People differ in how quickly their bodies process nicotine, and faster nicotine metabolism has been linked in previous research with greater cigarette use and more difficulty quitting.
This mouse study tested whether several substances could inhibit the enzyme involved in nicotine metabolism. 8-methoxypsoralen reduced nicotine metabolism by about 55% and increased dopamine in the brain. Ginkgo biloba and quercetin did not detectably inhibit nicotine metabolism, although Ginkgo biloba increased brain dopamine.