This study provides a comprehensive analysis of six (Ghallate, Hamouch, Khayr, Mazhar, Naama, and Zakia) domesticated varieties of Argania spinosa L. Skeels, an endemic Moroccan tree with cultural, economic, and health importance. The physical traits, chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and oil quality of the pulp, nutshell, kernel, and press cake of those six varieties were evaluated and significant differences were observed. Particularly, Mazhar variety presents the largest fruit size and its oil, rich in oleic acid, displays the best oxidative stability, making it a perfect candidate for oil production. Naama variety pulp exhibited an energy value of 403.84 kcal/100g, which led to its recommendation as a raw material for animal feed. Khayr’s nutshell had the highest moisture and protein contents (6.70 g/100g, and 2.34 g/100g, respectively), while Hamouch showed the highest ash content. Ghallate kernels and press cake were the richest in protein (23.21 g/100g and 48.96 g/100g, respectively). Altogether, our findings provide valuable insights into selecting optimal argan cultivars for oil production or of major importance at the domestic level.

The annual production of argan oil reaches approximately 4450 tons, which inevitably generates a large quantity of by-products. From the point of view of argan oil production, the pulp, the nutshell and the press cake represent approximately 97 % of the weight of the fruit, while only the kernels, weighing approximately 6 kg per 100 kg of dried fruit, are used to produce argan oil. Such quantity of kernels makes 3 L of argan oil. Most often, by-products resulting from argan oil production are not used industrially and are considered waste. Valorizing those inherently produced by-products is necessary to increase sustainability competitiveness and lessen the impact of the argan oil industry on the environment. This review aims to present an overview of the by-products generated during the production of argan oil, examine current valorization approaches and discuss the prospects for improving their future valorization. The valorization of argan nutshell is one of the most advanced and promising areas, positioning this residue as a sustainable resource that enhances the profitability of the argan oil sector. Their utilization in the production of CO2-based activated charcoal and biofuels further promotes their value and sustainability. Overall, this review highlights the growing interest in argan by-products in recent years, and the emergence of numerous value-adding applications in the fields of bioenergy, nanomaterials, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the effects of various synthetic antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin E, β-carotene, and BHT) on the oxidation of sunflower oil subjected to accelerated thermal storage at 60 °C for three months (12 weeks). The performance of the antioxidants studied was evaluated using several quality parameters: the free fatty acid value (FFA), primary oxidation (via the peroxide value (PV) and K232 value), secondary oxidation products (via the anisidine value (p-AV) and K270 value), and the total oxidation value (TOTOX). The fatty acid composition (FAC), oxidizability value (COX), iodine value (IV), and pigment content (chlorophyll and carotenoid) were also evaluated. The results revealed that the control sample of sunflower oil exhibited higher susceptibility to oxidative deterioration. Antioxidants at 200 ppm were more effective in preserving the oxidative stability of sunflower oil subjected to accelerated storage compared to the control oil. The smallest increases in all stability parameter indexes were recorded for antioxidant-supplemented sunflower oil. However, the IV and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were reduced. At 200 ppm, vitamin E and β-carotene showed the greatest stability in sunflower oil, while their combination with vitamin A at 100 ppm of each showed the lowest stability. In addition, synthetic antioxidants provided greater protection against the degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The highest level of PUFA degradation was recorded in the control oil, followed by the oil containing vitamin A. In conclusion, adding synthetic antioxidants to sunflower oil improves its stability during storage. However, some authors associated these molecules with a health risk due to carcinogenic effects as these molecules have been listed as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS).

This study examined the stability and oxidation kinetics of argan oil (AO) in comparison to other reputed culinary oils worldwide, namely virgin olive oil (VOO) and cactus oil (CO). In order to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis, various parameters were assessed, including fatty acid composition, sterol and tocopherol profiles, and the Rancimat test under elevated temperatures to determine kinetic parameters. The results revealed significant variations between argan, olive, and cactus oils in terms of the physicochemical characteristics studied (p < 0.05). In terms of fatty acids, argan oil contains the highest percentage of saturated fatty acids (19.3

Olive oil (OO) is widely recognized as a main component in the Mediterranean diet owing to its unique chemical composition and associated health-promoting properties. This review aimed at providing readers with recent results on OO physicochemical profiling, extraction technology, and quality parameters specified by regulations to ensure authentic products for consumers. Recent research progress on OO adulteration were outlined through a bibliometric analysis mapping using Vosviewer software. As revealed by bibliometric analysis, richness in terms of fatty acids, pigments, polar phenolic compounds, tocopherols, squalene, sterols, and triterpenic compounds justify OO health-promoting properties and increasing demand on its global consumption. OO storage is a critical post-processing operation that must be optimized to avoid oxidation. Owing to its great commercial value on markets, OO is a target to adulteration with other vegetable oils. In this context, different chemometric tools were developed to deal with this problem. To conclude, increasing demand and consumption of OO on the global market is justified by its unique composition. Challenges such as oxidation and adulteration stand out as the main issues affecting the OO market.

By including oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) leaves (OL) during the extraction process, the nutraceutical benefits of argan oil (AO) can be significantly increased. Thanks to the employed technique (enrichment through extraction), without resorting to organic solvents. The current work aimed at developing of a green enrichment of argan oil with 2 and 5% of OL. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding OL and its impact on AO oxidative stability under accelerated oxidation for four months. AO physicochemical characterization consisted in measuring quality indices, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, pigments, and sensory analysis throughout the storage period. In general, AO samples containing OL exhibited increased phenolic, chlorophylls, and carotenoid contents and lower peroxide and p-anisidine values. AO shelf-life was extended thanks to OL, which slowed down the process of lipid complete oxidation. From a sensory standpoint, a rancid taste was found in the unenriched AO, while the taste and color of oregano were more intense in the AOs supplemented with OL at 5%. This innovative approach boost AO value in various industries and exemplifies the endless possibilities that emerge when we explore the synergy between different natural elements.

With growing consumer concern regarding food quality and composition. This study was performed to analyze the content of major inorganic nutrients, trace elements, potentially toxic elements and ash content in 48 saffron samples. These were collected from four distinct Moroccan regions: "Taliouine, Taznakht, Azilal, and Beni Mellal". The analysis was done in accordance with the guidelines set by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC). The findings of this study reveal that essential nutrient elements such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and sodium were present in important amounts. The average content of these macro-elements was found in the following order: K > P > Mg > Ca > Na, with mean concentrations of 16500 +/- 1119 mg/kg, 3290 +/- 220 mg/kg, 1430 +/- 97 mg/kg, 960 +/- 65 mg/kg, and 75 +/- 5 mg/kg, respectively. Significant differences among sampling sites as revealed by ANOVA and principal component analysis in selected samples. Furthermore, the levels of potentially harmful elements, including nickel, arsenic, lead, and cadmium, were found below the harmful limits. These results provide valuable scientific information that supports the optimal utilization of saffron, enriching the medicinal plant database. This research sheds light on the compositional, nutritional, and safety aspects of saffron, laying the groundwork for future research in this field.

This comprehensive review examines the wide diversity of aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) in Morocco, exploring their economic importance, ethnobotanical relevance, and the chemical and biological activities that make them essential in traditional practices. Focusing on commonly used plants (Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lavandula dentata L., Mentha pulegium L., Thymus vulgaris L., Origanum compactum Benth, and Artemisia herba alba Asso), it aims to compile the Moroccan published literature on ethnobotanical studies, mineral profiling, phytochemical composition as well as biological activities of these plants. Through a synthesis of ethnobotanical studies, the complex relationship between communities and these botanical resources is revealed. The plants presented a variability of chemical compositions according to geographical origin and essential oils, and other extracts from these plants exhibit rich chemical compositions and interesting biological activities. This review has led to the conclusion that Morocco's AMPs hold considerable cultural, economic, and therapeutic importance and represent the country's rich natural heritage.

The flavoring of vegetable edible oils (VEO) with extracts from aromatic plants improves their acceptance, oxidative stability, and nutritional value. This study investigates the direct enrichment of sunflower oil (SO) with saffron stigmas (SS) using both conventional maceration (CM) and ultrasound-assisted maceration (UAM) at different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%). Antioxidant properties, oxidative stability, and quality indices were evaluated. SS exhibited high levels of phenolics (52.4 f 0.6 mg of GAE/g DM), flavonoids (100 f 2 mg of QE/g DM), and antioxidant activity (16.77 f 0.27 mg of TE/g DM for ABTS and 55.0 f 0.6 mg of TE/g DM for FRAP). The enriched oils demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant and stability levels compared to non-enriched oils. No significant differences were found in oxidative stability indices or Rancimat test results between CM (5.5 f 0.3 h with 0.6% of SS) and UAM (5.4 f 0.2 h with 0.6% of SS). The control oil exhibited the lowest induction time at 4.5 f 0.2 h. However, UAM resulted in lower pigments content, with chlorophyll and carotenoid levels measuring of 0.15 f 0.03 and 0.26 f 0.04 mg/kg respectively, for 0.6% of SS. Antioxidant activity and oxidative stability were found to be dose-dependent. UAM effectively enhanced oil stability without affecting the fatty acid composition. By reducing processing time and eliminating the need for chemicals, this innovative method demonstrates that SS can be used directly as a natural antioxidant, particularly at a concentration of 0.6%, to improve the sunflower oil stability.

This study explores novel applications of combining natural products by integrating Ziziphus lotus L. (Z. lotus), honey, and argan oil to create a product similar to traditional Moroccan Amlou (a mixture of almonds, honey, and argan oil). Five formulations were developed with varying percentages of these three ingredients, alongside two formulations of traditional Amlou. The nutritional value, mineral composition, fatty acid profile, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of the products were analyzed using standard analytical methods such as gas chromatography and spectrophotometry. Additionally, sensory evaluations were conducted to assess consumer preferences. The results showed that the new formulations are rich in oil (45.15-52.24 g/100 g), carbohydrates (40.26-46.81 g/100 g), and protein (3.15-3.92 g/100 g). Mineral analysis revealed significant amounts of potassium (443-578 mg/100 g), calcium (98-124 mg/ 100 g), phosphorus (50-65 mg/100 g), and magnesium (38-50 mg/100 g). The Z. lotus-based products exhibited higher phenolic content (7-12 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (7.10-10.18 mg QE/g), and stronger antioxidant activities using DPPH radical scavenging activity (3.55-11.14 mg AAE/ g) and FRAP (5.39-8.55 mg AAE/g). Moreover, the new product retains the beneficial fatty acid profile of argan oil, with a high content of oleic acid (48 %) and linoleic acid (32 %). Sensory evaluation indicated that the formulation consisting of 45 % Z. lotus powder, 50 % argan oil, and 5 % honey was the most appreciated for taste and texture. These findings suggest that incorporating Z. lotus into traditional Amlou recipes not only enhances nutritional and antioxidant properties but also meets consumer acceptance in terms of flavor and texture.

Abstract Purpose : The oil industry generates substantial quantities of oilcake. These residues are traditionally used in many domains for multiple purposes. In order to explore other potential uses of these by-products, a comprehensive physicochemical characterisation was conducted. Methods : The analysis encompassed various parameters, including mineral profiling, protein content, fiber content, fatty acid composition, sterol content, total polyphenol, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity in argan, almond, sesame, nigella, sunflower, and soybean press cake. Results : Results indicated that potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na) constituted the primary mineral elements in the studied oilcake. Regarding protein content, argan and soybean press cakes contained the highest level of 45.90±0.10 and 44.85±1.10 g/100g, respectively, while nigella and sunflower press cakes had the lowest protein content of 25.62±1.99 and 26.43±2.06 g/100g, respectively. The fatty acid composition revealed that the residual oils extracted could present beneficial properties, as they are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Nigella press cake oil has a high oleic acid content (67.65%), while Sunflower press cake oil is richest in linoleic acid (54.17%). Sunflower press cake outperformed in total phenolic and flavonoid content, with registered values of 9.82 mg GAE/g and 15.44 mg QE/g, respectively. Additionally, sunflower press cake demonstrated the highest DPPH and FRAP antioxidant activity, and the values were 34.05 and 8.90 mg AAE/g, respectively. Conclusion : The findings suggest that oilcake could be considered as a rich nutrient source and their extracts exhibit substantial potential for added value, warranting focused attention in future research and development.

This study focuses on evaluating the characteristics of olive oil produced in the Taroudant province (southern Morocco), making this the first comprehensive study focusing on olive oil from the ‘Moroccan Picholine’ cultivar. Our objective was to elucidate the distinctive qualities of olive oil from this region, providing valuable insights into its potential contributions to the country’s olive oil sector. For this purpose, several quality criteria (free fatty acids, moisture content, saponification value, and iodine value), oxidation indices (peroxide value, specific UV extinction coefficients, and oxidizability value), and purity indices (fatty acids and sterol composition) were evaluated. Our results reveal minor-to-significant variations (p < 0.05) in the quality and oxidation parameters. Specifically, our results indicate diverse ranges for free fatty acids (0.33–3.62 g/100 g), peroxide values (0.85–4.01 mEq O2/kg oil), K232 (1.68 to 2.73), and K270 (0.09–0.34). Furthermore, consistently high levels of oleic acid (55.8 to 73.1%) and β-sitosterol (94.2 to 97%) were observed in the studied samples. These outcomes were confirmed through the use principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Likewise, important correlations were outlined among the studied parameters. Multidimensional analyses not only highlight inherent variations, but also facilitate the classification of the analyzed olive oils into distinct categories. The results suggest that the Taroudant province exhibits favorable conditions for producing high-quality olive oil.

Argan kernels, fruits regurgitated by goats, are 30% cheaper than the regular kernels used to prepare food argan oil. The use of such argan kernels as a cosmetic ingredient, after refining, is thus economically attractive. The oxidative stability of argan oil prepared from sub-quality kernels is not known. In the present paper, the physicochemical quality, oxidative stability indices, and bioactive compounds of refined argan oil (RAO) obtained from sub-quality kernels and virgin argan oil (VAO) were compared and evaluated over a period of storage of 12 weeks at 60 °C. Quality parameters consisted of free fatty acids (FFAs), peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), UV extinction coefficients (K232 and K270), total oxidation, iodine and saponification values, induction time, fatty acid composition, and tocopherol content. Our outcomes reveal that the combined effects of refining and storage generally resulted in high values of the routinely measured quality indices, including FFA, p-AV, K270, K232, and PV. Likewise, refining reduced the levels of individual tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) but increased saturated fatty acids (SFAs). Similar trends were observed under storage with decreased levels of tocopherols and high SFA for both RAO and VAO. Storage also resulted in an increased level of USFAs in the case of RAO but not in VAO. The obtained results show that RAO was more sensitive to oxidation than VAO. At room temperature, RAO had a shorter induction time of six months, implying that RAO will have a shorter shelf life compared to VAR. Thus, such instability means that the refining process for argan oil must be carried out with great care, and this oil needs to be protected once refined.

Due to the risk of occurrence of several food-related diseases, quality control of the human-consumed products is particularly needed. For this purpose, elemental analysis is a useful analytical tool that provides information on the nutritional composition, origin, quality and safety of foods. Currently, existing multielement techniques can be improved with more sensitive detectors and miniaturized solutions. Not to be overlooked, the numerous techniques being developed make sample preparation quicker and easier and allow the analysis of various types of samples. This review is aimed at providing a general overview of the preparation strategies and methods used in the elemental analysis of food and their applications.

•Thymus vulgaris L. leaves (TVL) have a significant antioxidant activity.•TVL induce ameliorative effects on argan oil properties.•TVL improve antioxidant capacity of argan oil.•TVL have the potential to be used as an alternative for synthetic antioxidants.•TVL have the potential to be used as argan oil flavor.