Most people are familiar with ibuprofen and other over the counter medications for pain relief. But what if there were a natural pain reliever that was just as effective, possibly even more so? Enter Oleocanthal!
Oleocanthal is a compound found in extra virgin olive oil that has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. In fact, various Oleocanthal studies have shown that this compound can be just as effective as ibuprofen at reducing pain and inflammation.
In this blog, our team of distributors at OLEOCAN™ will discuss Oleocanthal. We’ll also cover its similarities and differences to Ibuprofen, and what makes this natural compound is such a potent inflammation fighter.
Table of Contents:
- What Is Oleocanthal?
- What is Ibuprofen?
- Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen: Understanding The Basics
- Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen Similarities and Differences
- The Similarities Between Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen
- Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen Differences
- Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen Considerations
- Treatment Efficacy
- Potential Side Effects
- In Conclusion
People Also Ask:
Is olive oil like ibuprofen?
Dr. Gary Beauchamp and his team discovered that the compound Oleocanthal had similar pain-relieving properties as Ibuprofen.
Does olive oil stop inflammation?
Olive oil doesn’t stop inflammation, but can help reduce inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil are made possible by the compound Oleocanthal, which can only be found in extra virgin olive oil.
What Is Oleocanthal?
Oleocanthal is a natural substance found only in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It's responsible for the sharp, peppery taste that some most extra olive oils have. Since being discovered in the 1990s by Dr. Gary Beauchamp, it’s been studied extensively and has been found to have many promising health benefits.
Technically speaking, Oleocanthal is a polyphenol, a type of natural compound packed with antioxidants. Polyphenols are known for their powerful antioxidant properties, and Oleocanthal is no exception. Over the years, research studies have shown that Oleocanthal scavenges free radicals and can help protect cells from oxidative damage.
While polyphenols can also be found in other foods like, the concentration of Oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oil is much higher.
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs work by reducing inflammation, which can help to relieve associated pain.
Ibuprofen also works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are involved in pain and inflammation. By inhibiting their production, ibuprofen can help to reduce pain and other inflammatory issues.
It’s available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. The over-the-counter option is typically used for relieving mild to moderate inflammation and pain. The prescription form is often used to help with severe pain and inflammation.
Ibuprofen is available in both tablet and liquid form. It can also be taken as a capsule, suspension, or lozenge.
Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen: Understanding The Basics
Both Oleocanthal and ibuprofen serve as powerful anti-inflammatory agents. This means that they work by reducing inflammation in the body. However, ibuprofen is a manufactured non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) while Oleocanthal is entirely natural.
There are significant similarities and differences between the two. Let's take a more in-depth look at each one.
Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen Similarities and Differences
So if Oleocanthal and ibuprofen are so similar, why bother using one over the other at all? There are many reasons:
The Similarities Between Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen
Oleocanthal and ibuprofen have a number of similarities. Both substances are effective at reducing pain and inflammation. However, helping to reduce pain and inflammatory-related concerns is where the similarities between these two products ends.
Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen Differences
While Oleocanthal and ibuprofen have a lot in common, there are also some key differences between these two. Perhaps the most significant difference is that Oleocanthal is a natural substance while ibuprofen is synthetic. Additionally, Oleocanthal is derived from extra olive oil, the purest and most beneficial olive oil available.
Ibuprofen contains various ingredients such as:
- Maize starch
- Lactose
- Hypromellose
- Sodium Starch Glycolate
- Colloidal Anhydrous Silica
- Carnauba Wax
- Magnesium Stearate
- Sucrose
- Talc
- Titanium Dioxide (E171)
- Carnauba Wax
For some people, knowing that Ibuprofen is synthetic and contains many manufactured ingredients often see Oleocanthal as the more attractive option.
Oleocanthal and Ibuprofen Considerations
Treatment Efficacy
Oleocanthal has been shown to be just as effective as ibuprofen at reducing pain, inflammation, and other related concerns. This may be due to the fact that Oleocanthal inhibits a broader range of inflammatory molecules than ibuprofen.
For example: Oleocanthal inhibits up to 41%–57% of COX activity compared to ibuprofen (25 µM) which inhibits 13%–18% of COX activity.
These percentages back the argument that Oleocanthal is a promising alternative to synthetic pain-relievers while providing similar benefits as the Mediterranean Diet.
Potential Side Effects
Ibuprofen is associated with a number of potential side effects, including upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, dizziness, headache, rash, and allergic reactions. These side effects can be mild and go away on their own within a few days. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as kidney damage or bleeding ulcers have occurred.
Oleocanthal is generally well tolerated with very few reported side effects. The most common side effect reported is mild heartburn. As with any drug or supplement, there is always the potential for side effects.
In Conclusion
Olive oil isn't just good for your health; it may also be nature's answer to reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Not only does Oleocanthal seem to work better than ibuprofen, but it doesn’t seem to have lasting negative side effects associated with NSAIDs.
If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce pain and inflammation, taking an Oleocanthal supplement could be the solution.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to see what they recommend for your specific situation.