What is oleocanthal?

What is oleocanthal?

Oleocanthal is one of the most remarkable bioactive compounds in extra virgin olive oil. It is a natural polyphenol found exclusively in fresh, high-quality olive oil — and it is precisely why good olive oil provides a slightly pungent, peppery sensation in the back of the throat.

Name and discovery

The name oleocanthal is derived from three words:

  • Oleo — olive
  • Canth — sting/prick (from the Greek akantha)
  • Al — aldehydes (the chemical class)

The compound was identified in 2005 by researcher Gary Beauman and colleagues, who discovered that the throat irritation sensation when tasting fresh olive oil was identical to the sensation of liquid ibuprofen. This led to the discovery that oleocanthal has the same biochemical action as ibuprofen.[1]

How does oleocanthal work?

Oleocanthal inhibits the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase), the same enzymes inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. This makes oleocanthal a powerful natural anti-inflammatory.[1]

Furthermore, research suggests that oleocanthal:

  • May slow neurodegenerative processes (Alzheimer's research)[2]
  • Can attack cancer cells through lysosomal destabilization[3]
  • Contributes to the cardioprotective effects of the Mediterranean diet

How much oleocanthal is in olive oil?

Type of olive oil Oleocanthal (mg/kg)
Supermarket olive oil (standard) 0–50 mg/kg
Good extra virgin olive oil 50–200 mg/kg
Premium high-polyphenol EVOO (early harvest) 200–500+ mg/kg

Olive oil with ≥250 mg/kg total polyphenols may carry the health claim in the EU that it contributes to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress (EU Regulation 432/2012).

How to recognize oleocanthal in olive oil?

Take a small sip of quality EVOO and wait 30 seconds. Do you feel a slight burning sensation in the back of your throat? Then the oil contains oleocanthal. The stronger the sting, the more oleocanthal. Among olive oil professionals, this is called the one-cough criterion or two-cough criterion.

Frequently asked questions about oleocanthal

Is oleocanthal the same as ibuprofen?

No, oleocanthal works through the same mechanism (COX inhibition) but is not identical to ibuprofen. With daily use of quality olive oil, the cumulative effect can be significant.

Does oleocanthal remain when heated?

Oleocanthal is heat-labile: at temperatures above 120°C, it is largely broken down. Preferably use high-oleocanthal EVOO raw — as a dressing, dipping oil, or finishing touch for dishes.

Which olive oil contains the most oleocanthal?

Early harvest olive oil (Koroneiki, Picual, Coratina varieties) generally contains the highest concentrations. The greener and more intense the oil, the more polyphenols, including oleocanthal.

Sources

  1. Beauman G et al. (2005). Nature Chemical Biology. Oleocanthal, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent in virgin olive oil, mimics ibuprofen.
  2. Monti MC et al. (2011). Chemical Research in Toxicology. Neuroprotective effects of oleocanthal.
  3. LeGendre O et al. (2015). Molecular & Cellular Oncology. (-)-Oleocanthal rapidly and selectively induces cancer cell death.