Certain Vape Flavors May Enhance Nicotine Reward in Adolescent Mice

A recent study conducted by researchers at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine suggests that popular vape flavorings, even those without nicotine, can increase reward-seeking behaviors in adolescent mice. Published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, the research highlights how flavors such as vanilla and cherry could influence brain pathways linked to addiction.

The study utilized the e-Vape self-administration (EVSA) method, which enables mice to voluntarily inhale flavored aerosols, mimicking human vaping behaviors. Results showed that exposure to certain flavors like vanilla and benzaldehyde led to significantly increased activity indicative of reinforcement, despite the absence of nicotine. Notably, vanilla flavor alone was able to trigger reward-related behaviors, raising concern about flavorings' potential role in addiction.

In addition to flavorings, the study examined combinations with nicotine. Four such mixtures—nicotine with menthol, cherry, vanilla, and vanilla alone—were associated with heightened reinforcement behaviors. Interestingly, vanilla without nicotine still prompted reward-seeking, suggesting that flavor chemicals might modulate brain circuits involved in addiction.

Lead investigator Brandon J. Henderson, Ph.D., explained that these findings demonstrate flavor additives can influence the dopamine system, particularly in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain region for reward processing. This discovery raises questions about the addiction potential of nicotine-free flavored vaping products marketed to youths.

Further molecular analysis revealed that flavor compounds like green apple and vanilla could impact the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), proteins critical to nicotine’s addictive effects. These insights contribute to a growing concern that flavorings in e-cigarettes actively alter brain responses to nicotine, especially among young users.

The research team, including medical students and Ph.D. candidates from Marshall University, emphasizes the importance of understanding how flavored vaping products might lead to dependence, independent of nicotine presence. This study underscores the need for regulatory consideration regarding flavored e-cigarettes and their appeal to adolescents.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-popular-vape-flavors-boost-nicotine.html