Sensory Effects of Menthol and Nicotine in an E-Cigarette

Introduction:
This text is a research article that investigates the sensory effects of menthol and nicotine in e-cigarettes. The study aims to understand the interactions between menthol and nicotine in e-cigarettes and the impact of menthol on the perception of nicotine irritation. The article also measures the sensory irritation, overall sensation, and liking of menthol inhaled via an e-cigarette.

Key points:

* The study was conducted on 32 adult smokers, with 16 females and 16 males, who were paid to participate in each experiment.
* The study used the V2 Standard E-Cigarette and V2 blank cartridges filled with 15 different E-liquids in experiment 1 and six different E-liquids in experiment 2.
* The study used a two-factor (Menthol, Nicotine) repeated-measures analysis of variance with Gender as a between-groups factor to analyze the data.
* The study found that menthol contributed significantly to the intensity and quality of the E-cigarette flavor and influenced the perception of nicotine.
* The study also found that menthol increased perceptions of Coolness/Cold, and the ratings of Coolness/Cold steadily increased with nicotine concentration in the 3.5% menthol condition.
* The study found that menthol reduced the frequency of localization of Irritation/harshness in the throat and lungs for 24 mg/ml nicotine.
* The study found that the absence of a measurable analgesic effect of 3.5% menthol at lower nicotine concentrations was most likely due to a masking effect of the sensory irritation produced by menthol.

Main message:
The study provides valuable insights into the sensory effects of menthol and nicotine in e-cigarettes. Menthol can potentially improve the appeal of e-cigarettes not only via its coolness and minty flavor but also by reducing the harshness from high concentrations of nicotine. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the role of menthol flavors in other inhaled tobacco products. Overall, the study underscores the need for further research to understand the sensory and physiological effects of e-cigarettes and their components.

Rosbrook, Kathryn, and Barry G. Green. “Sensory Effects of Menthol and Nicotine in an E-Cigarette.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research 18, no. 7 (July 2016): 1588–95. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntw019.