Squalene is a naturally occurring compound found in virgin olive oil. Laboratory research suggests it may influence immune cells involved in inflammation and tissue repair, offering another area of interest in olive oil research.
Researchers found that tyrosol, a naturally occurring phenolic compound in extra virgin olive oil, reduced oxidative stress and signs of neurodegeneration in a worm model of Parkinson’s disease. The findings are preliminary but offer an interesting direction for further research.
Research using an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model found that oleocanthal, a naturally occurring phenolic compound in extra virgin olive oil, influenced inflammatory pathways and reduced beta-amyloid accumulation. Human clinical research is still needed.
Researchers studying rats found that olive oil and the phenolic compounds oleuropein and caffeic acid influenced fat oxidation and energy metabolism in cardiac tissue. The findings offer insight into how olive oil compounds may work, but human studies are needed.
That peppery sensation in the back of your throat when tasting some extra virgin olive oils isn't just flavor. Researchers discovered that oleocanthal, a naturally occurring compound in EVOO, affects some of the same inflammatory pathways as ibuprofen.
