Researchers have found that a chemical in extra virgin olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties similar to those found in ibuprofen, reports www.newsmax.com. Even though the chemical called oleocanthal has a different chemistry from the pain killer, its non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to those of ibuprofen.

The discovery was made by Gary Beauchamp, Director, Monell Chemical Senses Centre, Philadelphia, when he tasted freshly pressed olive oil and realised the particular burning sensation he felt at the back of his throat was the same bitterness and burning he felt when testing liquid ibuprofen in cold medicines.

“The moment I felt that burn, I saw the whole picture in my head,” he’s quoted by The New York Times as saying. “There’s a natural analogue of ibuprofen in olive oil and it could have anti-inflammatory properties, too.”

Beauchamp found the bitter substance in olive oil was a phenolic chemical which he and his fellow researchers named oleocanthal. Phenols are natural antioxidants which help keep the oil from becoming rancid.