Current Bioactive Compounds

Article Title:

Abstract:

The introduction of electronic cigarettes has sparked considerable debate regarding the safety, efficacy, and abuse potential of these modern alternatives to tobacco smoking. Electronic cigarettes, also referred to as vapes are battery-powered devices that produce an inhalable aerosol by heating liquid solutions containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While e-cigarettes produce fewer pollutants than traditional cigarettes, they're not completely harmless. Some chemicals found in e-cigarette vapor, for instance flavoring compounds, are lethal to human health. Menthol, diacetyl and cinnamaldehyde are some of the most injurious chemicals found as flavorings in e-cigarettes. The study reviews the pharmacokinetic properties, medicinal uses and harmful impact of these compounds on health. Their absorption of these flavorings take place by inhalation, followed by their distribution throughout the body. They are metabolized majorly in the liver and eliminated via urine, feces and exhalation. These compounds have been majorly used as flavoring in food, however they also possess medicinal prowess such as anti-irritation, anti-diabetic and anti-microbial properties. However, these chemicals are ridden with harmful health repercussions, such as inflammation, cytotoxicity, DNA damage, ciliary impairment, and neurotoxicity. This review reveals the limitations of the current research status in the domain of pharmacological properties of these flavoring compounds. Thus, it is recommended to update pre-existing outdated studies, with improved latest research on these compounds, which hold relevance in the present time.