Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil.
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.
Beauchamp
Gary K
GK
Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Keast
Russell S J
RS
Morel
Diane
D
Lin
Jianming
J
Pika
Jana
J
Han
Qiang
Q
Lee
Chi-Ho
CH
Smith
Amos B
AB
Breslin
Paul A S
PA
D000447:Aldehydes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D000081004:Cyclopentane Monoterpenes; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015394:Molecular Structure; D031658:Olea / Q000737:chemistry*; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010636:Phenols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology
D000447:Aldehydes; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D000081004:Cyclopentane Monoterpenes; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010636:Phenols; D010938:Plant Oils; C503534:oleocanthal; D007052:Ibuprofen