Argan oil, often called liquid gold, is one of the most popular and most expensive vegetable oils in the world. This naturally occurring plant oil is derived from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree. Although native to Morocco, argan oil is now used across the globe for a variety of culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal applications.
Argan Tree in Morocco
The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the benefits of argan oil for alternative and complementary medicine. An exhaustive search of the literature was carried out using targeted keywords. A set of 83 articles were selected and analyzed. The purpose of this article is also to discuss the chemical composition and the biological evaluation that has been carried out so far on argan oil. As the mechanisms of action of argan oil are not completely understood, this work highlighted the benefits of this oil by analyzing its nutritional properties and its beneficial effects on the intestinal and skin microbiotas.
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The Argan Tree
Argania spinosa, also called iron argan or argan tree, belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is prevalent in southwestern Morocco, around Essaouira, Agadir, Marrakech, Tiznit, and Taroudant and in the Negev Desert in Israel [1]. Argan forests protect the Earth’s surface from the effects of heavy rains and wind erosion. The argan tree adapts very well to difficult environmental conditions related to drought. In 1998, this species was included on the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) list of protected biospheres [1,2].
The argan tree is a long-living, evergreen, thorny tree with a twisted, gnarled trunk, reaching a height of approximately 32.81 ft. It generally lives for about 150-200 years, although there are known cases of 400-year-old trees. It reaches full productivity only after fifty years. One tree can provide 1 L of oil per year. The fruits take one year to develop, ripening from June to July. They are yellow, resembling a plum, with flesh, a nut, and one to three fatty seeds inside. Black and dry fruits fall from trees [3,4].
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Extraction and Composition
Argan oil, extracted from the kernels of the argan fruit, is renowned for its high concentration of vital unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, which have both health and nutritional advantages [5]. Beyond its oil, the argan tree plays a crucial role in sustainable development through the utilization of its byproducts. For example, the oil extraction process produces argan pulp and argan press cake (APC), which are used in a variety of applications. APC is a residue abundant in phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and proteins and is used in cosmetic formulations, animal feed supplements, and cell proliferation enhancement [6].
Argan oil has a fatty acid composition similar to sesame and peanut oils but contains a smaller amount of oleic acid (about 45%) than erucic-free olive and rapeseed oils (about 60%), which are considered the healthiest. The stability of argan oil is comparable to sunflower oil; after heating it to 63.5 °C, no hydroperoxides were detected (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)) as a result of oxygen absorption. Argan oil lacks β-sitosterol (δ-5 sterol) but does contain spinasterol (Spina) and schottenol (δ-7 sterols). The level of α-tocopherol in argan oil (50 mg/kg) is less than in olive oil (approximately 190 mg/kg) and in sunflower oil (approximately 532 mg/kg). The squalene content in argan oil is approximately 3130 mg/kg, while in olive oil, it is 4990 mg/kg and in sunflower oil, it is only 60 mg/kg [14]. However, sunflower and olive oils contain higher amounts of phenolic compounds than argan oil [14,15].
Argan oil, also called Moroccan gold or Berber almonds, has a yellow-brown color, a bitter nutty taste, and a slightly nutty scent. It is obtained from seeds [4] and can be obtained mechanically, using presses, which shortens the production process by 20% compared to the traditional method [14,15]. For industrial or laboratory purposes, argan oil can be obtained from crushed seeds through volatile lipophilic solvents. After evaporating the solvents and after one or two extraction cycles, an oil is obtained with a yield of 50% to 55%.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of most vegetable oils has a beneficial effect on the human body. Valuable properties of argan oil stem from its polyphenols, squalene, and tocopherols [15,16]. Glycerides constitute 99% of argan oil, of which 95% are triglycerides, comprised of oleic acid (43-49%), linoleic acid (29-36%), and trace amounts of linolenic acid. Oleic acid supports the transport of active ingredients naturally present in argan oil into the skin. There are also small amounts of saturated fatty acids in triglycerides. These acids are stearic (4-7%) and palmitic (11-15%). Unsaturated fatty acids are involved in several metabolic pathways, including chronic inflammation.
Other organic compounds found in argan oil include polyphenols, sterols, carotenes, triterpene alcohols, and tocopherols. This is a group of anti-carcinogenic compounds. These compounds are part of the unsaponifiable fraction of argan oil, which constitutes only 1%.
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Derivatives of phenols present in argan oil include ferulic, caffeic, syringic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and vanilla acids; tyrosol; oleuropein; epicatechin; catechin; and catechol [4]. Polyphenols are very valuable natural products that have antioxidant properties. They protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. They can also prevent atherosclerosis, cancer progression, and the development of pathogens.
Argan oil is rich in tocopherol in the amount of 600-700 mg/kg. It is a strong antioxidant and the most efficient free radical scavenger. Argan oil contains 69% γ-tocopherol. It has been shown that γ-tocopherol is more effective than α-tocopherol in removing nitrogen-free radicals, as well as in preventing the proliferation of cancer cells. There are differences in the chemical composition of argan oil, which depend on the geographical origin of the argan seeds as well as the methods of producing the oil. Argan oil obtained by cold pressing has the strongest antioxidant properties.
Benefits and Uses of Argan Oil
Argan oil can both be consumed and applied to the skin, hair, or nails. It may support heart health and reduce signs of aging. Here are some ways to use and benefit from this versatile oil:
- Skin Moisturizer: The oleic and linoleic acids that make up the majority of argan oil’s fat content are vital nutrients for maintaining healthy skin. Argan oil hydrates and balances the lipid environment, creating a favorable setting for beneficial microorganisms, while also possessing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe conditions like eczema and acne.
- Hair Conditioner: Apply argan oil directly to damp or dry hair to improve moisture, reduce breakage, or reduce frizz.
- Heart Health: Argan oil is a rich source of oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated, omega-9 fat. Argan oil’s fatty acids and antioxidants may help reduce heart disease risk, though more research is needed.
- Diabetes Prevention: Some animal studies indicate argan oil may reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance to help prevent diabetes. That said, human studies are lacking.
- Anti-Cancer Effects: Some test-tube studies revealed potential cancer-fighting effects of argan oil, though more studies are needed.
- Reduce Signs of Skin Aging: A few small studies indicate that argan oil may be effective at reducing signs of aging, either when ingested or applied directly to your skin.
- Treat Skin Conditions: Anti-inflammatory compounds in argan oil may benefit skin tissue.
- Promote Wound Healing: In one animal study, argan oil applied to burn wounds accelerated healing. However, human research is needed.
- Stretch Mark Treatment: Argan oil is often used as a remedy for treating stretch marks, although no scientific data supports this.
- Acne Treatment: Argan oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds may support reduced redness and irritation of the skin caused by acne.
- Makeup Remover: Argan oil is considered a dry oil, which makes it completely non-greasy after it’s been rubbed into skin. You can use anti-aging argan oil as a makeup remover because it grabs onto makeup, won’t leave skin greasy, and moisturizes in the process.
- DIY Scrub Base: Since it’s good for all skin types, argan oil is the perfect choice for your DIY body scrub moisture base.
- Healthier Scalp and Frizz Tamer: Argan oil promotes collagen production for fortified hair growth and fights against breakage. This organic oil also tames frizz in a pinch! Since argan oil is super lightweight and non-greasy, it’s perfect for applying to dry or frizzy strands.
- Cuticle Treatment: Rubbing a few drops of argan oil into cuticles and hands is an easy way to restore dry skin. Massage the oil into your cuticles for a couple minutes until it’s absorbed, to soften hard cuticles and skin around the nail.
- Oil Pulling: Argan oil works to extract bacteria from your mouth, improving bad breath, reducing harmful bacteria on the teeth and tongue, and conditioning the gums.
Argan Oil and Gut Health
The bioactive compounds found in argan oil, such as polyphenols and fatty acids, influence immunity and gut metabolism [5]. They have antimicrobial activity against pathogenic gut microbiota, contributing to overall gut health. The intestinal microbiota, which is made up of a variety of commensal microorganisms such as yeasts, fungi, viruses, bacteria, and archaea, is intimately associated with the immune system and the digestive mucosa, and it is vital to human health [11].
Maintaining intestinal physiology and general health depends on this intricate ecology, which may change over time due to several factors such as antibiotic use, nutrition, and environment [12]. A wide range of illnesses, from metabolic disorders to mental health conditions, have been linked to dysbiosis, or imbalances in the gut microbiota [13].
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The capacity of argan oil to regulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota indicates its therapeutic potential for gut health. Its rich polyphenol, essential fatty acid, and tocopherol profile contributes to a balanced microbiota, which in turn reduces inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, enhancing gut barrier integrity and promoting overall intestinal health. This suggests that argan oil may be useful in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other gut-related disorders.
How to Ensure Purity
Due to the high price of argan oil, standardization methods are being sought that would confirm its identity and allow for the detection of adulteration with cheaper oils. In addition to testing the composition of fatty acids, gas chromatography can be used to determine the content of campesterol, which is found in trace amounts in argan oil, although there is a risk of adulteration with oil with partially removed campesterol [15].
Generally, you can use your nose to determine the quality of any given argan oil brand. If the oil is pure and minimally processed, it should have a pungent nutty odor. Put simply, the presence of this nutty odor means that your argan oil is pure, undiluted, and nutrient-dense. When you apply pure argan oil to your skin or hair, the scent will only linger for a few minutes. So, don’t worry about a nutty aroma trailing after you when you leave the house!
Table: Nutritional Composition of Argan Oil
| Nutrient | Amount per Tablespoon |
|---|---|
| Calories | 72 |
| Protein | Less than 1 gram |
| Fat | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | Less than 1 gram |
| Fiber | Less than 1 gram |
| Sugar | Less than 1 gram |
| Vitamin E | High Concentration |
| Omega Fatty Acids | Rich |
| Melatonin | Present |
Argan oil is full of polyphenols, otherwise known as flavonoids. These compounds act as powerful antioxidants and help give the oil its unique flavor.
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