Acute Assessment of Platelet Reactivity After the Intake of Oleocanthal

Fifty adult male volunteers will be asked to participate in one of two study trials that will be randomized double-blind controlled crossover trials with 2 study visits. The participants will arrive to the facility after an overnight fast, and will be asked to consume their assigned EVOO either without (trial 1) or with (trial 2) a standardized low-phenolic food (such as rice, pasta or mashed potatoes) with 40 mL of one of 2 EVOOs that are matched for their total phenolic content, but with one oil containing oleocanthal, and one with very low levels of oleocanthal. At zero, two, 4 and 6 hours after EVOO intake a blood sample will be collected for the assessment of collagen- ADP-, and AA-induced platelet aggregation, as well as an untargeted metabolomics profile.

As an assessment of phenotypic stability, a subset of individuals (n=5 per trial) that have exhibit either low or high platelet responses, will be asked to repeat the above study.

Inclusion criteria

• Trials 1 and 2: Male; Trial 3: Male and Female
• 20-45 years old
• For females, a regular 25-30-day menstrual cycle
• Subject is willing and able to comply with the study protocols
• Subject is willing to drink 40 mL (approximately 2 tablespoons) of olive oil
• BMI 18.5 - 30 kg/m2
• Weight ≥ 110 pounds

Exclusion criteria

• Adults who are not able to consent
• BMI ≥ 31 kg/m2
• Under current medical supervision
• 1 ug/ml and 3 ug/ml collagen screening maximal platelet aggregatory response of < 65%.
• Platelet number or mean platelet values that are outside of the normal reference range as indicated on a complete blood cell count report from the UCD Med Center
• Current diagnosis of anemia; or a screening hemoglobin and hematocrit that is less than the normal reference range.
• Self-reported daily use of drugs that are known to affect platelet function, such as aspirin, Excedrin, and NSAIDS
• Females using hormonal contraception
• Ibuprofen intolerance or allergy
• Those with a bleeding disorder
• Non-English speaking
• Allergy to olives or olive oil
• Vegetarian, Vegan, food faddists, individuals using non-traditional diets, or on a weight loss diet.
• A history of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, renal, hepatic, or thyroid disease, GI tract disorders, previous GI surgery
• Currently taking prescription drugs or supplements
• Indications of substance or alcohol abuse within the last 3 years
• Not willing to stop any supplement use, including herbal, plant or botanical, fish oil, oil supplements for six weeks prior to study enrollment.
• Not willing to refrain from olive oil consumption for 4 weeks prior to study enrollment, and throughout study enrollment
• Self-reported malabsorption (e.g. difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients from food, potentially leading to bloating, cramping or gas)
• Current enrollee in a clinical research study.
• Individuals with blood clotting or platelet defect disorders