Myosmine (MSM)

Myosmine is an alkaloid found in tobacco and other plants. Chemically, it is closely related to nicotine. Myosmine is one of the major tobacco-specific pyridine-containing alkaloids. It is also a metabolite of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine N-nitrosonornicotine. In the present study it is shown that the occurrence of myosmine is not restricted to the tobacco plant. Using a newly developed method for extraction and quantitative analysis, myosmine was detected in samples of peanuts (Arachus hypogaea) and hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) in ng/g amounts. Therefore, consumption of nuts and nut products is a new as yet unknown source for human myosmine exposure. Investigations of the toxicological impact of myosmine uptake by humans are warranted. Myosmine is not only one of the minor tobacco alkaloids but is also present in various foods. Therefore, research on myosmine metabolism and activation has been intensified.