CLAIM

Nicotine infusions can cure glioblastoma tumors, type 1 diabetes, and even autism.

FACT:

There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Experts warn that nicotine is a neurotoxin, not a cure.

A viral video on Instagram features Dr Bryan Adris,  a licensed  American Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, and Nutritionist and an alternative medicine practitioner, claiming that “tumors and type 1 diabetes can be cured by nicotine infusions.” 

The video has received 97k likes and 23 lakh views.

In the video titled “Brain tumors dissolved in 72 hours using this one substance,” Dr Adris praises the hidden benefits of nicotine.

“Why aren’t any neurologists telling you about nicotine patches or nicotine gum or nicotine vegetables? —- Did you know that it’s been proven to cure glioblastoma tumors in less than 72 hours. They can dissolve it just using two doses of nicotine intravenously over a 72-hour period,” the doctor says. “Are there oncologists using nicotine intravenously to reverse glioblastoma, which represents half of all brain tumors right now being diagnosed and called turbo cancers? And if not, why not?”

The video also claims that Type 1 diabetes is cured with nicotine on the basis of “studies”. And also autism in adults and in teenagers, “within 7 days of a 7 mg nicotine patch.”

No studies on health benefits of nicotine

First Check traced the clip to a larger video titled, “The Other N Word” on Dr Ardis’s website. 

The ‘studies’ cited by the doctor have not been linked to the post or shown in the video. Nor could First Check find any such research suggesting that nicotine treatments cure type 1 diabetes or eliminate tumors. 

Dr Vijay Chandra, a noted neurologist, said that Dr Adris’ claim had no merit. “Nicotine is an addictive substance with no scientific proof of it being of any help to cure tumors or diabetes,” he told First Check. 

“In my 35 years of experience I have never come across any study or research stating that nicotine is good for a person. I have met many people who are addicted to nicotine but the other way around,” added Dr Chandra who has been the regional advisor, neurosciences at World Health Organization, New Delhi

He said nicotine was a neurotoxin and had no role in curing tumors. 

“These are malignant cells that need proper treatment such as surgery or radiation or chemotherapy as directed by a physician, ” Dr Chandra said.

Also read: US Vape Ban Ruling: Health Risks of E-Cigarettes Confirmed