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Nicotine use in early mediaeval Kirchheim/Teck, Germany
S Balabanova1, F W Rösing, G Bühler
1Sektion Pharmakotherapie, Universität Ulm, Poststelle Michelsberg, 89070 Ulm. erbbio@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Abstract:
Human bone samples of 123 Alemans of the 5th to 7th c AD were investigated for nicotine. In 23 individuals nicotine was found at levels between 31 and 150 ng/g, and in 49 others nicotine was found in traces. The results indicate that in Germany plants of the genus Nicotiana should have been present, known and used, well before Columbus. The purposes behind this use might have been domestic/medical or ritual, or possibly even as a luxury as occurs today.