Oleocanthal in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A Natural Ally Against Colorectal Cancer

Recent research has highlighted the potential health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), particularly due to the presence of Oleocanthal (OC), a phenolic compound found in the oil.

Oleocanthal has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory properties and its potential role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

A study published 22.1.25 in the scientific journal ‘Nutrients’ explored how oleocanthal extracted from the Governor EVOO might help in the fight against colorectal cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Key Findings:

• Inhibiting Cancer Cell Growth: Laboratory tests showed that OC effectively reduced the growth of various CRC cell lines, indicating it’s potential as a powerful anti-cancer agent.
  
  
• Targeting Specific Proteins: OC was found to suppress the activity of certain proteins, such as SMYD2, EZH2, and c-MET, which are known to play roles in cancer progression and metastasis.
  
  
• Reducing Tumor Progression in Mice: In animal studies, mice treated with OC experienced a significant decrease in tumour growth. Furthermore, continued OC treatment after surgical removal of primary tumours notably reduced the chances of cancer recurrence.

Implications:

While more research, especially in humans, is needed to confirm these effects, this study adds to the growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates the protective effects of high phenolic olive oil on various cancers.

Furthermore, this research paves the way for the pharmaceutical use of olive oil’s phenolic compounds.

At The Governor, we are committed to providing high-quality EVOO that retains its natural phenolic compounds, including oleocanthal. By choosing our EVOO, you're not only enhancing the flavour of your dishes but also potentially improving your health and longevity

Source: The Olive Oil Phenolic S-(-)-Oleocanthal Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression and Recurrence by Modulating SMYD2-EZH2 and c-MET Activation - https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/397