The Superb Oil is a product extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, which is rich in bioactive compounds that have various healthy properties affecting cell biology. Despite having a high concentration of oleic acid, the phenolic compounds in this oil, especially oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, are responsible for most of its beneficial effects. The concentration and profile of these minor components depend on factors such as the cultivar, irrigation, and cultivation type. Hydroxytyrosol, derived from the hydrolysis of oleuropein found in the fruit and leaves, has strong antioxidant effects and can scavenge oxygen and nitrogen free radicals.
Fatty acids are essential for the nutraceutical properties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). However, the presence of polyphenols such as phenol alcohols and acids, secoiridoids, lignans, and flavones also contributes to the multiple biological activities of EVOO. These compounds are currently being investigated for their purported biological and pharma-nutritional properties in diseases with an important pathogenetic contribution of oxidative and peroxidative stress and damage, including cancer, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, neurodegeneration, obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes, atherosclerosis, and aging-related disorders. Direct antioxidant actions are thought to mediate these effects through a variety of mechanisms, including the imbalance of the redox code via either preventive or radical-trapping antioxidants.
Oleocanthal and oleacein are two characteristic secoiridoids exclusive to the Oleoaceae family, and they are mainly found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Research has shown that these compounds have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
A study evaluated the preventive role of dietary oleocanthal supplementation in collagen-induced arthritis. The results showed that dietary oleocanthal prevented bone, joint, and cartilage rheumatic affections induced by collagen, and significantly decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, oleocanthal was able to diminish COX-2, mPGES-1, and iNOS protein expressions, as well as PGE2 levels. Overall, these results exhibit preliminary evidence concerning oleocanthal as a novel dietary tool for the prevention of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Another study evaluated the beneficial effects of oleacein in an experimental model of EAE. The results indicated that treatment with oleacein significantly reduced the clinical and histological signs typical of autoimmune encephalomyelitis by modulating the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and minimizing the serum levels of anti-MOG35 antibodies. Additionally, oleacein reduced the presence of oxidative system parameters while increasing the ROS disruptor, Sestrin-3. Moreover, oleacein prevented oxidative stress factor-induced apoptosis of RGC-5. The authors concluded that oleacein induces neuroprotective effects through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In summary, oleocanthal and oleacein found in EVOO exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and studies suggest their potential for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Dietary oleocanthal supplementation may prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, and oleacein may have neuroprotective effects on autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal dosages and treatment duration.
Our Superb Oil contains these bio-phenols in significant amounts, and it is essential to produce it with the utmost care possible. We must be vigilant at every stage of the supply chain to preserve these wonderful nutraceutical properties that every high-quality oil can possess, provided it has a high content of polyphenols and is produced and stored in the best possible way.
Therefore, we take pride in producing our Superb Oil with the utmost care and attention, ensuring that it retains all its healthful properties. We believe that the right production techniques and storage methods are essential to produce high-quality olive oil, and we are committed to maintaining these standards to provide our customers with the best possible product.
It is crucial to remember to store the Superb Oil away from light, even though it comes in a dark-colored bottle, and in a cool place, to maintain its nutraceutical properties for many months. By doing so, we can ensure that consumers can experience the full benefits of our Superb Oil, making it a valuable addition to their diets.
