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Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil
Gary K Beauchamp1, Russell S J Keast, Diane Morel
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Nature
|September 2, 2005
Summary
Extra-virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that acts like ibuprofen. Both oleocanthal and ibuprofen reduce inflammation by inhibiting the same enzymes in the body.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) possesses a pungent sensation in the throat.
- This sensation is similar to that of ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pharmacological activity of oleocanthal, a compound found in EVOO.
- To compare the anti-inflammatory effects of oleocanthal with ibuprofen.
Main Methods:
- Sensory analysis of EVOO pungency.
- Biochemical assays to determine enzyme inhibition profiles.
- Comparison of molecular structures and biological activities.
Main Results:
- Oleocanthal elicits a distinct stinging sensation in the throat.
- Oleocanthal demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity comparable to ibuprofen.
- Both oleocanthal and ibuprofen inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the prostaglandin-biosynthesis pathway.
Conclusions:
- The throat-stinging sensation of EVOO is an indicator of oleocanthal's anti-inflammatory properties.
- Oleocanthal functions as a natural anti-inflammatory agent with a pharmacological profile similar to ibuprofen.
- Despite structural differences, oleocanthal and ibuprofen share a common mechanism of action via COX enzyme inhibition.
