΄The Governor΄ Corfu olive oil participates in scientific research on colon cancer
CORFU. An international study at a US university reveals the role of Corfu olive oil in combatting colon cancer, offering hope for new treatments.
Corfu olive oil has recently once again become the focus of research interest in the US regarding its impact on cancer prevention. Olive oil produced from the local Lianolia Kerkyras variety in the region of Agios Matthaios by the Dafnis family under the brand name The Governor was used as a raw material for the production of an extract and for the isolation of pure oleocanthal.
The substances isolated from the olive oil were utilised by scientists at the University of Louisiana to study their effects on colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is the third most common in the US and the second most lethal, with over 150,000 new cases each year. In contrast, epidemiological studies have found that populations following the traditional Mediterranean diet, with olive oil as the primary fat source, have a significantly lower likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. This fact motivated researchers to examine the impact of the phenolic components of olive oil on this form of cancer in animal models. The study specifically focused on the type of colorectal cancer associated with mutations leading to the worst prognosis and the fewest available treatment options.
The results, recently published in the reputable scientific journal Nutrients, showed that both pure oleocanthal and the total phenolic extract, when administered orally to experimental animals, were able to reduce tumor size by 72% within just 15 days. Furthermore, following the surgical removal of tumors, continued administration of the substances for 40 days suppressed tumor recurrence—a common challenge in this type of cancer.
These findings reinforce prior studies conducted in Greece, both in animals and humans, demonstrating the protective effects of polyphenol-rich olive oil against various forms of cancer.
It is now increasingly evident that scientific evidence is accumulating to establish high-phenolic olive oil as an essential and safe dietary recommendation for cancer prevention and management. At the same time, this research paves the way for the pharmaceutical use of olive oil’s phenolic compounds.
Institution:
School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
Scientific Journal:
Nutrients | MDPI
Publication Date:
January 22, 2025
Article Title:
The Olive Oil Phenolic S-(-)-Oleocanthal Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression and Recurrence by Modulating SMYD2-EZH2 and c-MET Activation
ELENI KORONAKI
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