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Phytochemistry

Ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil

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Enzymes in an inflammation pathway are inhibited by oleocanthal, a component of 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 ibuprofen1. 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.

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Figure 1: Structures of (−)oleocanthal (left) and the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen (right).

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Russell S. J. Keast

    Present address: Food Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia

  2. Chi-Ho Lee

    Present address: Animal Resources Research Center, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 143-130, South Korea

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, 19104, Pennsylvania, USA

    Gary K. Beauchamp, Russell S. J. Keast, Chi-Ho Lee, Amos B. Smith & Paul A. S. Breslin

  2. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, 19104, Pennsylvania, USA

    Diane Morel

  3. Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, Pennsylvania, USA

    Qiang Han & Amos B. Smith

  4. Firmenich, PO Box 5880, Princeton, 08543, New Jersey, USA

    Jianming Lin & Jana Pika

Authors
  1. Gary K. Beauchamp
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  2. Russell S. J. Keast
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  3. Diane Morel
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  4. Jianming Lin
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  5. Jana Pika
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  6. Qiang Han
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  7. Chi-Ho Lee
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  8. Amos B. Smith
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  9. Paul A. S. Breslin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paul A. S. Breslin.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Beauchamp, G., Keast, R., Morel, D. et al. Ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature 437, 45–46 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/437045a

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