Argan Oil Research Articles

Development of a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Optimized Topical Delivery of Clofazimine.

A quality-by-design and characterization approach was followed to ensure development of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) destined for topical delivery of the highly lipophilic clofazimine. Solubility and water-titration experiments identified spontaneous emulsification capacity of different excipient combinations and clofazimine. After identifying self-emulsification regions, check-point formulations were selected within the self-emulsification region by considering characteristics required to achieve optimized topical drug delivery. Check-point formulations, able to withstand phase separation after 24 h at an ambient temperature, were subjected to characterization studies. Experiments involved droplet size evaluation; size distribution; zeta-potential; self-emulsification time and efficacy; viscosity and pH measurement; cloud point assessment; and thermodynamic stability studies. SEDDSs with favorable properties, i.e., topical drug delivery, were subjected to dermal diffusion studies. Successful in vitro topical clofazimine delivery was observed. Olive oil facilitated the highest topical delivery of clofazimine probably due to increased oleic acid levels that enhanced stratum corneum lipid disruption, followed by improved dermal clofazimine delivery. Finally, isothermal microcalometric experiments studied the compatibility of excipients. Potential interactions were depicted between argan oil and clofazimine as well as between Span®60 and argan-, macadamia- and olive oil, respectively. However, despite some mundane incompatibilities, successful development of topical SEDDSs achieved enhanced topical clofazimine delivery.

Argan oil ameliorates sodium fluoride-induced renal damage via inhibiting oxidative damage, inflammation, and intermediate filament protein expression in male rats.

Fluoride is widely distributed in the environment and has been associated with the development of different health hazards in animals and humans. Argan oil (AO) is a natural vegetable oil with various beneficial pharmacological effects. This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of AO supplementation as pre-treatment or co-treatment on sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 50) were randomly assigned to one of five equal groups: control group, AO-treated group (6ml/kg b.wt.), NaF-treated group (20mg/kg b.wt.), pre-treated group, and co-treated group. All rats were daily administered by oral gavage for duration of 30days. The results showed that AO administration significantly improved renal function and antioxidant status and decreased the lipid peroxidation in NaF-treated rats. Additionally, AO normalized the renal levels of inflammatory markers and mRNA expression level of the intermediate filament protein genes, indicating NaF-induced podocyte damage was ameliorated. Histopathological evaluation of the kidney confirmed the before mentioned biochemical results. AO counteracted the nephrotoxic effects of NaF in rats particularly at co-exposure. These results concluded that AO administration exhibited a significant nephroprotective effect against renal injury induced by NaF in rats.

Evaluation of the chemical composition of Argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil according to its extraction method, origin of production and altitude.

Evaluation of the chemical composition of Argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil according to its extraction method, origin of production and altitude.

Argan oil supplementation attenuates voluntary ethanol consumption and withdrawal syndrome promoted by adolescent intermittent ethanol in rat.

The present study investigates the potential neuroprotective effect of argan oil (AO), a natural vegetable oil, commonly used in folk Moroccan medicines, on adolescent intermittent ethanol intoxication (IEI), induced voluntary ethanol consumption, and withdrawal syndrome in rats. Animals were treated with ethanol (intraperitoneally [i.p.], 3g/kg body weight [bw]) in intermittent doses (2 days on; 2 days off, from postnatal day 30-43), with/without oral AO pre-treatment (10mL/kg/day bw, from postnatal day 21-121). A 2-bottle free access test was performed over 10 weeks to assess 10% ethanol consumption. Behavioral signs of withdrawal were observed after 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72h after ethanol removal. Anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze and the light/dark box tests were also evaluated at 72h of withdrawal. We found that AO pre-treatment significantly decreased the voluntary ethanol consumption induced by adolescent IEI. In addition, by establishing low ethanol consumption, AO pre-treatment counteracts negative effects of ethanol withdrawal and anxiety-like behaviors in ethanol-treated rats after 72h of abstinence. Following behavioral assays, oxidative stress markers were evaluated and histologic analysis of neurodegeneration was also performed. The results showed that the low ethanol drinking in the AO-supplemented rats was associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in the rats' brains. These findings provide evidence for the promising neuroprotective effect of AO supplementation in voluntary ethanol consumption and withdrawal syndrome, at least in part through counteracting oxidative stress markers and neurodegeneration.

High-throughput screening of argan oil composition and authenticity using benchtop 1 H NMR.

We use 60‐MHz benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to acquire 1H spectra from argan oils of assured origin. We show that the low‐field NMR spectrum of neat oil contains sufficient information to make estimates of compositional parameters and to inform on the presence of minor compounds. A screening method for quality and authenticity is presented based on nearest‐neighbour outlier detection. A variety of oil types are used to challenge the method. In a survey of retail‐purchased oils, several instances of fraud were found.

Argania Spinosa Fruit Shell Extract-Induced Melanogenesis via cAMP Signaling Pathway Activation.

We have previously reported that argan oil and argan press-cake from the kernels of Argania spinosa have an anti-melanogenesis effect. Here, the effect of argan fruit shell ethanol extract (AFSEE) on melanogenesis in B16F10 cells was determined, and the mechanism underlying its effect was elucidated. The proliferation of AFSEE-treated B16F10 cells was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the melanin content was quantified using a spectrophotometric method. The expression of melanogenesis-related proteins was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR, while global gene expression was determined using a DNA microarray. In vitro analysis results showed that the melanin content of B16F10 cells was significantly increased by AFSEE, without cytotoxicity, by increasing the melanogenic enzyme tyrosinase (TRY), tyrosinase related-protein 1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) protein and mRNA expression, as well as upregulating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38, and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, as indicated by the microarray analysis results. AFSEE’s melanogenesis promotion effect is primarily attributed to its polyphenolic components. In conclusion, AFSEE promotes melanogenesis in B16F10 cells by upregulating the expression of the melanogenic enzymes through the cAMP–MITF signaling pathway.AFSEE may be used as a cosmetics product component to promote melanogenesis, or as a therapeutic against hypopigmentation disorders.

Quality of Life: Psychological Symptoms-Effects of a 2-Month Healthy Diet and Nutraceutical Intervention; A Randomized, Open-Label Intervention Trial (RISTOMED).

Depression symptoms and lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are associated with inflammation. This multicenter dietary intervention was shown to reduce inflammation in older people. This was the main outcome. Here, we describe the effects on HRQoL, anxiety, and depressive symptoms according to inflammation status. Overall, 125 healthy older subjects (65–80 year) were recruited (Italy, France, and Germany) and randomized into four arms (A, Healthy diet (HD); B, HD plus De Simone Formulation probiotic blend; C, HD plus AISA d-Limonene; D, HD plus Argan oil). The HD was weight maintaining, rich in antioxidant vitamins, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6: n3 ratio = 3:1), and fiber. Data on inflammatory parameters, mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component summaries of HRQoL (SF−36), anxiety symptoms (STAI state), and depressive symptoms (CES-D) were collected before and after 56 days of intervention. Body fat mass proportion (BFM) was considered a co-variable. A decrease of CES-D score was seen in the four arms (A: −40.0%, p = 0.001; B: −32.5%, p = 0.023; C: −42.8%, p = 0.004; and D: −33.3%, p = 0.21). Within the subgroups of subjects with medium/high inflammation a similar decrease in CES-D score occurred in all groups (A: −44.8%, p = 0.021; B, −46.7%, p = 0.024; C, −52.2%, p = 0.039; D, −43.8%, p = 0.037). The effect of interventions on CES-D was not related to baseline inflammation. MCS-HRQoL improved in A and C. There was no change in anxiety or PCS-HRQoL. In this trial with no control group, a decrease in depressive symptoms in healthy older volunteers was observed after a 2-month healthy diet intervention, independently of inflammation but with possible limitations due to participation.

Conservation, valuation and sustainable development issues of the Argan Tree Biosphere Reserve in Morocco

Abstract The argan tree is a multi-purpose tree (fruit tree, medicinal, cosmetic, and pastoral plant) found in the semi-arid and arid regions of North Africa. It is under strong human pressure such as the impact of population growth, crop expansion, overgrazing, and wood and fruit exploitation that are also the main causes of desertification in the rest of the world. Over the years, interest in this beneficial tree and demand for its products have increased: especially with the increase in the price of argan oil, which is now one of the most expensive and much in demand oils in the world. This increase has led to many socio-political, economic and cultural changes at the national, regional and local levels, especially in farming behaviour and the habits of the local population. This bibliographic research was therefore conducted in order to analyse the various changes and their consequences on the planning, conservation, and management methods implemented in the argan tree area and their effects on the habits of the local population in order to ensure the sustainability of the Argan Tree Biosphere Reserve in Morocco. Indeed, the aims of this study were, firstly, to analyse the change dynamic of argan forest area in the ABR; and secondly, to investigate the impact of various socio-political, economic and cultural changes resulting from increased prices of argan oil on planning, conservation, and management methods of argan tree ecosystem and on the habits of the local population.

Argan Oil Element Content is a Powerful Marker of the Quality of the Fruit Used for its Preparation.

Argan oil is prepared by cold pressing argan kernels collected from fully ripe fruit. Argan oil market price is particularly elevated. Consequently, efficient methods to ascertain its authenticity and quality are looked for by industrials as well as individual consumers. Argan oil element profile has already been shown to be sufficiently singular to be used to certify its authenticity. Quantification of eleven elements (Ca, P, Mg, Mn, K, Cu, Fe, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Sn) indicated a 55 to 60% increase in global metal content in argan oil prepared from fully ripe fruit, compared to argan oil prepared from unripe fruit. Individual variations are herein reported and our study demonstrates that argan oil element profile allows to certify the degree of maturity of the argan fruit at its harvest time and hence to guarantee the respect of one essential parameter necessary to get an argan oil of high nutritional quality.

Physicochemical Characterizes of Argan Oil (Argania spinosa L.) Affected by Roasting and Pulping by Goats

Present study investigates the influence of roasting and pulping by goats on the quality of argan oil (Argania spinosa L.). To carry out this work, 4 different samples selected by their method of extraction (by mechanical pressing from argan fruits pulped by goats). The study of the physicochemical characteristics of the 4 samples shows that the roasting of the almonds of the argan fruit and the pulping by the goat appear as a parameter can increase the value of the peroxide index and the acidity. It’s also found that pulping by goats can decrease the value of fatty acids (linoleic C18: 2) and the percentage of triglycerides (LLL, LOO and OOO) in argan oil. The result of sterols clearly shows that roasting is reduced the total sterols. The study of the concentration of benzo-α-pyrene suggests that roasting does not produce significant amounts of benzo-α-pyrene. Also, present findings shows that roasting and pulping by goats appears as a parameter influencing the acid value of argan oil. In fact, the acidity value is higher in the argan oil samples prepared from roasted almonds and pulped by goats. Finally, the present study indicated that the high quality of argan oil can be extracted by mechanical pressing and which is not pulped by goats and, therefore, current results may support the marketing of the oil argan.

Renoprotective, Hypoglycemic, and Hypolipidemic Effects of Argan (Argania Spinosa L.) Oil on Male Rats Exposed to Cadmium

Renoprotective, Hypoglycemic, and Hypolipidemic Effects of Argan (Argania Spinosa L.) Oil on Male Rats Exposed to Cadmium

Optimization of semi-anaerobic vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) production from rice bran oil using Propionibacterium freudenreichii PTCC1674

Abstract Vitamin B12 contributes many substantial metabolic cycles in the living organisms. Since human beings cannot produce such co-factor by their metabolism, they have to receive this vitamin from foods and supplements. Dimethylbenzimidazole (DMBI) distinguishes the active form of vitamin B12 from pseudo-vitamin B12. De Novo total biosynthesis of vitamin B12 in the bacteria should include DMBI biosynthesis through riboflavin pathway. Propionibacterium freudenreichii can produce vitamin B12 through anaerobic biosynthesis pathway. As vitamin B12 production by P. freudenreichii is the growth-associated phenomena, the effect of different carbon sources (rice bran oil, argan oil), nutrients (DMBI) and amino acids (L-Serin, L-Tryptophan, l -cysteine, l -Methionine) on the growth of Propionibacterium freudenreichii PTCC1674 (pfre) were investigated. Through the statistical analysis of vitamin B12 production, rice bran oil (RBO) was selected as the sole carbon source. By applying Plackett-Burman method, significant parameters of vitamin B12 production were extracted and optimized based on Box-Behnken design of experiments. RBO, DMBI and CaCl2.2H2O concentrations and temperature were the four main effective parameters of vitamin B12 production. Via implemented response to surface methodology (RSM), the response was optimized to 2.94 mg/L, while 14% increase of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) production was obtained at RBO concentration of 8.648% V/V, temperature of 38.3 (°C), DMBI concentration of 55.758 (mg/L) and elemental solution concentration of 2 (mg/L). It was concluded that pfre can grow on rice bran oil as a new carbon source while the changing of culture media composition alters the growth profile. Box-Behnken design effectively optimized parameters achieved from Plackett-Burman screening method.

Optimum roasting conditions of argan kernels (Argania spinosa L.) for the production of high-quality edible argan oil.

Roasting is an important step in the production of edible argan oils. The effect of argan kernel roasting temperature (ranging from 150 to 200°C) and time (from 10 to 50min), on oil yield, contents in total phenolic compounds, α- and γ-tocopherol, and oxidative stability, was researched using response surface methodology. Increases in roasting temperature and time have a significant effect on all the responses. This study showed that the optimum roasting conditions of argan kernel (indirect heat by convection) for the production of edible argan oils were 150°C and 50min, which allowed reaching a maximum oil yield of 32.45%. Edible argan oil, obtained under these conditions, had a content of total phenolic compounds of 78.01mg/kg, α- and γ-tocopherol of 30.28 and 495.03mg/kg, respectively, and an oxidative stability of 37.58h. Furthermore, it presented olfactory notes of 'almond, dried fruits, hazelnut and waffle', with 'sweet' and 'fruity' as positive attributes, without any defect.

Vegetable butters and oils in skin wound healing: Scientific evidence for new opportunities in dermatology.

The use of vegetable butters and oils shows promising results in the treatment of skin wounds, as they have an effective impact on the phases of the wound-healing process through their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities and by promoting cell proliferation, increasing collagen synthesis, stimulating dermal reconstruction, and repairing the skin's lipid barrier function. In this article, in vitro and in vivo studies of argan (Argania spinosa), avocado (Persea americana), black cumin (Nigella sativa), calophyllum (Calophyllum inophyllum), coconut (Cocos nucifera), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), grape (Vitis vinifera), green coffee (Coffea arabica), lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus), linseed (Linum usitatissimum), lucuma (Pouteria lucuma), mango (Mangifera indica), olive (Olea europaea), pomegranate (Punica granatum), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), rapeseed (Brassica napus), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oils were reviewed. In many cases, vegetable oils proved to be more effective than synthetic wound-healing compounds used as controls. The fatty-acid components of vegetable oils are assumed to play a major role in the wound-healing process, in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Evidence shows that oils with a higher linoleic to oleic acid ratio are more effective for lipid barrier repair. However, in depth studies are needed to gain knowledge about vegetable oils' effects on the skin and vice versa.

Aroma‐Relevant Volatile Compounds as Markers for the Sensory Quality of Argan Oil

AbstractThe aim of the present work is to identify and characterize the most important aroma active compounds of argan oil from unroasted and roasted argan almonds as well as roasted almonds obtained from goat‐digested fruits by dynamic headspace GC and GC‐olfactometry with aroma dilution analysis to classify samples from the market according to their processing. While fresh ground argan almonds are characterized by only seven aroma active compounds, in argan oil from unroasted and roasted almonds, 22 and 35 aroma active compounds are found, respectively. As a result of the roasting process, 14 aroma active compounds with dilution factors >64 are detected in the oil by GC‐olfactometry. 17 aroma active compounds show significant differences between the three different argan oil qualities. These compounds are used to differentiate the quality of argan oil from the market.Practical Application: Argan oil belongs to the high‐price oils on the market but sometimes the sensory quality of the oil contradicts the positive image that has been built up for oil by unpleasant cheese‐like and fusty sensory attributes. Although some information about the composition of the volatile compounds of cold‐pressed argan oil from unroasted and roasted kernels is available, the knowledge about compounds that are typical for the aroma of argan oil is important in order to develop analytical methods for the classification of different argan oil qualities. This reduces the work for a panel group that is often time and labor consuming and sometimes the results are not reliable. The present paper demonstrates which volatile compounds show significant differences between argan oil from unroasted and roasted argan almonds as well as roasted almonds obtained from goat‐digested fruits allowing a differentiation of these oils.

In vivo anti-inflammatory response and bioactive compounds' profile of polyphenolic extracts from edible Argan oil (Argania spinosaL.),obtained by two extraction methods.

The present work examined and assessed the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of polyphenolic extracts from Moroccan edible Argan oils (Argania spinosaL.), extracted by two extraction processes: Hand pressing and mechanical pressing. Chemical properties, such as acidity, peroxide index, ultraviolet indices, total polyphenols composition, fatty acid composition, tocopherol composition, phenolic profiling, and sterol composition were studied. Then, the anti-inflammatory potential was determined by applying carrageenan, an induced paw edema test in rats. The results revealed an anti-inflammatory effect of edible Argan oil and indicated a higher efficiency of hand-pressed oil compared to mechanical-pressed oil, supporting its traditional use in human health, related to pain and inflammations. The chemical composition of these oils was evaluated, and total polyphenols, tocopherol composition, and some phenolic compounds were found highly concentrated in the hand-pressed oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present study highlights and compares the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of polyphenolic compounds, extracted from Argan oil by two processes (hand and mechanical extraction). The study demonstrated the better quality of hand-pressed oil over mechanically pressed, supporting the traditional uses of this oil in treating several inflammations and pain-related situations. Moreover, the edible Argan oil may be introduced as a regular diet and food ingredient.

Synthesis and characterization of Argania spinosa (Argan oil) biodiesel by sodium hydroxide catalyzed transesterification reaction as alternative for petro-diesel in direct injection, compression ignition engines

In this research work, the optimization conditions for obtaining optimum biodiesel yield from argan oil as well as the quantification of degree of interactions between reactants and biodiesel yield were investigated by using a response optimization model and response surface methodology (RSM) respectively. Similarly, a regression polynomial model was used to develop a unified equation for predicting the expected yield of Argan biodiesel for different values of reactant variables and a regression coefficient of 92.56% was obtained.The Argan oil was extracted from its kernel by using a soxhlet extractor with hexane as extraction solvent and 54.50% oil yield was obtained. The fatty acid compositional analysis was done by using a Shimadzu GCMS QP2010 SE Gas-chromatograph-mass spectrometer.The spectrometer analysis shows that the oil has 80.90% of unsaturated fatty acid with oleic and linoleic acid constituting larger percentages respectively. A sodium hydroxide catalyzed transesterification reaction was used to convert the triglyceride in the oil to fatty acid methyl ester under standard conditions and the fuel properties of the oil and its ester were measured by using the American society for testing and materials (ASTM) procedures. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) technique was used for qualitative characterization of biodiesel functional groups in order to affirm the complete conversion of the oil into biodiesel.Results showed that the cold flow behaviour in terms of cloud point, pour point, cold filter plugging point (CFPP) and Low temperature flow test (LTFT) and critical properties such as cetane number, calorific value, iodine value, density, flash point, ash percentage and carbon residue of the Argan biodiesel showed a good agreement with ASTM D6751-07b and European committee for standardization (EN 14214) standard requirements. Hence, its application in compression ignition engines will pose no threat as far as performance, combustion and emission qualities are concerned. Finally, the Argan biodiesel has a very high higher heating value (HHV) of 40,665 kJ/kg which is very uncommon of other vegetable oils methyl esters and thus facilitate better heat release during combustion and improves engine performance.

Physiological and carbohydrate metabolism traits for discrimination of drought-tolerant elite ecotypes of Argania spinosa

Argan (Argania spinosa) tree is a horticultural-forestry species characterized by its endemicity and its adaptive behavior to arid and semi-arid environments in the southwest of Morocco. It plays meaningful ecological, economic and social roles. Argan oil has high nutritional and dietetic values; it is thought to be one of the vegetable oils with the highest quality in the world. To characterize and to identify the most drought-tolerant ecotypes of the Argan tree, we focused our work on certain drought tolerance traits by studying the change in stomatal conductance (gs), Rubisco activity, carbohydrate compounds and enzymes in four different Argan ecotypes. These Argan ecotypes were grown under drought stress for 2 months. Under severe drought conditions, we recorded significant reduction in gs and Rubisco activity, the largest decrease was noted in the both contrasting coastal ecotypes. However, drought stress significantly increased the hexoses concentration in stressed plant leaves indicating stimulation of activity of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. The correlations obtained suggest that related enzymes of primary carbohydrate metabolism have highly important effects on foliar hexoses concentration in Argania spinosa during drought stress. Based on canonical discriminant analysis, both contrasting coastal ecotypes were distinctly separated from both contrasting inland ecotypes by the traits showing the high discriminatory potential: Rubisco, aldose 6-phosphate reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and gs. These traits can be efficiently exploited to identify superior ecotypes suitable for drought conditions. Inland ecotypes appear to be more drought tolerants and interesting for regeneration of Argan tree in dryland areas.

Porównanie skuteczności nawilżenia skóry po zastosowaniu kremów na bazie oleju z wiesiołka i na bazie oleju arganowego

Introduction. Plant oils are valued ingredients of the oil phase of cosmetics. Argan oil is a semi-drying oil and is composed mainly of unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains saturated fatty acids and antioxidants such as tocopherols and polyphenols, among others. Evening primrose oil is rich in UFA and GLA. It is also a source of vitamins, zinc, calcium, magnesium and selenium. Skin has a protective role in the human body. The quality of its function depends on the level of hydration, among other aspects. Appropriate hydration is achieved with suitable skin care products, including natural oil-based emulsions. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of skin hydration for two cosmetic products: argan oil cream and evening primrose oil cream. Material and methods. The studied cosmetic products were assessed in terms of their sensory properties and qualitative composition based on information published at https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/cosmetics/cosing_pl and guidelines included in the Regulation No 1223/2009. Corneometry was used to assess skin hydration and videodermatoscopy was performed. A tester applied a cream on herself for three weeks. Corneometry was performed once a week and videodermatoscopy was performed every day. Results. Corneometry assessment of evening primrose oil cream and argan oil cream indicated a significant increase in skin hydration following the use of the former. The hydration level of the skin of the hands was much lower than that of the face. The left side of the face was less hydrated than the right one. The hydration levels for both hands before and after the study were similar. Conclusions. The study demonstrated a significant impact of the cream used on the level of skin hydration. The evening primrose oil cream turned out to have strong hydrating properties. Despite unfavourable rheological characteristics, the cream did not display comedogenicity.

Profile of Fatty Acids, Tocopherols, Phytosterols and Polyphenols in Mediterranean Oils (Argan Oils, Olive Oils, Milk Thistle Seed Oils and Nigella Seed Oil) and Evaluation of their Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Activities.

The effects of vegetable oils on human health depend on their components. Therefore, their profiles of lipid nutrients and polyphenols were determined. To establish and compare the fatty acid, tocopherol, phytosterol and polyphenol profiles of Mediterranean oils: cosmetic and dietary argan oils (AO; Morocco: Agadir, Berkane); olive oils (OO; Morocco, Spain, Tunisia); milk thistle seed oils (MTSO; Tunisia: Bizerte, Sousse, Zaghouane); nigella seed oil (NSO). The biochemical profiles were determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization, high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry as required. The antioxidant and cytoprotective activities were evaluated with the KRL (Kit Radicaux Libres) and the fluorescein diacetate tests on nerve cells treated with 7-ketocholesterol (7KC). The fatty acid profile revealed high linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) content in AO, OO, MTSO and NSO. The highest levels of oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) were found in AO and OO. The tocopherol profile showed that Agadir AO contained the highest amount of α-tocopherol, also present at high level in MTSO and Tunisian OO; Berkane AO was rich in γ-tocopherol. The phytosterol profile indicated that β-sitosterol was predominant in the oils, except AO; spinasterol was only present in AO. Polyphenol profiles underlined that OO was the richest in polyphenols; hydroxytyrosol was only found in OO; few polyphenols were detected in AO. The oils studied have antioxidant activities, and all of them, except NSO, prevented 7KC-induced cell death. The antioxidant characteristics of AO were positively correlated with procatechic acid and compestanol levels. Based on their biochemical profiles, antioxidant and cytoprotective characteristics, AO, OO, and MTSO are potentially beneficial to human health.