'Not just a flavoring:' Menthol and nicotine, combined, desensitize airway receptors

(Georgetown University Medical Center) This study suggests menthol doesn't just act as a flavoring, but has a pharmacologic impact. The researchers say menthol acts in combination with nicotine to desensitize receptors in lungs' airways that are responsible for nicotine's irritation. Though not a focus of the work, the findings are important as FDA is considering restrictions on menthol cigarettes.