Therapeutic potential and phytoremediation capabilities of the tobacco plant: Advancements through genetic engineering and cultivation techniques

One of the primary agricultural crops, Nicotiana tabacum L., commonly known as tobacco, is cultivated extensively on a global scale, yielding substantial quantities. This plant holds significant economic importance in various industries owing to its remarkable properties, such as antiparasitic, antifungal, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Research on tobacco has led to advancements in critical areas, including osmotic regulation, antioxidation mechanisms, cellular ion transport, gene expression regulation, signal transduction, and cellular damage prevention. In recent times, targeted transgenic technology has played a pivotal role in isolating numerous bioactive compounds of medicinal value from tobacco, as well as elucidating the molecular processes and responsive genes involved in enhancing the production of specific metabolites in this plant. Furthermore, the byproducts of tobacco contain bioactive chemicals that hold promising potential as valuable raw resources. This comprehensive review delves into the diverse range of phytochemicals present in tobacco, along with their significant pharmacological properties. The review also highlights the genetic engineering of metabolites, which offers a means to further enhance these beneficial compounds in tobacco plants. Moreover, the study explores tobacco's potential for phytoremediation, contributing to its growth under various conditions and valorizing waste materials, thus emphasizing the importance of recycling tobacco resources with recent literature.