EVALUATION OF INTERACTION IN OLFACTORY AND TASTE MIXTURES

Models for the evaluation of interaction in olfactory and taste mixtur es are compared to the isobole approach, which is widely used in other fields of biomedical research. Analogies and differences are describe d in detail. The isobole approach has a profound theoretical basis and can be applied to all possible types of concentration-response relati onships, in particular to all values of exponents in the widely used p ower function, and even if analytical expression of concentration - re sponse relationships are not known. Due to this generality it leads to a substantial simplification of the evaluation procedures as compared to other methods used in taste and olfaction research. It can be appl ied to any number of components of a mixture. Response surface modelin g and computer graphics is recommended in appropriate cases because it can provide information on the concentration dependence of interactio n. Even though it has to be pointed out that there is no general conse nsus on the most appropriate approach for the evaluation of interactio n between biologically active agents so far, we are led to the conclus ion that good arguments can be made in supporting the application of t he isobole method for taste and olfactory mixtures.