Olive oil and anti-inflammatory properties

In 2005 Scientists discovered that Extra-virgin olive oil shares the same pharmacological properties as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen. It contains a compound known as oleocanthal, a polyphenol which is of similar structure to Ibuprofen which relieves pain, fever and inflammation.

Oleocanthal, found in extra-virgin olive oil has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Ingesting 50grams or 3 tablespoons per day of extra-virgin olive oil corresponds to an intake of about 9mg of oleocanthal, which is about 10% of the ibuprofen dosage recommended for adult pain relief.

Overall, research suggests diets rich in extra-virgin olive oil such as mediterranean is advantageous for reducing inflammatory conditions.

Next time you dress your salad think about adding extra-virgin olive oil!

REFERENCE

Beauchamp GK, Keast RS, Morel D, Lin J, Pika J, Han Q, Lee CH, Smith AB, Breslin PA. Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature. 2005 Sep 1;437(7055):45-6. doi: 10.1038/437045a. PMID: 16136122.

Parkinson L, Keast R. Oleocanthal, a phenolic derived from virgin olive oil: a review of the beneficial effects on inflammatory disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Jul 11;15(7):12323-34. doi: 10.3390/ijms150712323. PMID: 25019344; PMCID: PMC4139846.

NON-OPERATIVE TREATMENT FOR ACL INJURY

The main objective in rehabilitating a knee joint which has a torn ACL is to restore anterior-posterior joint stability and rotational stability. Secondarily, ensuring there is no excessive joint play by addressing the dynamic stability in the knee will play a crucial role in reducing degradation of the articular cartilage, ultimately reducing the odds of osteoarthritis further down the track.

The current most utilised protocol for a torn ACL is the surgical approach, however, there is emerging evidence to suggest that non-surgical approach may be effective for some people. It is important to note that there may be a specific criteria for these individuals, therefore, it is highly recommended you have a Physiotherapist involved with the rehabilitation of your injury (Reijman, et. al, 2021).

It is suggested that early surgical intervention may still be the best option (within 3 months of injury). However, if there is delayed surgical intervention, it may be worth considering that emerging research suggests that healing can occur one in three adults with ACL rupture. Furthermore, it is suggested that patient quality of life and functional outcomes may be much higher in individuals who have achieved spontaneous healing versus delayed surgical intervention (post three months, (Filbay et al, 2023).

The research

Filbay SR, Roemer FW, Lohmander LS, et al. Evidence of ACL healing on MRI following ACL rupture treated with rehabilitation alone may be associated with better patient-reported outcomes: a secondary analysis from the KANON trial, British Journal of Sports Medicine 2023;57:91-99.

Reijman M, Eggerding V, van Es E, van Arkel E, van den Brand I, van Linge J et al. Early surgical reconstruction versus rehabilitation with elective delayed reconstruction for patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture: COMPARE randomised controlled trial BMJ 2021; 372 :n375 doi:10.1136/bmj.n375