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.
MeSH terms
- Aldehydes / adverse effects
- Aldehydes / chemistry*
- Aldehydes / isolation & purification*
- Aldehydes / pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / chemistry*
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / isolation & purification*
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology
- Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / adverse effects
- Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / chemistry
- Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / isolation & purification
- Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / pharmacology
- Cyclopentane Monoterpenes
- Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / adverse effects
- Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / pharmacology
- Ibuprofen / chemistry*
- Ibuprofen / pharmacology
- Molecular Structure
- Olea / chemistry*
- Olive Oil
- Phenols / adverse effects
- Phenols / chemistry*
- Phenols / isolation & purification*
- Phenols / pharmacology
- Plant Oils / adverse effects
- Plant Oils / chemistry*
- Plant Oils / pharmacology
Substances
- Aldehydes
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
- Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
- Cyclopentane Monoterpenes
- Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
- Olive Oil
- Phenols
- Plant Oils
- oleocanthal
- Ibuprofen