Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil a Natural Alternative to Ibuprofen?

Extra virgin olive oil has various health benefits, particularly for the cardiovascular system. But it may also help with chronic pain, according to a growing body of research.

Oleocanthal and oleoresin—two compounds found in extra virgin olive oil—have been linked to reduced inflammation, which could help ease pain in a similar way to ibuprofen.

What Does the Research Show?

Research on olive oil’s effects on pain in humans is very limited. Still, a number of laboratory and pre-clinical studies demonstrate that two compounds can inhibit various inflammatory and pain pathways.

“Olive oil may help reduce pain through several mechanisms, both by directly inhibiting specific pain and inflammation pathways and indirectly lowering systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body,” Christine Peterson, MD, a pain management specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, told Verywell.

In lab studies, oleocanthal and oleoresin compounds have been shown to inhibit the same enzymes targeted by ibuprofen. “These enzymes are key in producing chemicals that cause inflammation and pain,” said Peterson.

Research has also shown that oleocanthal and oleoresin in olive oil mimic the sensory experience of taking ibuprofen for pain relief.

Are These Compounds Only Found in Olive Oil?

Scientists are still determining the best way to reap the benefits of oleocanthal and oleoresin.

A recent paper in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences raised the question of whether oleocanthal and oleacein may be beneficial if they come from other sources, such as a fast-growing evergreen shrub called ligustrum vulgare.

It remains unclear whether supplementing with these isolated compounds offers the same health benefits as consuming extra virgin olive oil as a whole food source, said Stephani Johnson, DCN RD, an adjunct professor of clinical and preventive nutrition sciences at Rutgers University School of Health Professions.

“The synergistic effects of the many components in extra virgin olive oil may be the key to its therapeutic value,” Johnson added.

Can Olive Oil Replace OTC Pain Medications?

Extra virgin olive oil is not a replacement for over-the-counter pain medications.

“The comparison has limitations,” Peterson said. “Oleocanthal is only found in small amounts of very high-quality, fresh, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil that’s been properly harvested and stored.”

While extra virgin olive oil may help with some pain, the extent to which it works is still unknown, and you shouldn’t substitute it for medications your doctor recommends.

Should You Add Olive Oil to Your Diet?

Consistently taking two to four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil may help reduce low-level chronic systemic inflammation, said Peterson.

That can “improve pain levels over time,” she explained. Some research has explored whether applying EVOO topically could help with pain from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, though we don’t yet have evidence to suggest this is a worthwhile therapy.

Aside from pain management, Johnson said there are many other reasons to keep olive oil in your diet.

“Rich in monounsaturated fats, extra virgin olive oil supports heart health by helping to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels,” she explained.

“It is also associated with improved vascular function, reduced blood pressure, and a lower risk of blood clots—all key factors in cardiovascular disease prevention.”