An innovative campain aimed at raising awareness about the importance of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in preventing liver and kidney diseaseshas been launched by Coop Alleanza 3.0, with the support of four leading Italian olive oil producers: Costa d’Oro, Monini, Olitalia and Pietro Coricelli Their contributions helped establish a dedicated fund to support scientific research into the health benefits of EVOO, conducted by two centers of excellence: Nefros-Ambiente APS and Fondazione Italiana Fegato Onlus (FIF)

The importance of private sector support in research is clearly emphasized by professor Claudio Tiribelli, scientific director at FIF:

“Companies play an irreplaceable role in funding scientific research — from supporting researchers’ work to promoting outreach initiatives that highlight the value of prevention. The support from Coop Alleanza 3.0 and the suppliers involved in this project is therefore essential to us, as is the opportunity to communicate results step by step and to organize local events that promote health awareness and encourage informed consumer choices.”

The research projects aim to validate the role of EVOO as a key food for health.To learn more, we interviewed the research teams actively working on this topic.
One of the main targets is fatty liver diseasemore widespread than commonly believed. The Italian Liver Foundation is currently researching the beneficial effects of EVOO on this condition. But what exactly is fatty liver disease, and how might EVOO help? We asked Dr. Natalia Rosso, Group Leader of the Metabolically Associated Liver Disease (MASLD) Unit at FIF in Trieste.

Fatty liver disease is marked by by the abnormal accumulation of fat and represents the first stage of MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), previously known as NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease). MASLD develops when fat builds up in the liver without significant alcohol intake, and it’s often associated with metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid levels), or metabolic syndrome.
It is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. If left untreated, it can progress to more serious conditionslike steatohepatitis (inflammation with liver cell damage), fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
Treatment mainly focuses on on lifestyle changes — healthy diet and exercise.. However, most patients struggle to maintain these changes. EVOO, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, has shown potential benefits for liver health. Our study aims to explore EVOO's effects on liver cells to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind these benefits.

How is the research being conducted?

We have developed an in vitro MASLD model, using human liver cells exposed to a mix of fatty acids simulating a high-fat diet. These cells accumulate fat in the cytoplasm, triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, release of fibrosis-related mediators, and cell death— mimicking what happens in the human liver.
This model has several advantages: we can observe fat accumulation within 24 hours, and monitor related changes at 48 and 96 hours. Compared to other models, the in vitro approach is more cost-effective, ethical, and highly reproducible thanks to controlled conditions. Using this model, we’re testing the effects of different EVOO compounds on various stages of the disease.
Selected compounds - all of which have proven bioactive properties - include oleocanthal, oleuropein, and hydroxytyrosol.Our therapeutic approach involves exposing liver cells to fatty acids both with and without EVOO compounds— simulating a situation where dietary habits remain unchanged, but EVOO is introduced as a protective factor. We’re analyzing whether this addition reduces intracellular lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. Since the concentration of these compounds varies depending on factors like olive ripeness, cultivar type, and oil age, we hope to define optimal levels of each compound,and ultimately determine the ideal EVOO intake for therapeutic use..

What evidence is emerging on the benefits of EVOO in managing this condition?

EVOO is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, renowned for its wide-ranging health benefits. Although its protective effects on the liver are well-documented, its specific role in managing MASLD remains under active investigation, despite promising early results.
Current research suggests EVOO could play a key role in managing MASLD thanks to its bioactive components. Substances like oleocanthal, oleuropein, and hydroxytyrosol have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties — all essential in combating the cellular processes driving MASLD progression. For instance, oleocanthal acts similarly to ibuprofen,blocking inflammatory pathways. Hydroxytyrosol and other EVOO polyphenols are potent antioxidants,counteracting oxidative stress — a major cause of liver damage in MASLD — and preventing disease progression.Additionally, EVOO may slow fibrosis development:oleuropein appears to inhibit pathways involved in collagen production and hepatic stellate cell activation, key steps in liver scarring. This is vital, since unchecked fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
Overall, EVOO is emerging as a promising natural ally in MASLD prevention and management.But more clinical studies are needed to confirm its effects in humans and determine the optimal therapeutic dosage, come — goals that this ongoing FIF research aims to achieve.