evidence: In late 2018, a randomized-controlled trial produced high-quality evidence that showed direct doses of nicotine via patches to be an ineffective treatment for Parkinson’s. [...] "Our study is the first to investigate dietary nicotine and risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Similar to the many studies that indicate tobacco use might reduce risk of Parkinson’s, our findings also suggest a protective effect from nicotine, or perhaps a similar but less toxic chemical in peppers and tobacco." [...] Dr. Nielsen advises that further research would be necessary to confirm nicotine as an effective, safe treatment for Parkinson’s.