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

To learn more, search the published medical research below on oleocanthal, oleacein, and other polyphenols found in high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil.

-Olive Compound Oleocanthal: A New Possible Treatment Approach for Aggressive Prostate Cancer - Published November 2025
-High Polyphenol Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity: A Scoping Review of Preclinical Data and Clinical Trials - Published February 2025
-The Olive Oil Phenolic S-(-)-Oleocanthal Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression and Recurrence by Modulating SMYD2-EZH2 and c-MET Activation - Published January 2025
-Acute Antiplatelet Effects of an Oleocanthal-Rich Olive Oil in Type II Diabetic Patients: A Postprandial Study - Published May 2024
-Consumption of Olive Oil and Diet Quality and Risk of Dementia-Related Death - Published May 2024
-Extra virgin olive oil enhances the blood-brain barrier function in Mild Cognitive impairment - Published December 2022
-Oleocanthal Attenuates Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Progression and Recurrence by Targeting SMYD2 - Published July 2022
-The effect of Dietary Intervention with high oleocanthal and oleacein olive oil in patients with early stage chronic Leukemia - Published 21 January 2022
-Olive Polyphenols: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties - Published June 2021
-Oleocanthal is inhibiting lung cancer – published 11 June 2020
-Safety Evaluation of single dose of Oleocanthal – published 20th January 2020
-Oleocanthal combine with lapatinib treatmentsynergized against HER 2 breast cancer – published 15th February 2020
-Alzheimer and cancer cells at the ULM and hunter college of New York ( Cornel University)
-Oleocanthal rich restores the blood – brain barrier – Accepted 12th June 2019
-Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol and Derivatives and Their Potential Effects on Human Health - Published May 2019
-Oleocanthal on its oral anti breast cancer activity – published 9th April 2019
-Optimization of taste masked oleocanthal – 5 October 2019
-Oleocanthal rich enhances donepezil effect by reducing amyloid b and toxicity of Alzheimer disease – 8th may 2018
-Olive oil intake is inversely related to cancer prevalence: a systematic review and a meta-analysis of 13800 patients and 23340 controls in 19 observational studies - Published July 2011