Sensory Characterization of the Irritant Properties of Oleocanthal, a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agent in Extra Virgin Olive Oils

Author： Cicerale Sara Breslin Paul A.S. Beauchamp Gary K. Keast Russell S.J.

Publisher： Oxford University Press

ISSN： 1464-3553

Source： Chemical Senses, Vol.34, Iss.4, 2009-05, pp. : 333-339

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Abstract

Oleocanthal is an olive oil phenolic possessing anti-inflammatory activity. Anecdotal evidence suggests that oleocanthal elicits a stinging sensation felt only at the back of the throat (oropharynx). Due to this compound possessing potentially health-benefiting properties, investigation into the sensory aspects of oleocanthal is warranted to aid in future research. The important link between the perceptual aspects of oleocanthal and health benefits is the notion that variation in sensitivity to oleocanthal irritation may relate to potential differences in sensitivity to the pharmacologic action of this compound. The current study assessed the unique irritant attributes of oleocanthal including its location of irritation, temporal profile, and individual differences in the perceived irritation. We show that the irritation elicited by oleocanthal was localized to the oropharynx (P < 0.001)="" with="" little="" or="" no="" irritation="" in="" the="" anterior="" oral="" cavity.="" peak="" irritation="" was="" perceived="" 15="" s="" postexposure="" and="" lasted="" over="" 180="" s.="" oleocanthal="" irritation="" was="" more="" variable="" among="" individuals="" compared="" with="" the="" irritation="" elicited="" by="">₂ and the sweetness of sucrose. There was no correlation between intensity ratings of oleocanthal and CO₂ and oleocanthal and sucrose (r 0.15, n 50, P 0.92 and r 0.17, n 84, P 0.12, respectively), suggesting that independent mechanisms underlie the irritation of CO₂ and oleocanthal. The unusual spatial localization and independence of acid (CO₂) sensations suggest that distinct nociceptors for oleocanthal are located in the oropharyngeal region of the oral cavity.