Oleocanthal-rich extra virgin olive oil demonstrates acute antiplatelet effects in healthy men in a randomized trial.

In this trial Agrawal and his partners studied the acute EVOO intake on platelet function. The researchers investigated whether the phenolic profiles of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) influence their cardiovascular benefits. Participants (n = 9) consumed 40 mL of EVOO weekly. EVOOs were matched for total phenolic content and were either tyrosol-poor with 1:2 oleacein/oleocanthal (D2i0.5), or 2:1 oleacein/oleocanthal (D2i2), or predominantly tyrosol (D2i0). Ibuprofen provided a platelet inhibition control. Blood was collected pre- and 2 h post-EVOO intake. D2i0.5 and D2i2 reduced 1 mg/mL collagen-stimulated maximum platelet aggregation (Pmax), with effects best correlated to oleocanthal intake (R = 0.56, P = 0.002).

Total phenolic intake was independently correlated to eicosanoid production inhibition, suggesting that cyclooxygenase blockade was not responsible for the Pmax inhibition. Five participants exhibited >25% DPmax declines with D2i0.5 and D2i2 intake and plasma metabolomic profiles discriminated subjects by oil responsivity.

Platelet responses to acute EVOO intake are associated with oil phenolic composition and may be influenced by diet.


Fig. Effects of tested EVOOs on (A) maximum platelet aggregation and (B) oxylipins associated with platelet function in healthy male subjects. D2i2, D2i0.5 and Ibuprofen all decreased maximum platelet aggregation compared to D2i0, and Ibuprofen decreased oxylipin concentrations compared to all oil.


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