Vanilla and coconut scents may disrupt cigarette cravings, brain study hints
NCT ID NCT04902469
First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026
Summary
This study investigates whether sniffing pleasant odors like vanilla, coconut, or chocolate can reduce cigarette cravings. Researchers will use brain scans (fMRI) and behavioral tests to see how these smells affect craving-related brain activity in daily and nondaily smokers aged 18-49. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either a pleasant odor or a neutral blank odor during craving triggers. The goal is to understand if pleasant scents can disrupt the brain's craving state and lower the urge to smoke.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
pleasant odors (e.g., vanilla, coconut, chocolate)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help smokers manage cravings and potentially quit.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study focused on brain and behavioral responses, not a proven treatment. Results may not translate to real-world quitting success.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- VR Attentional Bias Biomarker for Tobacco Use (NCT06582888)
- Inflammation and Alcohol Craving Study | NCT07452146
- Brain Stimulation for Social Media Addiction – NCT07410104
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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The University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, United States