Abstract: To explore the research progress of real and potential protective effects of nicotine on Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, the current research status and progress of PD at home and abroad were elaborated from the aspects of the neurological targets of nicotine action in the central nervous system, its potential neuroprotective mechanisms, and corresponding clinical implications through literature review and comprehensive analysis. In addition, current clinical application methods of nicotine were compared, and their prospects and limitations on using nicotine in treating and managing PD symptoms were summarized. The results showed that: 1) Nicotine acted mainly on nAChRs in the brain to regulate nervous system function, directly or indirectly promoting dopamine release and thus improving clinical symptoms in PD patients. 2) Nicotine could exert its neuroprotective effects through anti-protein aggregation, anti-neuronal apoptosis and anti-inflammation of neurons. 3) The preclinical and clinical use of nicotine mainly included subcutaneous injection, tablets, nicotine gum, and nasal spray. 4) Nicotine showed broad application prospects in the treatment of PD disease, but its dosage and clinical efficacy still need to be further clarified and improved. The results of this review provide an update and research directions for further clinical application of nicotine as the basis for anti-PD drugs.