Method for the reduction of tobacco specific nitrosamines by increasing antioxidants in tobacco

Abstract

The present invention is drawn to methods for reducing tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) content in cured tobacco by increasing the levels of antioxidants in the tobacco prior to harvesting. Methods to be used in the present invention include root pruning of the tobacco plant prior to harvesting; severing the xylem tissue of the tobacco plant prior to harvesting; and administering antioxidants and/or chemicals which increase antioxidants to the tobacco plant after harvesting.

1 . A method for reducing tobacco-specific nitrosamines in cured tobacco, said method comprising raising the levels of antioxidants in a tobacco plant or leaf prior to being cured.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the levels of antioxidants are raised by root pruning the tobacco plant prior to harvest.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the levels of antioxidants are raised by severing xylem tissue of the tobacco plant prior to harvest.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the levels of antioxidants are raised by inserting a pill containing (i) one or more antioxidants and/or (ii) one or more chemicals which increase production of antioxidants into the stalk of the tobacco plant after harvesting.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the levels of antioxidants are raised by inserting the stalk of the tobacco plant after harvesting into a solution comprising one or more antioxidants and/or one or more chemicals which increases production of antioxidants.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the levels of antioxidants are raised by cutting the top of the tobacco plant after harvesting and inserting a treatment substance containing (i) one or more antioxidants and/or (ii) one or more chemicals which increase production of antioxidants, therein.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the levels of antioxidants are raised by root pruning the tobacco plant about 1-3 weeks prior to harvest.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the levels of antioxidants are raised by severing xylem tissue of the tobacco plant about 1-3 weeks prior to harvest.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the tobacco is Burley tobacco and the method further includes air curing the Burley tobacco.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the tobacco is Burley tobacco and the method further includes air curing the Burley tobacco.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the tobacco is Burley tobacco and the method further includes air curing the Burley tobacco.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the tobacco is Burley tobacco and the method further includes air curing the Burley tobacco.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the tobacco is Burley tobacco and the method further includes air curing the Burley tobacco.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the tobacco plant is growing in normal or dry soil conditions.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the tobacco plant is growing in wet soil conditions.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the tobacco plant is cut in two or more locations on the stalk of the tobacco plant such that the stalk's water transport capacity is diminished.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the water transport capacity is reduced by at least 25%.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the treatment substance is in the form of at least one pill, capsule, caplet, paste, emulsion, foam, powder or combination thereof.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the treatment substance comprises 0.5 to 12 grams of the antioxidants and/or chemicals.