A Small Step Forward: New Research on Oleocanthal and Prostate Cancer

At the Governor EVOO, we’ve always believed olive oil is more than a culinary ingredient; it’s an agricultural product with biological value that deserves serious scientific study.

We’re proud to be involved in this newly published peer-reviewed research exploring oleocanthal, a natural phenolic compound found in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and its potential effects on aggressive neuroendocrine prostate cancer, one of the most difficult forms of prostate cancer to treat.

What Did the Research Look At?

Researchers studied how oleocanthal interacts with aggressive prostate cancer cells in lab and pre-clinical models.

They found that oleocanthal could affect multiple biological pathways that support the growth and survival of these cancer cells. Because it acts on several pathways rather than just one, scientists see it as a promising starting point for further research.

It’s important to be clear: This is not a cure, and it is not a human treatment. Human clinical trials are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

What it shows is that naturally occurring compounds in real foods can have meaningful biological activity and are worth studying.

Why This Matters to Us

Our mission goes beyond selling olive oil.

If we are going to produce olive oil, we have a responsibility to understand its full potential — how it’s grown, how it’s processed, and what it contains.

This study is a small step in the right direction, supporting further research and deepening scientific understanding of olive oil phenolics.

It also adds to a growing body of evidence around phenolic-rich olive oils and their potential health benefits.

You can explore this latest study and all our content here: The Olive Oil Phenolic S-(-)-Oleocanthal Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression and Recurrence by Modulating SMYD2-EZH2 and c-MET Activation

Why Phenolics Matter

Phenolics are natural compounds in olive oil that contribute to:
Freshness and stability
The peppery sensation in the throat
Antioxidant properties
Many of the health benefits associated with extra virgin olive oil

Not all olive oils contain high phenolic levels. These compounds are sensitive to:

Harvest timing
Olive variety
Processing methods
Storage conditions

Why We Harvest Early

One reason we harvest early in the season is to protect phenolic content.

Early-harvest olives typically yield less oil, but they contain higher levels of beneficial phenolic compounds like oleocanthal. For us, quality and composition matter more than maximum yield.

It’s a choice rooted in both tradition and science.