IIT Gandhinagar-University of Illinois Study finds “herbal” does not mean “harmless” cigarettes

Many consumers turn to herbal cigarettes as a natural, tobacco-free, or even therapeutic alternative to traditional smoking. However, a new joint study reveals that these products are not safer than regular tobacco cigarettes, producing emissions that can be as damaging—or even more so—than tobacco smoke.

The Science Behind the Smoke

The research was conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The team compared emissions from two of India’s top-selling tobacco brands against four popular herbal varieties.

These herbal options contained combinations of chamomile, water lily, green tea, mint, cinnamon, clove, and basil. To analyze the smoke, researchers used a sealed, automated two-chamber rig designed to replicate human inhalation rates.

Comparing Toxicity and Particles

The findings, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142424), challenge the belief that tobacco-free means risk-free. Researchers found that sub-500-nanometer particles were emitted at concentrations approximately 20 per cent higher in herbal smoke than in tobacco smoke.

These fine particles are increasingly linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The study also measured “Oxidative Potential” (OP), which identifies the smoke’s capacity to generate reactive oxygen species that drive lung tissue remodelling, inflammation, and vascular changes related to heart disease.

The study highlighted that tendu-leaf-wrapped variants showed an OP roughly 49 per cent higher than paper-wrapped versions. One herbal cigarette filled with basil had the highest lead concentration, despite being marketed as “chemical-free” and “100% natural.”

Addressing the Regulatory Gap

The research exposes a significant regulatory void. While India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), manages tobacco through advertising restrictions and warning labels, tobacco-free products often fall outside these legal frameworks.

Some herbal cigarettes were marketed with claims of easing anxiety, improving sleep, or relieving coughs. However, lead author Dr. Alok Kumar Thakur noted there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims or evaluate the toxicological impacts of such emissions.

Potential Future Implications

Because herbal cigarettes may attract first-time smokers and younger consumers through wellness branding, there is an urgent need for new regulatory frameworks. This evidence could potentially inform public-health discussions and the development of evidence-based regulations for tobacco alternatives.

Future policy shifts may focus on the marketing of these products to ensure that “nicotine-free” is not equated with “harm-free” in the eyes of the consumer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are herbal cigarettes safer than tobacco cigarettes?
No. The study found that emissions from herbal cigarettes are comparable to or exceed those from tobacco cigarettes on nearly every metric measured.

What is Oxidative Potential (OP) in the context of smoking?
OP quantifies the smoke’s capacity to generate reactive oxygen species, which are aggressive molecules that can drive inflammation and vascular changes underlying heart disease.

Do all herbal cigarettes have the same risk level?
The study found variations; for example, tendu-leaf-wrapped variants were the most hazardous, showing an OP roughly 49 per cent higher than paper-wrapped versions.

Do you believe wellness-oriented marketing makes alternative smoking products more appealing to younger generations?