Lawsonia inermis (henna) is a cosmetic popular plant and is used to dye hair, as well as decorate the skin. Nevertheless, this plant has also a great number of bioactive compounds that have great therapeutic potential. In this study, a comparative investigation of the chemical composition and biological activities of seeds and leaves of L. inermis collected from southern Morocco was conducted in order to explore their valorization potential. The chemical analysis fatty acids of henna seed oil showed a composition of 56.3% linoleic acid, 21.4% palmitic acid and 10.6% oleic acid. The unsaponifiable portion revealed a predominance of β-sitosterol (61.24%), while the tocopherol profile was dominated by γ-tocopherol (123.4 mg/100g), making it an excellent nutricosmetic product due to the composition of nutrients found in henna seed oil. The antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts was also noteworthy with IC50 values of 9.1 µg/mL and IC50 of 80.1 µg/mL being obtained in the case of DPPH and ABTS respectively although the seeds registered a little lower value, indicating the abundance of phenolic compounds. In addition, seed and leaf extracts had good antimicrobial activities with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) that fell below 10 mg/mL against bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Correlation analysis suggested a strong relationship between phenolic content and antioxidant activity, although this analysis was conducted on a limited dataset. These results indicate that Moroccan L. inermis seeds and leaves have high concentrations of bioactive compounds. They also highlight the potential of henna seeds as a novel source of bioactive ingredients for cosmetics or pharmacy products and have a good potential of natural therapeutic and cosmetic use.

The chemical composition of edible oils is influenced by geographical origin, making traceability essential for ensuring authenticity and quality, particularly for unconventional (edible) oils like date seed oil (DSO). For economic, food safety, and research purposes, this study aimed to characterize the metabolomic profile of DSO and assess the impact of Moroccan origin to identify key chemical markers linked to regional differences. An untargeted metabolomic approach using UHPLC-QTOF-MS was applied to DSO samples from three Moroccan palm groves: Allougoum, Alnif, and Errachidia. PCA revealed modest clustering for Allougoum samples, while OPLS-DA enabled selection of 50 features contributing to differentiation. Among these, 25 metabolites were tentatively identified as geographical markers with three, n-(3-oxohexanoyl) homoserine lactone, indole-3-carboxaldehyde, and vanillin, confirmed using authentic standards. Hydroxy fatty acids were the most represented class, with four compounds tentatively annotated. This study provides the first comprehensive metabolomic profile of DSO and highlights potential markers for origin differentiation.

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.

With the increasing impacts of climate change, establishing more sustainable and robust plants such as desert dates (Balanites aegyptiaca) seems to be necessary. Known for its resilience in arid conditions, this tree has the potential to become a more important food source, particularly for its potential to yield edible oil. This study characterized Balanites kernel oil (BKO) as a promising oil source in arid regions, studying the influence of geographical origin and environmental factors. Moroccan and Sudanese BKO samples were analyzed and compared with Mauritanian BKO. In the fatty acid profile, unsaturated fatty acids constituted over 70% of the BKO profile, with a predominance of linoleic acid (Li), oleic acid (Ol), palmitic acid (Pa), and stearic acid (St). Consequently, the predominant triacylglycerols were PaLiLi, PaLiOl, LiLiOl, OlLiOl, and StLiOl. α-Tocopherol dominated the tocochromanol composition (324 to 607 mg/kg), followed by γ-tocopherol (120 to 226 mg/kg), constituting 90% of the total tocochromanols. The total phytosterol content in BKO ranged from 871 to 2218 mg/kg oil, with β-sitosterol dominating (58% to 74%). Principal Component Analysis revealed that the geographical origin significantly influences BKO composition, emphasizing environmental factors, particularly water deficit and/or temperatures. Notably, Moroccan BKO collected from an area characterized by high aridity and relatively low winter temperatures, showcased a unique profile in fatty acid, phytosterols, and tocochromanols. The valorization of BKO presents an opportunity for local agricultural development in arid regions and a role model for plant development and agricultural practices in other parts of the world.

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) processing generates substantial quantities of date seeds, constituting a potential source of valuable oil yet currently considered waste. This study aimed at characterizing date seed oil (DSO) as a prospective approach for date seed valorization while investigating the influence of geographical origin on its composition. Samples from three Moroccan palm groves (Allougoum, Alnif, and Errachidia) and four non-Moroccan samples were analyzed. Liquid and gas chromatography were applied to determine the chemical composition. The prevalent fatty acids were oleic acid (Ol), ranging from 40.8% to 50.2%, followed by lauric acid (La, 14.0%-24.2%), myristic acid (My, 9.0%-12.6%), palmitic acid (Pa, 9.0%-11.6%), linoleic acid (7.1%-10.7%), and stearic acid (St, 2.4%-4.8%). Major triacylglycerols identified included LaOlLa, LaOlMy, LaOlPa, LaOlOl, MyOlPa, MyOlOl, and PaOlOl. Notably, DSO contains significant tocochromanol (424-760 mg kg(-1)) and phytosterol content (3422-4827 mg kg(-1)), with specific phytosterols identified for the first time. Multivariate analysis employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, supplemented by heatmaps, underscored the influence of geographical origin on DSO composition. Moroccan samples exhibited distinctive profiles rich in St, Ol, Pa, PaOlSt, MyOlPa, PaOlPa, gamma-tocotrienol, and delta-tocotrienol, leading to a differentiation from non-Moroccan oils. Challenges in classifying DSO within selected Moroccan palm groves were discussed, emphasizing the necessity to consider major and minor compounds, along with date varieties, in geographical effect studies. Practical Applications: By delving into the chemical properties and potential applications of DSO, this research strives to contribute to sustainable and economically viable approaches for utilizing agricultural waste products.

The aim of this study was the valorisation of cactus (or prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica ) seeds growing in six different regions of Morocco. Moisture, proteins, lipids profile, total polyphenols content, oxidative stability, and antioxidant activity were investigated. The Folin-Ciocalteu test highlighted the abundant presence of phenolic compounds (165 to 225 mg EAG/100 g of extract) and a significant antioxidant capacity against DPPH free radicals. The seeds contained protein (7 - 9.25%) and lipids (2.7 - 5%). Cactus oil quality indices such as acidity and peroxide value were below 1.2% and 10 mEq.O 2 /kg, respectively. GC analysis revealed that linoleic and oleic acid percentages ranged from 57.1 to 63.8%, and 13.5 to 18.7%, respectively. Cactus seed oil was rich in tocopherols (500 - 680 mg/kg) and phytosterols (8000 - 11,100 mg/kg) with a predominance of gamma -tocopherols and beta -sitosterol. Triacylglycerols, fatty acids and sterols composition showed small variation depending on the geographical origin, while the individual tocopherol profile was significantly influenced.

Subquality argan kernels are 30% cheaper than the regular kernels mandatory used to prepare edible argan oil. The use of these argan kernels for the preparation of argan oil intended to be a cosmetic ingredient, after bleaching and deodorization, is therefore particularly economically appealing. The oxidative stability of Argan oil prepared from subquality kernels is unknown. It was evaluated over a period of storage of 12 weeks at 60 degrees C, then compared with that of argan oil stored under the same conditions and originating from the same initial batch, but which had subsequently been simply bleached and deodorized (physical refining). Physical refining led to an increase in initial oil quality due the loss of free fatty acids (up to 30% for refined argan oil), primary and secondary oxidation products but also to a dramatic decrease of the oxidative stability of argan oil caused by the loss of tocopherols, witnessed by the up to 94% loss after 12 weeks under accelerated storage conditions. As a conclusion, the oxidative stability of argan oil prepared from subquality argan kernels remains difficult to be adequately and efficiently evaluated since the initial quality of the argan kernels is the subject of great variations.

The fatty acids, sterol, tocopherol and volatile compositions of Moroccan cold-pressed cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) seed oil were studied. The most abundant fatty acid, tocopherol and sterol were linoleic acid (60.6%), γ-tocopherol (533 mg/kg) and β-sitosterol (6075 mg/kg), respectively. In this study, 23 volatile compounds were identified with perceivable odor attributes for 14 compounds. The oxidative quality of cactus seed oil was monitored over 4 weeks at 50 °C. Increases in PV, K232 and FFA were detected during the first two weeks as well as a decrease in the induction time; whereas no change was reported for the K270 values. The amount of total phenolic content increased until it reached 0.3 mg/kg and then decreased by the end of the storage period; while tocopherols started to decrease after the first week. The fat-free residue extracts showed a very strong effect to reduce the oxidation of linoleic acid. Consequently, the extracts were significantly more effective to bleach β-carotene in the β-carotene-linoleic acid assay in comparison with the control.

Six undescribed polyacetylenic caffeoyl amides, five known flavones and three known lignans were obtained from the fruits of the North African traditional medicinal plant Ammodaucus leucotrichus Coss. & Durieu (Apiaceae). Isolation was achieved by a combination of chromatographic methods, and structures were established by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electronic circular dichroism, and by GC-MS analysis of sugar derivatives. Polyacetylenic caffeoyl amides are reported for the first time as specialized metabolites.

Argan oil is considered a relatively international product exported from Morocco, although different companies in Europe and North America distribute argan oil around the globe. Argan oil is non-refined vegetable oil, of the more well-known “virgin oil” type, is produced from the argan tree [ Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels]. The argan tree is deemed to be an important forest species from both social and economic standpoints. Argan oil has rapidly emerged as an important product able to bring more income to the local population. In addition, it also has important environmental implications, owing to its ability to stand against desert progression. Currently, argan oil is mainly produced by women's cooperatives in Morocco using a semi-industrial mechanical extraction process. This allows the production of high-quality argan oil. Depending on the method used to prepare argan kernels, two types of argan oil can be obtained: food or cosmetic grade. Cosmetic argan oil is prepared from unroasted kernels, whereas food argan oil is achieved by cold pressing kernels roasted for a few minutes. Previously, the same food argan oil was prepared exclusively by women according to a laborious ancestral process. Extraction technology has been evolved to obtain high-quality argan oil at a large scale. The extraction process and several accompanying parameters can influence the quality, stability, and purity of argan oil. In view of this, the present review discusses different aspects related to argan oil chemical composition along with its nutritional and cosmetic values. Similarly, it details different processes used to prepare argan oil, as well as its quality control, oxidative stability, and authenticity assessment.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and therefore is subjected to fraudulent practices. One of such practices is importation and rebranding of saffron cheaper growing areas to be passed off as areas of higher quality. In this paper, we tested the hypothesis that mineral profiling combined with chemometrics could separate saffron sourced from different origins. To this end, nine minerals were quantified in saffron harvested from twelve different areas using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer. Little variations were revealed among studied sites confirming the homogeneity of the saffron produced in Morocco. Potassium was the major macroelement, while Iron was found to be the major microelement. Data were compared with similar studies previously reported for saffron from other major production countries. Separation of Moroccan saffron from that of other countries was possible based on multi-element profiling combined with principal component analysis.

Argan oil is a traditional product obtained from the fruits of the argan tree (Argania spinosa L.), which is endemic only to Morocco. It is commercialized worldwide as cosmetic and food-grade argan oil, attaining very high prices in the international market. Therefore, argan oil is very prone to adulteration with cheaper vegetable oils. The present work aims at developing novel real-time PCR approaches to detect olive and soybean oils as potential adulterants, as well as ascertain the presence of argan oil. The ITS region, matK and lectin genes were the targeted markers, allowing to detect argan, olive and soybean DNA down to 0.01 pg, 0.1 pg and 3.2 pg, respectively, with real-time PCR. Moreover, to propose practical quantitative methods, two calibrant models were developed using the normalized ΔCq method to estimate potential adulterations of argan oil with olive or soybean oils. The results allowed for the detection and quantification of olive and soybean oils within 50–1% and 25–1%, respectively, both in argan oil. Both approaches provided acceptable performance parameters and accurate determinations, as proven by their applicability to blind mixtures. Herein, new qualitative and quantitative PCR assays are proposed for the first time as reliable and high-throughput tools to authenticate and valorize argan oil.

Argan oil (AO) is an appreciated vegetable oil thanks to its high nutritional and cosmetic values. AO extraction technology has evolved to meet the market demand. However artisanal production is still widely practiced. The present study aimed at highlighting the influence of water quality on the physicochemical and sensory properties of artisanally extracted AO. To meet this objective, AO was prepared using various water types namely: well water (AOWW), tap water (AOTW), mineral water (AOMW), distilled water (AODW), and ultra-pure water (AOUW). The obtained AOs were evaluated in terms of routinely measured quality indices: iodine, peroxide, acidity, and anisidine values, UV specific extinction coefficients, refraction index, and moisture content. Chemical composition (fatty acids, sterols content, and tocopherols content) was investigated together with oxidative stability (OS) and sensory properties. As revealed by the statistical test used, water quality impacted significantly mainly on AO chemical composition, OS, and sensory properties. Obtained results of almost studied quality attributes were consistent with the Official Moroccan Norm. The greatest values of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were recorded in AOMW and OAWW, respectively, while AOUW together with AOTW displayed the best record of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, the highest values of tocopherols were found in AOTW and AOUW. AODW and AOUW presented greatest values of sterols content, OS, and shelf life. Likewise, sensory analysis was satisfactory in almost obtained AOs. Principal component analysis confirmed these results and allowed a good separation among AOs especially with sterols and tocopherols. Based on these outcomes, it could be concluded that water quality is an important parameter to consider by AO producers, ultra-pure and distilled water seemed to exert an ameliorative effect on quality, stability, and shelf life of AOs.

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition (fatty acids, tocopherols, and sterols) and evaluate the oxidative stability of Moroccan pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) seed oil. The oil content of pomegranate seed was 22.63 g/100g of dry weight. The fatty acid composition showed a dominance of conjugated linolenic acids (CLnAs) (86.96 g/100g). The most dominant fatty acid was punicic acid (75.1 g/100g), followed by catalpic acid (6.7 g/100g) and linoleic acid with amounts of 4.11 g/100g. The seed oil only contained a low level of saturated fatty acids with palmitic (2.64 g/100g) and stearic acids (1.73 g/100g) as main saturated fatty acids. The sterol marker, β-sitosterol, accounted for 404.59 mg/100g of the total sterol content in the seed oil. Total tocopherol content in seed oil was 332.44 mg/100g. γ-tocopherol (190.47 mg/100g oil) is the major constituent, followed by α-tocopherol (74.62 mg/100g oil) and δ-tocopherol (53.3 mg/100g oil). The induction time calculated by the Rancimat accelerated method was found to be of 3.6 h at 120 °C. In terms of oil, pomegranate seed oil may be considered as a valuable source for new multipurpose products with industrial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses.

Mechanically peeled argan nuts are expensive. The cosmetics industry preferentially uses colorless and odorless ingredients and almost systematically deodorizes cosmetic grade argan oil before incorporating it into cosmetics. Goat-regurgitated argan nuts are underutilized because they lead to an oil that has an unpleasant taste and smell. The preparation of cosmetic argan oil from regurgitated nuts therefore seems to be an interesting avenue to explore even though deodorization might remove some of the oil essential nutrients, generate undesirable compounds, and possibly increase the final oil price. The deodorization of argan oil prepared from goat-regurgitated nuts, using the exact currently used method utilized for regular argan oil, led to colorless and odorless oil that a slightly decreased tocopherol, sterol, ??-carotene, and free fatty acid content. A major reduction in primary oxidation products was observed with an increase of the level of stigmasta-3,5-diene. No significant change in the relative percentage of fatty acids was observed. Finally, deodorization extents the preservation properties of argan oil. The use of regurgitated goat nuts can therefore be recommended to prepare cosmetic argan oil while allowing the development of the argan oil industry in a sustainable manner.

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) seed oil, which is extracted from prickly pear fruit seeds, might constitute an alimentary source of substances of nutraceutical value. Physicochemical properties, chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and oxidative stability of prickly pear seed oil prepared from unroasted seeds were evaluated and compared with those of oil that was prepared from seeds roasted for different times. Prolonged roasting time had no significant influence on the protein content of the seeds. However, an increase in total phenolic compounds was observed from 225.9 mg GAE/100 g oil to 362.7 mg GAE/100 g oil after 40 min of roasting at 110 degrees C. Consequently, an increase in antioxidant power which will induce a better oxidation resistance was found by the 1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method expressed as EC50 value that was reduced from 0.6 to 0.1 mg/ml. No significant change was observed in triacylglyceride and fatty acid composition, whereas tocopherol (512.8 to 542.1 mg/kg after 40 min of roasting) and sterol (8,292 to 8,629 mg/kg after 40 min of roasting) levels increased. Oxidative stability increased remarkably from 3.1 to 7.6 hr after 40 min of roasting with the increase in roasting time. The current study revealed that prickly pear seeds and the resulting oil have excellent nutritional qualities that were significantly elevated after roasting. Practical applications Cactus seed oil is one of the most expensive vegetable oils and roasting of the seeds before pressing can help to improve not only the sensory quality of the oil but also the oxidative stability. Therefore, it is important to know more about the influence of roasting time on the quality of the oil. With this information, it is possible to optimize the roasting process regarding oil stability but also the release of bio-active compounds such as tocopherols or phenolic compounds. Overall, this will significantly improve the acceptance of this oil.

Cactus seed oil is gaining considerable popularity in the cosmetic industry. To estimate cactus seed oil’ industrial as well as domestic ease of use, we investigated the oxidative stability of Moroccan cactus seed oil under accelerated aging conditions. In addition, we compared cactus seed oil stability to that of argan oil, a popular and well-established cosmetic oil, under the same conditions. Cactus seed oil is much more sensitive to oxidation than argan oil. Its shelf-life can be estimated to be no longer than 6 months at room temperature. Such instability means that the preparation process for cactus oil must be carried out with great care and cactus seed oil needs to be protected once extracted.

•The argan forest is a homogeneous area with regards of its metal content.•Side products resulting of argan oil preparation is presented as a good goat feed.•Metal content of argan leaf, cake, and pulp was determined.•Thirteen elements were identified using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry.

Lawsonia inermis L, commonly known as Henna belongs to the family Lythraceae. It is cultivated in tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate areas in particular to North Africa and Asia. It’s a plant with a wide spectrum of biological activities; it’s widely used in Moroccan traditions especially for cosmetic purpose in all special occasions such as weddings, birth or circumcisions. This usage is related to its brown dark colour and the main compound responsible of this coloration is lawsone a naphtoquinone. Generally, the humidity and temperature as well as the nature of the soil influence the accumulation of secondary metabolites in a plant. In this work, it was demonstrated for the first time that a small change in temperature alone induces a large change in the concentration of lawsone in henna in geographically very close regions. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of Lawsone in planted Henna (Lawsonia inermis L) from four different cities in the South Eastern Morocco, namely Tazzarine, Foum Zguid, Zaroga and Errachidia. Quantitative analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrosray Ionisation-Qtrap-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Qtrap-MS) showed that Foum Zguid is characterized by the highest level of Lawsone (0.6 %). Errachidia has the lowest amount of Lawsone. After statistical analysis, important correlation between temperature and lawsone concentration was demonstrated. In particular 2 locations showed a very high pourcentage of lawsone; Foum Zguid and Zagora that were more in the south. In the opposite, there was no significant correlation with the precipitation. Samples with humid climate and high pluviometry showed lower content of Lawsone. The analysis method was validated and principal component analysis on quantitative data was performed, correlation between, temperature, pluviometry and Lawsone content was established.

Enhancement of the oxidative stability of cactus seeds oil by blending with moringa seeds oil was investigated during storage period for four weeks at 50 degrees C. Blends (25, 50 and 75%) of moringa seeds oil with cactus seeds oil were prepared. Fatty acids composition, induction period, peroxide value, specific extinction coefficients (K232 and K270) and tocopherols were studied. Blending moringa seeds oil with cactus seeds oil at 25:75% increases the induction period to 4.06 h while it was 3.16 h in 100% cactus seeds oil. Peroxide values decreased due to increase moringa seeds oil amount in blends. Also, adding moringa seeds oil to cactus seeds oil caused a decrease in K232 and K270 values during the storage period in comparison with 100% cactus seeds oil. alpha-tocopherol values decreased during storage for all oil blends, while the content of gamma-tocopherol in all samples (except moringa seeds oil) increased during storage period reaching the highest level after the third week then it started to decrease. Therefore, the obtained results provided a potential approach to utilize moringa oil to increase the oxidative stability of edible oils.