Nicotiana tabacum is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family, known primarily for its leaves, which are harvested for tobacco production. This plant is native to the Americas and has been cultivated for centuries for its psychoactive properties, primarily due to the presence of nicotine. The leaves of Nicotiana tabacum are processed to create various tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. It is also used in some traditional medicines. However, the use of tobacco has been linked to numerous health issues, leading to increased regulation and public health campaigns against smoking.