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