Zolkapli Eshak1, Hussin Muhammad2, Suhana Samat3, Muhammad Ashraf Mohd Salleh3, Nur Liana Md Nasir2, Anis Syamimi Mohamed4*
1. Department of Pharmacology and Life Sciences, Puncak Alam Campus, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
2. Toxicology & Pharmacology Unit, Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Setia Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
3. Olive Jardin Sdn Bhd, Lot 897, Jalan Dato Pati, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
4. National Poison Centre, Main Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
*Corresponding author: Anis Syamimi Mohamed,
CITATION: Eshak, Z., Muhammad, H., Samat, S., Mohd Salleh, M. A., Md Nasir, N. L., & Mohamed, A. S. (2026). Extra virgin olive oil: a mapping study of its biological effects. International Medical Research Journal, 12(1), 69–86. https://doi.org/10.63719/imrj.2026.12.01.006
ABSTRACT
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. However, a comprehensive analysis of research trends is still needed to identify funders and collaboration. Therefore, this study aims to examine literatures on EVOO’s biological activities, identifying key contributors, trends, and emerging themes. Data from 894 studies (2004–2024) were extracted from Scopus and analyzed using Scopus Analyser and VOSviewer. The analysis included publication trends, co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, top sponsors, most cited articles and citation patterns by country. Results show steady growth in EVOO research, peaking around 2020. Europe, in particular, Spain and Italy, emerges as the strongest contributor to EVOO research supported by the European Commission and national institutions. The therapeutic effects of EVOO were emphasised in highly cited articles in literature, specifically in the context of cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and prevention of the onset of diseases, particularly oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol appearing as bioactive compounds. Co-authorship analysis reveals clusters of influential researchers, highlighting cross-field collaborations. Keyword indicates a strong focus on antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds and the Mediterranean diet. This study maps the EVOO research landscape, emphasizing its health benefits and scientific significance. By identifying leading studies and emerging trends, it serves as a reference for future research, reinforcing EVOO’s role in nutrition and disease prevention.
KEYWORDS: Extra virgin olive oil; cancer; obesity; heart disease; bibliometric analysis
