199 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits like the others, he immediately associated it with the sensation produced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Having worked on replacing acetaminophen with ibuprofen in cold and flu medications, Dr. Beauchamp recognised the irritation as similar to that caused by black pepper or chili. This led him to hypothesize that EVOO might contain a natural ibuprofen-like compound. Years later, he and his team identified oleocanthal as the molecule responsible, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Four tablespoons of oleocanthal-rich EVOO were shown to have an in vitro effect comparable to 250 mg of ibuprofen. While structurally distinct, both inhibit the same cyclooxygenase enzymes in the prostaglandin synthesis pathway. Although EVOO’s general anti-inflammatory effects are covered in another chapter, here we focus on its analgesic and antinociceptive properties, largely atFigure 17.1: Olea europaea products in folk medicine. Olea europaea products, and particularly EVOO, have played an essential role in folk medicine in the Mediterranean and other areas. Current research is revealing the molecular basis of the olive oil benefits as an analgesic and its benefits on bone and gastrointestinal health.
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