New research published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience found that male rats exposed to menthol-containing e-cigarette aerosols experienced nicotine effects that were stronger and lasted longer than those observed in rats exposed to nicotine alone. Researchers from Daegu Haany University used 81 male rats to examine the effects of nicotine and menthol aerosols, measuring changes in body temperature, nicotine levels, and nicotine metabolism by-products after exposure.
The study found that combining menthol and nicotine prolonged nicotine-induced reductions in body temperature, with differences remaining significant 120 minutes after exposure, and increased levels of certain nicotine by-products in the blood. The researchers said the findings indicate menthol may alter the intensity and duration of nicotine’s physiological and drug-cue effects rather than functioning solely as a flavor additive. The researchers plan to examine the underlying brain signaling mechanisms and whether the effects differ between male and female rats.
