Menthol smokers have greater problems quitting the habit than those who smoke traditional cigarettes. Researchers at the California Institute of Technology explained why this is so.
Scientists have long known that smoking (all types of cigarettes) over time leads to an increase in the number of nicotinic receptors in the brain, mainly in the so-called the reward system, i.e. the part responsible for the motivation and control of behavior. Previous observations and studies also show that quitting smoking is successful in only about 23 percent. menthol cigarette smokers – compared to approx. 50 percent. people who smoke regular cigarettes.
How menthol increases nicotine addiction was a mystery until recently. When looking for a solution, researchers from the California Institute of Technology exposed the mice to pure menthol or menthol in combination with nicotine. It turned out that pure menthol increased the number of nicotinic receptors. Importantly, in the abdominal tegmental area – i.e. the part of the brain responsible for addiction – the number of these receptors increased by as much as 78%.
The results of the study suggest that menthol is not only a flavor additive, but an active substance that increases nicotine addiction.
Based on: NewScientist
Text: Tomasz Kobosz