Ethnobotanic, Ethnopharmacologic Aspects and New Phytochemical Insights into Moroccan Argan Fruits

Abstract

This review summarizes available data on argan fruit botany, geographical distribution, traditional uses, environmental interest, socioeconomic role, phytochemistry, as well as health beneficial effects and examination of future prospects. In particular, ethnomedical uses of argan fruits are carried out throughout Morocco where it has been used against various diseases. Different classes of bioactive compounds have been characterized including essential oils, fatty acids, triacylglycerols, flavonoids and their newly reported acylglycosyl derivatives, monophenols, phenolic acids, cinnamic acids, saponins, triterpenes, phytosterols, ubiquinone, melatonin, new aminophenols along with vitamin E among other secondary metabolites. The latter have already shown a wide spectrum of in vitro, and ex vivo biologicalactivities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, anti-hypercholesterolemia, analgesic, antimicrobial, molluscicidal anti-nociceptive and anticancer potential. Argan flesh (pulp) contains a broad spectrum of polyphenolic compounds which may have utility for incorporation into nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals relevant to the food, cosmetic and health industries. Further research is recommended, especially on the health beneficial effects of the aminophenols.

Keywords: Argania spinosa; argan fruits; argan oil; botany; ethnobotany; health and environmental benefits; secondary metabolites.

Figure 1

Structuresof phytosterols identified in argan oil.

Figure 2

Structures of triterpenes identified in argan oil.

Figure 3

Structures of tocopherols identified in argan oil.

Figure 4

Structures of melatonin and Coenzyme Q10identified in argan oil.

Figure 5

Structures of the triterpenes identified in argan flesh.

Figure 6

Structures of the polyphenols identified in argan flesh. (a,b) represent phenolic acids, cinnamic acids, catechins and procyanidins derivatives; (c,d) represent flavonoids and their acylglycosylated derivatives.

Figure 6

Structures of the polyphenols identified in argan flesh. (a,b) represent phenolic acids, cinnamic acids, catechins and procyanidins derivatives; (c,d) represent flavonoids and their acylglycosylated derivatives.

Figure 6

Structures of the polyphenols identified in argan flesh. (a,b) represent phenolic acids, cinnamic acids, catechins and procyanidins derivatives; (c,d) represent flavonoids and their acylglycosylated derivatives.

Figure 7

Structures of the arganines identified in argan kernel cake.

Figure 8

Aminophenols identified in argan fruit flesh.