The Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the Human Body and Quality Control by Using Optical Methods
The Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the Human Body and Quality Control by Using Optical Methods

Summary/Abstract: There are many substances in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), of which many have a beneficial effect. One of the most interesting substances in EVOO is Oleocanthal. This substance is first recognised in 2005 and can only be found in EVOO. Under further investigations it was proven that in vitro Oleocanthal has an anti-inflammatory effect comparable to Ibuprofen. This is due to the fact that it is an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. It is able to form prostanoids, including thromboxane, which takes part in formation of thrombosis, and prostaglandins including prostacyclin, which prevent the formation of the platelet plug during blood clotting and acts as a vasodilator. The quality control of an EVOO is very important, because most often refined oils such as olive-pomace oil, seed oils or synthetic oils are used. In some cases, this may lead to serious health problems after consumption. Such an incident happened 1981 in Spain (Spanish toxic Oil syndrome) where 20000 people were affected from which 330 died from aniline intoxication. Optical techniques are ideal for this purpose because they are simple, cost-effective, rapid and non-destructive. Fluorescence spectroscopy has different applications: detection of adulteration, geographic region, quantification of fluorescent components, monitoring of photo-oxidation and thermal and assessment of quality changes of olive oil during storage.

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