Oleacein and Oleocanthal: Key Metabolites in the Stability of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Alexandra Olmo-Cunillera,
Maria Pérez,
Anallely López-Yerena,
Mohamed M. Abuhabib,
Antònia Ninot,
Agustí Romero-Aroca,
Anna Vallverdú-Queralt,
Rosa Maria Lamuela-Raventós
Affiliations
Alexandra Olmo-Cunillera
Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Catalonia Food Innovation Network (XIA), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Maria Pérez
Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Catalonia Food Innovation Network (XIA), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Anallely López-Yerena
Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Catalonia Food Innovation Network (XIA), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Mohamed M. Abuhabib
Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Catalonia Food Innovation Network (XIA), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Antònia Ninot
Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Fruit Science Program, Olive Growing and Oil Technology Research Team, 43120 Constantí, Spain
Agustí Romero-Aroca
Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Fruit Science Program, Olive Growing and Oil Technology Research Team, 43120 Constantí, Spain
Anna Vallverdú-Queralt
Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Catalonia Food Innovation Network (XIA), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Rosa Maria Lamuela-Raventós
Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Catalonia Food Innovation Network (XIA), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
The oxidative stability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) depends on its composition, primarily, phenolic compounds and tocopherols, which are strong antioxidants, but also carotenoids, squalene, and fatty acids contribute. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of malaxation conditions and olive storage on the composition of ‘Corbella’ EVOO produced in an industrial mill to determine which parameters and compounds could give more stable oils. Although a longer malaxation time at a higher temperature and olive storage had a negative effect on the content of α-tocopherol, squalene, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, and phenolic alcohols, the antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability of the oil were improved because of an increase in the concentration of oleacein (56–71%) and oleocanthal (42–67%). Therefore, these two secoiridoids could be crucial for better stability and a longer shelf life of EVOOs, and their enhancement should be promoted. A synergistic effect between secoiridoids and carotenoids could also contribute to EVOO stability. Additionally, ‘Corbella’ cultivar seems to be a promising candidate for the production of EVOOs with a high oleic/linoleic ratio. These findings signify a notable advancement and hold substantial utility and significance in addressing and enhancing EVOO stability.
