Pilot Experiment: the Effect of Added Flavorants on the Taste and Pleasantness of Mixtures of Glycerol and Propylene Glycol

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the effects of various flavorings on the taste of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), two common ingredients in e-cigarettes. The study aims to provide pilot data to inform future flavor research. The following key points highlight the study design and major findings.

Key Points:

* The study used an automated olfactometer-gustometer to deliver mixtures of PG and VG with various flavorings directly into the participants' mouths, while avoiding potential taste effects of flavorants.
* Twenty participants, aged 18-25, rated the sweetness, bitterness, and pleasantness of the mixtures.
* Six different flavorings were tested: two fruity aromas (iso-amyl acetate and ethyl butyrate), two confection-related aromas (vanillin and ethyl maltol), menthol, and a burnt aroma.
* Both fruity aromas significantly enhanced sweetness, while confection-related aromas increased pleasantness and reduced bitterness.
* Menthol and the burnt aroma had no measurable effects on taste.
* The study suggests that certain flavorings can modulate the taste of PG and VG, potentially contributing to an enhanced sensory profile and reduced barriers to continued use of e-cigarettes, particularly for non-smokers experimenting with the devices.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential impact of flavorings on the taste of e-cigarette ingredients, suggesting that certain flavorings may make e-cigarettes more appealing and potentially increase their use, especially among non-smokers. These findings have implications for regulatory bodies and policymakers, as they consider the potential risks and benefits of e-cigarettes and their various components. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of e-cigarette use and the role of flavorings in their appeal and potential for nicotine dependence.

Rao, Pradnya D., Nanding Husile, Andrew A. Strasser, and Paul M. Wise. “Pilot Experiment: The Effect of Added Flavorants on the Taste and Pleasantness of Mixtures of Glycerol and Propylene Glycol.” Chemosensory Perception 11, no. 1 (April 2018): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12078-017-9231-9.