Amazing Science-Backed Benefits of Oleocanthal. Get Yours Today.
Last reviewed and updated: October 17, 2026
We all know that extra virgin olive oil is good for us. But what if most benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and olive oil are from a specific component of the oil? What if most of the olive oils sold in the United States don’t contain it? Does your olive oil measure up? Introducing the benefits of oleocanthal.
Here’s what it is, what it does in the human body, and how to get yours today.
What is Oleocanthal?
Oleocanthal (OC) is one of many phenols found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and it is also known as deacetoxy-ligstroside aglycon. It was first identified as a minor phenolic compound in olives in 1993 (1).
The amount of oleocanthal in EVOO varies due to the varieties of olives and different regions in which they are grown. Unfortunately, many commercial EVOOs contain negligible or undetectable amounts of OC (2).
While all EVOO’s phenols are beneficial, it’s OC that produces amazing results. In fact, the benefits of oleocanthal range from supporting brain health to reducing inflammation to inhibiting the overgrowth of harmful cells.
Science-Backed Benefits of Oleocanthal
Most of the health benefits of OC are due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Oleocanthal’s anti-inflammatory properties were first described in 2005 (3). At that time, scientists believed OC’s anti-inflammatory strength was similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen (4).
In lab studies, OC provides anti-inflammatory benefits by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are part of the reaction that converts arachidonic acid into inflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxane (5,6).
OC’s anti-inflammatory effects are dose-dependent. Amazingly, in lab tests oleocanthal was as strong as, or even stronger than, ibuprofen at the same concentration (5,7,8). A 2005 lab study published in Nature reported that oleocanthal inhibited 41 to 57 percent of COX activity, while the same concentration of ibuprofen inhibited only 13 to 18 percent. Keep in mind that the amount of oleocanthal in a typical serving of olive oil is far below a pain-relieving dose of ibuprofen, so its value is steady, everyday support rather than quick relief (5).
And, oleocanthal does even more.
Oleocanthal and Brain Health
Recent animal studies indicate that OC supports brain health while we age and slows degeneration.
How?
OC disrupts β-amyloid oligomerization (the clumping of amyloid proteins) and protects against neurodegeneration (9). What’s more, OC inhibits proteins’ fibrillization, which can occur in degeneration (10, 11).
In addition, OC promotes amyloid clearance by inducing gene expression of transport proteins. This is hugely beneficial in supporting brain health (12, 13).
Oleocanthal and Healthy Cells
The Mediterranean diet and olive oil consumption are specifically linked to better overall health and reduction in cell overgrowth (14, 15). Analyses have found that supplementing high-oleocanthal olive oil results in lower cell-overgrowth prevalence (16) and less-invasive cells (17).
In addition, researchers have found that OC damages the lysosomes of harmful cells, causing those cells to die in both lab and animal studies while largely sparing healthy cells (18).
Oleocanthal and Heart Health
It’s widely accepted that olive oil is great for your heart.
Study results suggest the benefits of OC include support for a healthy heart.
One study found that consuming oleocanthal reduced platelet aggregation (the clumping of blood cells that can lead to clots) in healthy men. This supports heart health and healthy blood flow (19).
In that randomized trial, healthy men drank extra virgin olive oils containing different amounts of OC, in random order, with a one-week break between each test. Researchers assessed the effect on platelet function 2 hours after ingestion. Concentrated OC significantly inhibited platelet aggregation, while those consuming olive oil with no oleocanthal did not show the same benefit. Interestingly, the latter oil still had the same total amount of phenols, mainly in the form of free tyrosol (20).
Oleocanthal and Joint Health
As described above, oleocanthal is a potent COX enzyme inhibitor. This is great news for those with stiff or inflamed joints.
Not only does OC disrupt the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, but it also suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. These actions inhibit nitric oxide synthase gene expression (21). Nitric oxide is a key facet of joint inflammation. OC is a potent natural compound that can support healthy joints (13).
Watch: Why I Choose High-Oleocanthal Olive Oil
In this clip, I explain why I prefer high-phenolic, high-oleocanthal olive oil, how much I take each day, and how olive oil supports the lining of your arteries.
How to Get Enough Oleocanthal
It can be difficult to consume oleocanthal and receive the benefits of oleocanthal from modern olive oil. In fact, most commercial varieties don’t contain any detectable amounts.
Luckily, you can now get a cost-effective, convenient form of concentrated oleocanthal.
Getting More Oleocanthal
Our supplement line has expanded to include this amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
The best-known source of oleocanthal is high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil.
This supplement delivers oleocanthal concentrated from high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil in an easy-to-take form, formulated to support brain, heart, and whole-body health. Check the product label for the exact amount per serving. Get yours today!
Bottom Line
Looking to support your brain health? Heart health? Joint-health? Whole-body health? Oleocanthal is an amazing compound ready to do it all. Look for a trusted source of high-oleocanthal extra-virgin olive oil and enjoy it every day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is oleocanthal?
Oleocanthal is a natural phenolic compound found in extra virgin olive oil. It is responsible for the peppery sting you feel in the back of your throat when you taste a fresh, high-quality oil. In lab studies, it has anti-inflammatory activity similar to ibuprofen.
Which olive oils are highest in oleocanthal?
Fresh, early-harvest, high-phenolic extra virgin olive oils tend to have the most. Levels vary widely with the olive variety, growing region, harvest time, and storage, and many supermarket oils contain very little. Look for a recent harvest date, a dark glass bottle, and a noticeably peppery finish.
Can oleocanthal replace ibuprofen?
No. Its activity is similar to ibuprofen in the lab, but the amount in a normal serving of olive oil is much smaller than a pain-relieving dose. Think of it as everyday anti-inflammatory support, and never stop a medication your doctor prescribed without talking with them first.
How much olive oil do I need to get oleocanthal benefits?
Research on olive oil and heart health has generally used about 2 to 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil a day as part of a Mediterranean-style diet. Choosing a high-phenolic oil gives you more oleocanthal in each tablespoon.
Is oleocanthal safe?
Oleocanthal in food is generally considered safe. Because it may reduce platelet clumping, talk with your doctor before taking a concentrated supplement if you use a blood thinner or antiplatelet medicine, or if you have surgery coming up.
References
- Beauchamp GK, Keast RS, Morel D, et al. Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature. 2005.
- Abuznait AH, Qosa H, Busnena BA, et al. Olive-oil-derived oleocanthal enhances β-amyloid clearance as a potential neuroprotective mechanism against Alzheimer’s disease: in vitro and in vivo studies. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2013.
- LeGendre O, Breslin PA, Foster DA. (-)-Oleocanthal rapidly and selectively induces cancer cell death via lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Mol Cell Oncol. 2015.
- Agrawal K, Melliou E, Li X, et al. Oleocanthal-rich extra virgin olive oil demonstrates acute anti-platelet effects in healthy men in a randomized trial. J Funct Foods. 2017.
- Estruch R, et al. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts. N Engl J Med. 2018.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor before changing your diet, starting a supplement, or changing any medication. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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