It's hard to imagine extra virgin olive oil and the anti-inflammatory pain drug ibuprofen having much in common, but the interesting way in which they do chemically is the subject of today's blog.

Before this study, the only thing the two had in common was the sting and subsequent cough people experience in the back of their throats after tasting both. This doesn't sound like a big deal at all -- except for olive oil connoisseurs who rate the purity of brands based on the number of coughs they have -- until you understand what happens afterward.

Both ibuprofen and extra virgin olive oil contain unrelated anti-inflammatory compounds that cause the same reaction: Activating the TRPA1 receptor located in the back of the throat that protects the lungs "from 'chemical insult,' for example, from toxins in the air," says Dr. Paul Breslin, a sensory biologist at the Monell Center. The hope: This same receptor in the throat may be able to spot other anti-inflammatory compounds that can prevent serious diseases, Breslin says.

The real mystery for another day, scientists say, is how humans have learned to associate these known beneficial anti-inflammatories with irritation and pain in the throat, and better health.

The Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 31, No. 3, p. 999-1009, January 19, 2011

NPR.org January 19, 2011

ScienceNews January 18, 2011

Monell Center January 18, 2011