LAUSR

Introduction: Kiwam (qiwam) is a partially fermented tobacco product consumed with betel quid (paan). The major constituents of this product are tobacco, saffron (zaffrani) and some other additives. It contains tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA) which is considered as a cancer causing agent. To elucidate the carcinogenic property of kiwam, biochemical profiling of its constituents at different stages of processing is needed. The major processing steps involved in the formation of kiwam and biochemical profiling/changes at each processing step is still unknown. Aim: To describe the major processing steps and biochemical changes that occur at each processing step during the preparation of kiwam. Methods: Tobacco leaves and stems were washed with Millipore water so as to remove the dirt particles from the leaves and stems. It is then boiled in water followed by filtering of the constituents to remove the leaves and stem residues. The filtrate was again boiled to form a thick paste residue. The resultant pa...