Argan Oil Research Articles

Pharmaceutical Applications of Chitosan Extracted from Local Marine Sources

Identification of chitosan from new local marine sources could be a great challenge for research in terms of using this biopolymer in various pharmaceutical, environmental or food applications. In the present study, two chitosan powder samples extracted from processed shrimps waste and Rapana venosa eggs capsules were compared with a food supplement sample based on chitosan, from the point of view of spectral analyses (FTIR spectroscopy), of their solubility in dilute acetic acid solutions (1 %), insoluble substances content, and fats binding capacity. In order to determine the fat binding capacity of the tested chitosan samples, different types of cold pressed vegetables oils (olive oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, argan oil and coconut oil) and animal fats (butter and pork lard) were used. The present study highlighted that the chitosan samples, chemically extracted with low financial efforts by waste recovery of crustaceans and mollusks from Romanian Black Sea coast, could be an important source with high potential. The obtained results showed a good fat binding capacity, especially for chitosan samples extracted from shrimps waste compared to the chitosan sample chosen as reference. These compounds may be successfully used in pharmaceutical applications, in various formulations as dietary supplement, or as useful therapeutic component in the hypocholesterolemia treatment or in prevention of cardiovascular risk, due to their good solubility in dilute acidic solutions and lower values of insoluble content.

Non-isothermal kinetic analysis of the combustion of argan shell biomass

Abstract Argan shell is one of the main by-products during argan oil production. It is considered as an attractive, cheap and renewable biomass source for sustainable energy utilization. The present paper reports on combustion characteristics of argan shell in order to evaluate their potential for thermochemical conversion. Combustion studies using thermogravimetry (TG) are performed at four different heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C·min−1. Kinetic parameters under non-isothermal condition are calculated using FWO (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method) and KAS (Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose) model free methods. From the results obtained, it was revealed that when the conversion level (α) fluctuates between 0.1 and 0.55, the average activation energy were 154 and 145 KJ/mol for FWO and KAS methods, respectively. Then, it decreases drastically with α ≥ 0.6, reflecting the kinetic complexity of the combustion process characterized by a faster reaction caused by the intense devolatilization stage. Overall, the results highlight the potential use of argan shell as a biomass product for thermal conversion through combustion.

Anti-inflammatory activity of argan oil and its minor components

Argan oil is thought to be the most expensive edible oil worldwide. It is difficult to produce and the argan tree only grows in a limited geographical area, notably Morocco and Algeria. Because it is produced by mechanical means, argan oil contains “minor” components that might be endowed with healthful effects. We investigated in vivo the anti-inflammatory activities of argan oil and its unsaponifiable fraction, using diclofenac as the control, in a carrageenan-induced rat model of inflammation. Rats were given different amounts of argan oil or its unsaponifiable fraction, by gavage. We report that argan oil and its “minor” components effectively lessen the inflammatory actions of carrageenan. Far from being “pharmacological” the actions of argan oil are comparable with those of diclofenac in the short, i.e. 4 h term. Sustained consumption of argan oil might, therefore, contribute to lessen the burden of degenerative diseases associated with higher inflammatory status.

Microwave assisted high performance liquid chromatography for the separation of triacylglycerols in vegetable oils using an evaporative light scattering detector

Microwave (MW) radiation was applied to perform the separation of triacylglycerols (TGs) in oil samples. The novelty of the work lies in the application of MW radiation to assist the separation of several non-polar compounds employing a totally organic mobile phase. Once the influence of the evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) variables on the sensitivity was optimized, the TGs separation was compared conditioning the column with either a conventional HPLC or a MW oven. Contrary to previous applications in which the mobile phase contained water, the improvement in sensitivity using MW was not as significant in comparison with conventional heating but it allowed a shortening in the retention times of several TGs in about 50% respect elution at room temperature. The method was finally applied for the quantification of most common TGs in almond, tiger nut, and argan oil.

Screening Method for Argan Oil Adulteration with Vegetable Oils: An Online HPLC Assay with Postcolumn Detection Utilizing Chemometric Multidata Analysis

This study is focused on examining the tocopherol isomers (α-, γ-, and δ-) fingerprinting by online RP-HPLC analysis with post column detection using CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) methodology for argan oil authenticity. The proposed online assay was validated with good precision, reproducibility, and linearity. Sixteen argan oil samples (100% pure-certified and other commercial argan oils), possible adulterating vegetable oils (i.e., olive, sunflower, corn, and soya oils), and virgin argan oil blended with olive, sunflower, corn, and soya oils at levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% were analyzed. Spectrophotometric CUPRAC, DPPH, and ABTS assays were applied. Discrimination of fraudulent argan oils from virgin samples was performed by utilizing orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) regression modeling with good sensitivity and specificity. We suggested [γ-toc/α-toc] value as a new first screening adulteration factor (AF) that could be used to assess fraudulent argan oil samples. The distinct decrement in AF value was observed by the increase of adulteration rate. The AF values for virgin argan oils were ranged from 11.8 (lower limit) to 18.6 (upper limit). The presence of β-sitosterol detected in commercial argan oils (with AF values out of limit values) was evaluated as fraudulent which was in accordance with the proposed assay. Our method enabled the detection of argan oil samples at adulteration levels of >5% in the case of sunflower, olive, and soya oils, >15% in the case of corn oil. This method may be an alternative and specific assay for the authentication and quality detection of commercial argan oils.

Model study on dilute acid pretreatment of argan pulp for bioethanol production using response surface methodology

The present work describes comparative dilute acid pretreatment of the argan pulp (residue produced during the argan oil extraction) used as an economical source for bioethanol production. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the pretreatment process and to explore the effect of operational parameters (acid concentration, temperature, time and biomass loading), depending on the acid type (HCl, H2SO4) and pretreatment approach, on total and reducing sugars recovery, in addition to phenolic compounds rate as inhibitors produced during pretreatment process. Experimental results predict an optimal yield of total and reducing sugars of 171.46 mg/ml and 54.83 mg/ml, respectively, were achieved at an optimized time of 30 min with 7% of sulfuric acid at 160°C using 40 % for biomass loading.

Tin Content Is a Possible Marker to Discriminate Argan Oil Against Olive, Sesame, Mustard, Corn, Peanut, and Sunflower Oils

Argan oil occupies an important position in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food domains. Because of its elevated price, argan oil is subjected to adulteration practices by industrial or commercial actors eager to increase profit margins. Therefore, methods to ascertain argan oil authenticity are actively looked for. The use of argan oil elements as authenticity markers has been evaluated. To identify distinctive markers of argan oil allowing the detection of adulteration, the element content of seven pairs of vegetable edible oils is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES). For each pair, a plant is grown in Morocco and the other in a different country. Content of 12 metals in the resulting vegetable oil is determined and results are interpreted taking into account the soil element content. This study shows that soil element content frequently influences the oil element content but argan oil, which is necessarily prepared from roasted argan kernels, represents a special case since its tin content is much higher than in any other oils. Tin content is a useful marker to characterize argan oil and can be used to certify its authenticity.Practical Application: Tin content determination can be recommended as a possible specific marker to certify argan oil authenticity. This study demonstrates that such analysis is efficient to differentiate argan oil from six other common edible oils.Element content determination is performed over three consecutive years using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES) on seven different pairs of edible oils: argan, olive, sesame, mustard, corn, peanut, and sunflower oils. One member of the pair has been prepared from fruit or seeds grown in Morocco while the other one originated from a far removed location. Depending on the type of oil, differences in element content are observed but, remarkably, argan oil is the only oil presenting an elevated tin content that is confirmed by a bibliography search. Therefore tin content determination can be recommended as an additional method to certify argan oil authenticity.

FORMULATION, OPTIMIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IBUPROFEN LOADED MICROEMULSION SYSTEM USING D-OPTIMAL MIXTURE DESIGN

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop, optimize and characterize a stable microemulsion, with an improvement of the solubility of a poorly aqueous soluble drug, ibuprofen.
 Methods: Various oils (oleic acid, cottonseed oil, olive oil, argan oil, and labrafac® WL 1349), surfactants (tween® 80, tween® 40, tween® 20) and co-surfactants including polyethylene glycol 400, ethanol, 1-butanol, and propylene glycol were selected after solubility studies. Then, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams with surfactant/co-surfactant ratio of 1:2, 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 were constructed and a D-optimal mixture design method was used to optimize the ibuprofen loaded microemulsion. The optimized microemulsion was evaluated for several characteristics including globule size, zeta potential, pH, conductivity, refractive index and stability studies.
 Results: Optimized microemulsion obtained was composed of oleic acid (6.88% w/w), tween® 80/1-butanol (3:1, 63.11% w/w) and water (30.00% w/w). The results obtained showed an average globule size of 117.5 nm, a zeta potential of-6.47 mV and a transmittance of 96.95±0.77%. The optimized formulation showed an improvement in the solubility of ibuprofen with unchanged characteristics for one month.
 Conclusion: The use of pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and mathematical modeling allows to obtain an optimal microemulsion with perfect stability for 1 mo and a better solubilization capacity of ibuprofen.

Effect of clones, year of harvest and geographical origin of fruits on quality and chemical composition of Argan oil

Argan oil is precious oil with food and cosmetic uses. In recent years, this oil has been subject to an increasing national and international demand. The present work aims at studying the effect of clones and age, year of harvest and geographical origin on Argan oil quality and chemical composition. The results indicate that age does not affect Argan oil quality and fatty acids content. However, clones had a significant effect on fatty acids and tocopherol levels. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were highly influenced by the year of harvest and geographical origin, presumably due to climatic conditions. Unsaturated fatty acids varied from 78.28% to 81.77%. Depending on clones, total tocopherols varied from 687.40 mg/kg to 1068 mg/kg. This study is useful for the choice of clones with the aim of developing Argan trees orchards destined to oil production.

The use of tris (tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate) of praseodymium chemical shift reagent in proton NMR for the evaluation of the argan oil fatty acids autoxidation and the analysis of the argan pulp fatty acids

Proton NMR is a method of molecular investigation that has its limitations when applied to complex molecules or molecules with many nearly equivalent sites. Previous studies have resorted to the use of paramagnetic chemical shift reagents, having as formula tris (tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate) of lanthanides ln((tpip.)3. The use of reagent Pr(tpip)3 in proton RMN has allowed us to evaluate the autoxidation of fatty acids mixture (stored 6 and 12 months after oil extraction) by the dosage of saturated and unsaturated acids on the one hand, and that of oleic and linoleic acids on the other. We note between 6 and 12 months of storage at 4°C a decrease in the percentage of unsaturated acids (76% to 63%) and an increase in the percentage of saturated acids (24% to 36%). The results show that the oleic acid maintained the same percentage (35%) as it is not easily oxidized whereas, for the linoleic acid, we observe a decrease in percentage from 22.5% to 18.5% (slow autoxidation at 4°C). We also used this NMR method for the analysis of the argan pulp fatty part. The GC analysis shows that it contains very few unsaturated fatty acids and that the main fatty acids are myristic (C14:0) and palmitic (C16:0) acids. The proton NMR with Pr(tpip)3 allowed us to confirm these results. This method that does not require derivation has proven to be interesting, simple and efficient.

The use of tris (tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate) of praseodymium chemical shift reagent in proton NMR for the evaluation of the argan oil fatty acids autoxidation and the analysis of the argan pulp fatty acids

<p>Proton NMR is a method of molecular investigation that has its limitations when applied to complex molecules or molecules with many nearly equivalent sites. Previous studies have resorted to the use of paramagnetic chemical shift reagents, having as formula tris (tetraphenylimidodiphosphinate) of lanthanides ln((tpip.)3.<strong> </strong>The use of reagent Pr(tpip)3 in proton RMN has allowed us to evaluate the autoxidation of fatty acids mixture (stored 6 and 12 months after oil extraction) by the dosage of saturated and unsaturated acids on the one hand, and that of oleic and linoleic acids on the other. We note between 6 and 12 months of storage at 4°C a decrease in the percentage of unsaturated acids (76% to 63%) and an increase in the percentage of saturated acids (24% to 36%). The results show that the oleic acid maintained the same percentage (35%) as it is not easily oxidized whereas, for the linoleic acid, we observe a decrease in percentage from 22.5% to 18.5% (slow autoxidation at 4°C). We also used this NMR method for the analysis of the argan pulp fatty part. The GC analysis shows that it contains very few unsaturated fatty acids and that the main fatty acids are myristic (C14:0) and palmitic (C16:0) acids. The proton NMR with Pr(tpip)3 allowed us to confirm these results. This method that does not require derivation has proven to be interesting, simple and efficient.</p>

Argan oil authentication using visible/near infrared spectroscopy combined to chemometrics tools

Visible and Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (Vis/NIRS) technique was investigated as a non-destructive optical method in order to authenticate argan oil. This study focuses on the detection and quantification of argan oil adulteration with cheap vegetable oils, using Vis/NIRS associated with chemometric tools in the spectral ranges from 500 to 1000 nm and 1000 to 1700 nm. The results achieved using baseline and first derivative pretreatments before analyzing data set with multivariate calibration methods are the best. Partial Least Squares (PLS) model has been established to predict the concentration of adulterants in pure argan oil with a correlation of 0.90, Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP) of 4.67, Standard Error of Prediction (SEP) of 4.57 and a bias of 1.26. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) model was established to discriminate samples according to the type of adulterants. The results show Vis/NIRS efficiency as a rapid and non-destructive method and the importance of chemometric tools in order to develop accurate models to authenticate argan oil. Less than 1 s run by NIRS allows the identification of adulterants in pure argan oil from a percentage of adulteration of 0.35% without needing to prepare or destruct samples.

Characterization of Key Odorants in Moroccan Argan Oil by Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis

The aroma‐active compounds of Moroccan argan oil are sensorily and instrumentally analyzed via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O). The purge and trap extraction (PTE) method is used for the extraction of volatile components. A total of 35 aroma compounds are determined including mostly alcohols and pyrazines, and some carboxylic acids, pyrroles, furans, lactones, volatile phenols, an aldehyde, and a ketone. An aroma extract dilution analysis of the aromatic fraction of argan oil isolated by the PTE method reveals 19 key odorants with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 4 to 512, among which nonanal, 2,5‐dimethyl‐3‐ethylpyrazine and 2,3‐diethyl‐5‐methylpyrazine show the highest FD factors of 512. As for the principal scents perceived by all panelists, characteristic odor notes in argan oil are found to be roasty, nutty, fatty, earthy, and cheesy.Practical Applications: Nut oil is one of the most widely consumed oils in many countries. The outcomes of this investigation provide valuable information for elucidation of the key odorants and aroma composition of the well‐known and expensive Moroccan argan oil. Aroma is a crucial quality parameter of a foodstuff which directly influences customer preferences. Therefore, determining the key odorants of argan oil's aromatic extract isolated by purge and trap methodology is of major importance for the argan oil sector. The purge and trap extraction set for separation followed by analysis and characterization of those compounds via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O) is an effective practical application tool for aroma description in valuable and expensive oil samples. It is observed that the characteristic odor notes of argan oil are related to the few most powerful aroma‐active compounds using the aroma extract dilution analysis technique.The aroma‐active compounds of Moroccan argan oil are sensorily and instrumentally analyzed via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O). The purge and trap extraction (PTE) method is used for the extraction of volatile components. A total of 19 aroma compounds are detected as aroma active by AEDA method among 35 volatiles. Characteristic odor notes in argan oil are found to be roasty, nutty, fatty, earthy, and cheesy.

The Triacylglycerol Profile of Oil Bodies and Oil Extracted from Argania spinosa Using the UPLC Along with the Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS).

The triacylglycerol (TAG) matrix of argan oil (AO) bodies (AOB) along with the TAGs of AO extracted from the same kernels using an organic solvent, were identified and quantified using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Generally, both samples showed a similar TAGs profile but AO found to have three extra TAGs in low amount. In total 23 and 26 different TAGs were identified in AOBs and AO, respectively. The most abundant TAGs were OOL, POO, OOO, and POL in both samples. Furthermore, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid were the major fatty acids in both AOBs and AO. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research that studied the TAGs matrix of an oil body revealing no major difference between the TAGs profile protected by the AOBs membrane and the oil extracted from the whole seed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Seed and kernels oil bodies emulsion tend to be the new source of emulsified oil in food and cosmetic industries. However, before replacing a product with another, we have to make sure that the new alternative can offer better or at least similar benefits. Our results showed that the triacylglycerols (TAGs) matrix and the argan oil (AO) share the same TAGs profile with a relatively close percentage. Therefore, AO bodies can be the perfect pre-emulsified oil for some food products like sauces and creams.

Raman spectroscopic analysis to detect olive oil mixtures in argan oil

Raman spectroscopic analysis to detect olive oil mixtures in argan oil

The Properties and Application of Argan Oil in Cosmetology

For the last few years there has been observed an interest and growing awareness of consumers regarding healthy diet, way of life, and body care. This leads to the design and creation of new products and cosmetic formulations with appropriate sensory characteristics and rheological properties, attractive in terms of nutritional values, and body care. Argan oil contains a high level of both oleic acid and linoleic acid, making it an excellent source of basic polyunsaturated fatty acids. Also, it is particularly rich in polyphenols and tocopherols that exhibit significant antioxidant activity. This paper presents a literature review of the properties of argan oil and their application. Argan oil is used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries and supports the treatment of many diseases.Practical Applications: This work presents a wide review and discussion of the literature on the issues related to the use of argan oil in cosmetology and cosmetics industry based on its properties. This review work can be helpful for the cosmetics and food industry in creating new cosmetic recipes and food products (e.g., special‐purpose products) using argan oil as a base raw material.Argan oil contains a high level of both oleic acid and linoleic acid, making it an excellent source of basic polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is also particularly rich in polyphenols and tocopherols that exhibit significant antioxidant activity. This leads to the design and creation of new products and cosmetic formulations with appropriate sensory characteristics and rheological properties, attractive in terms of nutritional values, and body care. This paper presents a literature review of the properties of argan oil and their application.

The Anti-proliferative and Anti-bacterial Activity of Argan oil and Crude Saponin Extract from Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels

Introduction: Argan oil is a well-known cosmeceutical that is commercially available. It is traditionally used for the treatment of acne and skin inflammation among others. The objective of this study was to assess the anti-proliferative and antibacterial activities of argan oil and a crude saponin extract from the argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) that is endemic to Morocco. Materials and Methods: The anti-proliferative activity of argan oil and the crude saponin extract was assessed by the 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium- 5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay on A431; HaCat; HeLa; MCF-7 and UCT-Mel 1 cells. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution method against two species of bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes and Prevotella intermedia. Results: The results of this study indicated that the argan oil sample did not inhibit the cell growth of the specified cell lines up to 1000μg/ml, while the crude saponin extract had low anti-proliferative activity. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for both the argan oil and the crude saponin extract were found to be 500μg/ml against Cutibacterium acnes. No antibacterial activity from the argan oil or the crude saponin extract was evident against Prevotella intermedia up to a concentration of 12.5mg/ml. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that argan oil and the crude saponin extract might have direct inhibitory effects on the growth and proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes. This finding supports the use argan oil as a treatment for acne vulgaris.

Physicochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Castor Oil (<i>R. communis</i>) for Hair Biocosmetics

This study reports the characterization of oil from Castor (Ricinus Communius L) seed oil. The biocosmetic potential of the castor oil was evaluated for hair through physico-chemical characterization. The various physicochemical parameters (iodine value, pH value, specific gravity, refractive index, peroxide value, etc) were tested in accordance with American standard testing method specifications and compared with argan oil. Accordingly, the parameters tested comply with some journals dealing with cosmetics. Biocosmetic has high potential as a raw material for synthetic cosmetics or blend stock substitution for cosmetics without any modification. The advantage of castor oil over other oils (sunflower, olive, soy bean, corn) would lie in the oil price.

Effect of maturity stage on the chemical composition of argan fruit pulp

Argan tree, a species endemic to Southern Morroco, is well known for its kernel oil used in cosmetics and health-food, but the corresponding pulp attracted less interest from researchers and little is known about its chemical composition and evolution during maturation. The pulp of argan fruits monthly harvested during the ripening period based on fruit color (April to July), was analyzed. With progressing ripeness various changes were observed in the chemical composition, such as (i) a four-fold increase of total soluble sugars content (glucose, fructose and saccharose), and of Fe (75–165 ppm), but also (ii) a drop of many components, such as proteins (10.1–6.4%), and cell wall polymers, lignin (14.9–5.9%) and hemicellulose and cellulose. Hexane-soluble compounds found in substantial amount (10.7% in April) also decreased with time: the pulp oil peak (8.3%) was in April and June, and that of polyisoprene in June (3.6%). Therefore the stage of maturity (harvest date) is to be considered, without affecting the quality of the argan oil.

Investigation of peroxidation kinetics in oil-in-water emulsions induced by Cu(II)

In this study, peroxidation of olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil, argan oil, rosehip oil emulsions was carried out in the presence of copper (II) ion at 37 ° C and pH 7 in a ventilated incubation environment. Primer products (hydroperoxides) were monitored by Fe (III) SCN method and secondary products (malondialdehyde) were analyzed by TBARS analytical methods. In addition, GC-MS analysis were performed on the oils studied to identify compounds that behave as free radical scavengers or hydrogen donors. Before preparation of the oil emulsions in water, iodine index determinations of the degrees of unsaturation in the oils were made and found to be 86.28, 128.12, 140.22, 164.97, 97.29 and 183.58 gI2 / 100g for olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil, argan oil and rosehip oil respectively. The rate constants were calculated kwalnut oil > kargan oil > krosehip oil > ksunflower oil > kcorn oil > kolive oil for FeSCN method and krosehip oil > kwalnut oil > kargan oil > kolive oil > ksunflower oil > kcorn oil for TBARS method, respectively. As a result, pseudo first order kinetics of hydroperoxides and aldehydes were observed in copper-catalyzed oil emulsions at 37 ° C and pH 7, and the absorbance values obtained as a function of the incubation period gave sigmoidal curves. This study showed that the oxidation rates of fats are closely related to the conjugated fatty acids. It was thought that the kinetic data obtained could be used to accurately calculate the shelf life of oils used as food components.