There is no evidence that I am aware of that supports it otherwise improving cognition, but for many people anxiolytics will behave like nootropics (and indeed are sometimes listed as one!)
It further concludes:
> High doses of nicotine or repeated exposure may also promote anxiety (citing 3 studies)
> low doses of nicotine have a similar effect to decrease anxiety behaviours [...] whereas high doses of nicotine promote anxiety behaviours
The effects of nicotine as an anxiolytic are well known:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12151749/
Rat studies to find dose limits are a valid case for rat studies.
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/7-com...