Ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil

Abstract

Newly pressed extra-virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal--a compound whose pungency induces a strong stinging sensation in the throat, not unlike that caused by solutions of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen. We show here that this similar perception seems to be an indicator of a shared pharmacological activity, with oleocanthal acting as a natural anti-inflammatory compound that has a potency and profile strikingly similar to that of ibuprofen. Although structurally dissimilar, both these molecules inhibit the same cyclooxygenase enzymes in the prostaglandin-biosynthesis pathway.

Dietary fat intake and the risk of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly

“…The major fat present in olive oil is the monounsaturated 18-carbon oleic acid. A wide array of studies have shown that olive oil exerts important anti-inflammatory effects (Visioli and Galli 2002;Esposito et al, 2004;Beauchamp et al, 2005;Serrano-Martínez et al, 2005) and antioxidant effects (Ramírez-Tortosa et al, 1999;Visioli and Galli, 2002;Pitsavos et al, 2005), which may explain why it has been reported to be negatively associated with the risk of CHD in epidemiologic studies (FernandezJarne et al, 2002;Barzi et al, 2003). These anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been partly explained because of the high content of polyphenols present in virgin olive oil (Carrasco-Pancorbo et al, 2005).…”

“…Prostaglandins, especially PGE2, stimulate bone resorption by increasing the number and activity of osteoclasts (Raisz, 1999). Most of the potent stimulators of bone resorption increase prostaglandin production in bone by induction of COX-2, and the ability of polyphenols present in olive oil to exert a dose-dependent inhibition of the enzyme COX-2 has been recently shown (Beauchamp et al, 2005). In addition, oleic acid is an inhibitor of prostaglandin PGE2 synthesis, the major prostaglandin involved in bone metabolism (de La Puerta Vázquez et al, 2004).…”

Dietary manipulation in musculoskeletal conditions

“…• The use of Canola/rapeseed and olive oil and olive-oil based spreads, in place of sunflower oil products would lead to a reduction in n-6 PUFA and might offer additional symptom relief particularly in the light of the recently-discovered anti-inflammatory activity of extra-virgin olive oil [66].…”

The Effect of a Combination Saliva Substitute for the Management of Xerostomia and Hyposalivation

“…Orally, it functions as an osmoprotectant and has been found to decrease chemical irritation and mechanical abrasions [25]. Olive oil has many properties helpful in ameliorating oral conditions commonly found in dry mouth patients including antimicrobial properties, lubrication, antiinflammatory, and anti-caries activities [26][27][28][29]. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that functions as a salivary stimulant [30,31].…”