water to create small balls placed under the lips. Snus became popular for its practicality, as it could be used (unlike cigarettes) anywhere and at any time.  
  • Vape – the first concept for an e-cigarette was imagined by Joseph Robinson in 1927. Later, in 1963, Herbert Gilbert proposed a similar idea but was also unsuccessful. Modern e-cigarettes were finally invented in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik. 
  • Other Nicotine Products – these include nicotine gum, developed in the 1970s, patches, and various sprays designed to aid in nicotine cessation.  

The Popularity of Nicotine Products Over Time

When Columbus’s crew brought tobacco to Europe, people initially feared it, unsure how someone could emit smoke from their mouth and nose. However, it didn’t take long for tobacco to gain acceptance. Initially, most people gravitated toward cigarettes, but many eventually switched to snus for its practicality.

The introduction of vaping marked yet another shift in nicotine consumption. Electronic cigarettes reached Europe in 2006 and the U.S. shortly after. While popular, they have not fully replaced traditional cigarettes or snus. Most users tend to combine various nicotine products rather than sticking to just one.