No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
The Anti-proliferative and Anti-bacterial Activity of Argan oil and Crude Saponin Extract from Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels
Abstract
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-tetra-zolium-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.
... The MIC values along with minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values for the efficacy antimicrobial activity of the Argan essential oil toward the mold were estimated by performing the standard tube dilution method where the clinical skin scrape isolates were inoculated separately in the different sets of dilutions of the essential oil in the peptone water and incubated for 24 h at 22°C to observe the no turbidity determining the sensitivity of the mold toward the acid. [19] The last dilution with turbidity determines the MIC value of the acid toward the mold. The results were tabulated and interpreted. ...
... The first dilution with no growth determines the MFC of the essential oil toward the fungal mold. [19,20] The results were tabulated interpreted. ...
Background: The aim of this study to focus on these tinea infections caused by the mold Trichophyton rubrum by collecting the clinical specimens by means of skin scraping samples from the affected sites of the patients and to evaluate the susceptibility of the isolates of the obtained clinical specimens toward the Argan essential oil. A rapid phytochemical analysis study was also performed. Materials and Methods: Argan essential oil procured from Jeddah local market, clinical skin scrape samples from the patient. The phytochemical study was done to find out the chemical compounds present in the Argan essential oil, which plays a key role in determining the antimicrobial efficacy of the Argan essential oil. Results and Discussion: The interpretation of the observation and results for the Argan essential oil showed the promising study results. Regarding its efficacy as potential antifungal agents when compared to that of the standard synthetic chemical agents used against the clinical skin scrape isolates of T. rubrum. Conclusion: The phytochemical compounds present in the Argan essential oil acts as an effective remedy toward the clinical skin scrape isolates of T. rubrum compared to the standard antifungal agents.
... The MIC values along with minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values for the efficacy antimicrobial activity of the Argan essential oil toward the mold were estimated by performing the standard tube dilution method where the clinical skin scrape isolates were inoculated separately in the different sets of dilutions of the essential oil in the peptone water and incubated for 24 h at 22°C to observe the no turbidity determining the sensitivity of the mold toward the acid. [19] The last dilution with turbidity determines the MIC value of the acid toward the mold. The results were tabulated and interpreted. ...
... The first dilution with no growth determines the MFC of the essential oil toward the fungal mold. [19,20] The results were tabulated interpreted. ...
Background: The aim of this study to focus on these tinea infections caused by the mold Trichophyton rubrum by collecting the clinical specimens by means of skin scraping samples from the affected sites of the patients and to evaluate the susceptibility of the isolates of the obtained clinical specimens toward the Argan essential oil. A rapid phytochemical analysis study was also performed. Materials and Methods: Argan essential oil procured from Jeddah local market, clinical skin scrape samples from the patient. The phytochemical study was done to find out the chemical compounds present in the Argan essential oil, which plays a key role in determining the antimicrobial efficacy of the Argan essential oil. Results and Discussion: The interpretation of the observation and results for the Argan essential oil showed the promising study results. Regarding its efficacy as potential antifungal agents when compared to that of the standard synthetic chemical agents used against the clinical skin scrape isolates of T. rubrum. Conclusion: The phytochemical compounds present in the Argan essential oil acts as an effective remedy toward the clinical skin scrape isolates of T. rubrum compared to the standard antifungal agents.
... In vitro studies on argan oil showed tyrosinase inhibition and a reduction of melanin production in B16 murine cells, supporting its anti-aging potential (Villareal et al. 2013). Furthermore, argan oil is recognized to enhance skin elasticity and skin hydration in tests on volunteers (Boucetta et al. 2014;Bensouda et al. 2015), to reduce inflammation (Kamal et al. 2019) and to prevent Cutibacterium acnes growth responsible for acne development (Lall et al. 2019). ...
The increasing demand for natural ingredients in cosmetics raises new challenges for the characterization of highly complex natural extracts and the production of standardized extracts. Metabolomics has spread in a variety of research areas with great success for metabolite identification, product discrimination, and the control of quality, authenticity and adulteration. This review aims to present recent trends in the development of metabolomics tools and their potential to address new issues in natural cosmetics for more effective selection and control of natural ingredients. The current sources of natural ingredients used in skincare products are summarized. The actual metabolomics approaches are delineated, encompassing the pivotal steps of metabolomic workflow from sample extraction and metabolite identification to data mining and statistical analysis. Outlined are diverse cosmeceutical activities, ranging from antioxidant effectiveness and anti-inflammatory potential to rejuvenating properties, ultraviolet radiation protection, and the brightening attributes inherent in natural extracts. Finally, we presented the contributions of metabolomics to the quality assessment of natural cosmetics ingredients by identification of bioactive compounds, dereplication of bio-sourced ingredients, quality and safety assessment of extracts, authentication, and traceability, and the detection of adulteration. This review presents systematic approaches to studying the complex phytochemical mixtures found in natural ingredients, linking analytical techniques to biological assay systems, and thereby opening new opportunities for discovering active principles and assisting in the production of standardized compositions.
... Argan oil comes from the Argan tree Argania spinosa originating from the Moroccan southwest., as a multipurpose tree, Argan plays an important socio-economic role, and maintain the ecological balance and protect biodiversity (Khallouki et al., 2017), each fruit's core contains one to three seeds, of which each is composed of up to 58% of oil (El Idrissi et al., 2023;Hanana et al., 2018), that contains large amounts of unsaturated (80%) and saturated (20%) fatty acids (Sevindik, Amanpour, Tsouli Sarhir, Kelebek, & Selli, 2019), and the non-saponifiable materials consist of a range of biologically active compounds including carotenes (37%), tocopherols (8%), triterpenic alcohols (20%), sterols (29%) and xanthophylls (5%) (Lall et al., 2019). ...
Identification of the chemical compositions of fatty acids and tocopherols shows the high content of linum usitatissimum oil (LO) by linolenic acid 55.3735% and γ-tocopherol 570.927 mg/kg, while argania spinosa oil (AO) is known by the dominance of oleic acid 47.77% followed by linoleic acid 31.08% as well as tocopherols by γ-tocopherols 687.485 mg/kg and δ-tocopherols 51.035 mg/kg. This difference in compositions enables us to enrich the low-stability oil and monitor its behavior during storage at a specific time and under specific conditions. In this study, pure linum usitatissimum and argania spinosa oils extracted by cold pressing as well as their formulations at proportions of (LO: AO) respectively: (80:20; 60:40, 50:50; 40:60; 20: 80) were oxidized at 60 °C for 28 days of storage, during which time the pure oils and blends were assessed for oxidative stability by studying their different fatty acid and tocopherol profiles and physicochemical characteristics such as acidity, peroxide value and chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments, as well as nutritional indexes such as the atherogenic index (AI), the thrombogenic index (TI), and the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH), ω3:ω6 ratio, also the oxidative susceptibility (OS), and oxidazability value (Cox), and total phenolic compounds (TPC).
... Generally, the leaves of Argania spinosa were the only ones that exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against Microbacterium resistens and Staphylococcus saprophyticus compared to other parts of the plant studied. Saponin extract from Argan oilcake showed antibacterial activity at a concentration of 500 μg/mL on Cutibacterium acne bacteria, while no inhibition of bacterial growth was observed against Prevotella intermedia up to the highest concentration (12500 μg/mL) [59] . ...
The argan tree is a versatile forest tree (silviculture-fruit-forestry) of great importance for the country both in biological, phytogenetic and ecological biodiversity as well as in economic and social aspects. It has significant medicinal and therapeutic potential. The present study concentrated on saccharide containing molecules, particularly saponins, for their medicinal properties. Butanol was used to fractionate phytochemical groups from different parts of Argania spinosa (branch, leaf, pulp, shell and seed), which were subsequently precipitated in ether. It was found that solvent fractionation increased the total saponin amount according to the colorimetric test using vanillin and sulfuric acid. The butanol fraction of the argan shell and its precipitate showed the highest levels of triterpene saponins compared to the rest of the plant parts studied. The samples showed antioxidant capacity by DPPH versus ascorbic acid (IC50 = 1.92 µg/mL) and by ABTS using the similar standard (IC50 = 11.31 µg/mL). The antioxidant activity of the samples was significantly improved from the crude shell extract (IC50 = 5.85 µg/mL) to its butanolic fraction (IC50 = 2.94 µg/mL) and its precipitate (IC50 = 1.57 µg/mL) using 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl.
Indeed, the ABTS test, showed similarity to the core results. Also, the solid disc diffusion method was used to highlight the antimicrobial activity of extracts from different parts of the Argania spinosa plant. The EtOH 70% and Aqueous leaf extracts exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, resulting in an inhibition zone of approximately 13 mm against the growth of Staphylococcus saprophyticus. On the other hand, the extract of saponin filtrate from the pulp part of the plant displayed the lowest antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone of 9 mm. All studied types of saponin extract from different parts of the plant do not contribute to any antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea.
Keywords: Argania spinosa; antioxidant activity; saponins; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity
... In 2019, Lall et al. discussed about the saponins. They extracted these glycosides from Argania spinosa plant and they observed a potent antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes and Prevotella intermedia bacteria (Lall et al., 2019). In 2019, Fleck et al., reported about Quillaja saponaria plant which is a rich source of saponin. ...
Antibacterial resistance developed by bacteria due to the unlimited use of antibiotics has posed a challenge for human civilization. This kind of problem is not limited to India only, but it is a global concern. Nowadays, many treatments and medicines for bacterial diseases have been developed. However, they possess some drawbacks. Therefore, the alternative medicine has been used to target the drug resistant mechanisms and such medicines have less side effects which is becoming necessary. Natural products have traditionally or historically been of importance for the development of antibacterial agents and are also known to overcome bacterial drug resistance by directly targeting the drug resistance mechanisms in bacteria. In recent years, researchers have also focused on new drug discovery from plant-based research. They have looked on various phytocompounds as antibacterial agents. In the current review, we report various classes of secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, quinones, and some essential oils that have been used as an antibacterial agent. In addition, we also discuss several mechanisms behind bacterial multi-drug resistance that are used during bacterial pathogenesis.
... Similarly, (Lotfi et al., 2015) showed that the extracted AS oil was inactive on all tested strains except Staphylococcus aureus and white Staphylococcus where the oil has only a low activity. In addition, the AS oil and its extract did not exhibit antibacterial effect against Prevotella intermedia below a dose of 12.5 mg/mL (Lall et al., 2019). ...
Many parameters can influence the chemical profiles and the biological activities of seed oils. It was therefore of interest to study Algerian seed oils, whose caharacteristics are not well known. So, the physicochemical properties and nutrient profiles (fatty acids, phytosterols, polyphenols) of seed oils from Pistacia lentiscus L. (PL), Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) mill. (OFI), and Argania spinosa L. Skeels (AS) were determined. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the oils were also characterized. The physicochemical parameters of the oils are closely related to the standard values. PL oil is distinguished by its high content of pigments. AS and OFI oils were dominated by linoleic acid, at 39.1 ± 0.5 and 55.8 ± 0.6%, respectively, while the oleic acid (41.2 ± 0.4%) was the major fatty acid in the oil of PL. The analysis of phytosterol levels showed that β-sitosterol was present in high amounts in the three oils, of 387.44 ± 3.04, 87.92 ± 0.72 and 58.79 ± 1.19 mg/100 g of oil in OFI, AS and PL oils, respectively. The characterization of phenolics revealed only the presence of protocatechuic acid in the PL oil and p-coumaric and t-cinnamic acids in AS oil. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by using the phosphomolybdate assay and the scavenger activity of the DPPH• radical. PL and OFI oils showed the highest antioxidant capacity compared with AS. Very weak antibacterial and antifungal effects, evaluated against four bacterial and six fungal strains, were found. Given the chemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of Algerian PL, OFI and AS seed oils, our results highlight the potential benefit of these oils for human health.
Argan oil (AO) is a valuable functional lipid due to its rich content of unsaturated fats and minor bioactive compounds with significant functional and physiological benefits. Despite its potential, comprehensive reviews on its role as dietary lipids and biological indicators are limited. This study evaluates recent findings on AO's bioactive molecules, nutritional profile, phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and underlying mechanisms. It highlights AO’s potential as a food ingredient and emphasizes the need for further research. AO contains bioactive compounds like phytosterols, flavonoids, vitamins, pigments, polyphenols, and trace metals, contributing to its health benefits. It aids in preventing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer and helps reduce acne-related issues, thanks to compounds like syringic, ferulic, and caffeic acids. Widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, AO also exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective properties. Additionally, triterpenoids like lupenone, ursane, and oleanane enhance their anticancer and antidiabetic potential. AO's promising health benefits call for expanded research into its nutritional applications, particularly in food systems. Due to the limited studies on the utilization of AO in foods, further research is highly recommended based on the current findings of this study. Future studies should explore the application of AO across various food systems. Collaboration between academia and industry is essential to optimize AO's use for both domestic and industrial purposes, thereby unlocking its full potential.
Argan oil is widely used as an active ingredient of dermo-cosmetic products. Its high demand has led to an increase adulteration with varying amounts of inexpensive herbal oils. The quality control of argan oil is one of the most important issues for pharmaceutical companies. In this study,1H-NMR-based metabolomics study was used as a fast and non-destructive technique to detect adulteration. Argan seeds and oil were purchased from pharmacies and stores. The results showed that pure argan oil doesn't contain α-linolenic acid, while it is present in varying amounts in most herbal oils. A number of argan oils that were purchased from the market or pharmacies, despite the manufacturer's claim that the argan oil is 100% pure with no additives in the final product, had impurities especially in aromatic regions. This is the first attempt to demonstrate that the 1H-NMR-based metabolomics study can successfully apply to detect argan oil adulteration.
This study investigates for the first time the effects of UV light exposure on the chemical composition of artisanal and cold‐pressed culinary and cosmetic argan oils, as well as their quality and biological activities. We ascertained the oxidative stability of both types of oil through measurements of the peroxide value, acidity, UV‐spectrophotometric indexes (E232 and E270), and iodine value. Over the course of eight hours at room temperature, the impact of UV light on the breakdown of tocopherols, polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoid pigments was examined. The findings showed that during photo‐oxidation, acidity, peroxide value, and particular extinction coefficients (E232 and E270) gradually increased. On the other hand, a decline in the content of polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoid, and chlorophyll was noted. Interestingly, iodine levels failed to improve. Although after an eight‐hour degradation, the physicochemical profile of argan oils remained exceptional. DPPH• (1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity tests showed a gradual decrease in radical inhibition over time, which was attributed to lower levels of tocopherol and polyphenol. However, roasted oils showed antifungal action against Botrytis cinerea fungus, while Argan vegetable oils showed no activity against Escherichia coli, Microbacterium resistens, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Raoultella ornithinolytica, according to antimicrobial assays.
Objectives:
Diaper dermatitis (DD) is one of the most common dermatological disorders in children. Commonly used drugs for treatment have several adverse effects; therefore, assessment of safe therapeutic strategies is necessary. We, therefore, aimed at comparing the efficacy of argan spinosa oil and 1% hydrocortisone ointment on DD healing.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Jordan on children 2 years old or younger with mild to severe DD. Initially, 73 participants were enrolled in the argan spinosa oil group, and 74 participants were enrolled in the 1% hydrocortisone ointment group. Participants were assigned to groups randomly after the baseline measurement of DD. Healing was measured on a 5-point scale on days 1, 3, and 7, through home visits. Data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models in SPSS version 25 software, with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results:
Of the 147 enrolled children, 140 completed the study. A significant decrease in the DD grades was observed in both groups. After the exclusion of confounding factors, the GEE models revealed that children treated with argan spinosa oil were approximately 0.25 times less likely to have severe DD grades and to show faster improvement than children treated with 1% hydrocortisone (p < 0.025). Multiple logistic regression on the baseline data revealed that the use of barrier cream (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.72; p = 0.004) and a frequency of bathing one or fewer times per week (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.65, 2.10; p = 0.002) predicted DD occurrence.
Conclusion:
Argan spinosa oil is more effective than 1% hydrocortisone in healing DD and might be used as a complementary treatment. However, further clinical trials on larger samples will be essential for confirming the results and making a reliable judgment.
Trial registration:
NCT04210674.
Argan oil plays a significant socio-economic role in southwestern Morocco, with many applications in cosmetics and nutrition. In this study, the chemical composition, the quality, as well as antioxidant activity of Argan oils extracted from different fruit shapes (apiculate, oval, spherical, and fusiform) in Essaouira and Agadir were evaluated. The results collected indicated a slight resemblance in the chemical composition of fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, and polyphenols of Argan oils. These, extracted from two different regions, also show similar yields in the oval form, with values of 53.53 % for the Essaouira region and 54.86 % for that of Agadir. However, a slight difference was noted in the shape of the fruit. Indeed, the total sterols content for the oval shape showed values of 178.64 mg/100g in the Essaouira region and 171.97 mg/100g in the Agadir region. Also, γ-tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol in all tested oils.
The article provides an overview of the world experience in obtaining and food use of the oil of Argania spinosa. The relationship between technological methods of oil extraction and purification and the composition of its biologically active components: polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols, phenolic compounds is considered. The main directions of the usage of argan oil in dietary nutrition are analyzed and the results of international clinical studies based on the inclusion of argan oil in diet therapy for metabolic disorders and psycho-neurological disorders of various nature are summarized. The effectiveness of argan oil components in gene expression and remodulation of steroid and hormone metabolism has been noted. It has been shown that, with regular inclusion in the diet, the components of argan oil provide choleretic, cardio-, hepato- and chemoprotective effects, exhibit neuroprotective effects in relation to the causes of cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric disorders. Along with the high nutritional value of argan oil, the geographical area of growth of Argania spinosa is very limited, the species does not lend itself well to introduction, which is the leading reason for the overestimated market value of the oil, its falsification and the limited circle of real consumers. In this regard, it is advisable to search for technological solutions that make it possible to include argan oil in the diet of a larger number of consumers and, at the same time, make the very idea of falsifying this product senseless. Such a solution, according to the authors of the article, can be achieved by scientifically grounded combination of argan oil with other edible vegetable oils that have a different composition of fatty acids and associated biologically active components. Promising directions for blending vegetable oils are proposed.
Argania spinosa is a member of the Sapotaceae family and is an endemic tree that grows in approximately 800,000 hectares in
Southwest Morocco. It is registered that the argan oil obtained from the seeds of the plant is used by the people of the region in
dermatological disorders and to lighten skin color. Because of its high content of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and polyphenols has
become noticeable among other fixed oil sources. Recently, it has become exceptionally preferred in the cosmetic industry and has
found its place in various formulations in pure or enriched forms. Apart from dermo-cosmetic use, there are many studies on the
plant's chemical contents and biological activities, primarily argan oil. In this study, biological activity and dermatological effect
studies of argan oil obtained from SciFinder, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect databases were listed and evaluated in terms of
cosmetic use. As a result of the evaluations, it was determined that the ethnobotanical uses of argan oil, the preparations and
formulations prepared for dermocosmetic use and the compiled biological activity studies showed parallelism. In the study, case
reports that argan oils used for cosmetic purposes can cause allergic reactions are also included and the need for more side/toxic
effect profile studies on argan oil has been revealed.
Vegetable oils present important pharmacological properties, which gained ground in the pharmaceutical field. Its encapsulation in nanoemulsions is considered a promising strategy to facilitate the applicability of these natural compounds and to potentiate the actions. These formulations offer several advantages for topical and systemic delivery of cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents including controlled droplet size, protection of the vegetable oil to photo, thermal and volatilization instability and ability to dissolve and stabilize lipophilic drugs. For these reasons, the aim of this review is to report on some characteristics, preparation methods, applications and especially analyze recent research available in the literature concerning the use of vegetable oils with therapeutic characteristics as lipid core in nanoemulsions, specially from Brazilian flora, such as babassu (Orbignya oleifera), aroeira (Schinus molle L.), andiroba (Carapa guaianiensis), casca-de-anta (Drimys brasiliensis Miers), sucupira (Pterodon emarginatus Vogel) and carqueja doce (Stenachaenium megapotamicum) oils. © 2016, Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas (Biblioteca). All rights reserved.
The Argan tree, called Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels, is a tropical plant, which belongs to the Sapotaceae family, it is exploited essentially for its fruits. The endosperm seed of the fruit constitutes a good potential source of edible oil for human consumption and is endowed with important medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antimalarial and anti-proliferative. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of the oil extracted from seeds of A. spinosa in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia human (T-ALL) context. The activity was assessed through an in vitro test on three T-ALL cell lines: JURKAT, MOLT3 and DND41. The cytotoxicity effects of A. spinosa oil extract were checked by MTT assay and the change in the activity levels of two T-ALL proliferation-related proteins (Notch1 and ERK) was investigated by Western blot, the results demonstrate that treatment with A. spinosa oil extract at the dose of 100 μg/mL inhibited the growth of JURKAT, MOLT3 and DND41 cells, and reduced the expression levels and the activity of proliferation-related proteins such as ERK1/2 and Notch1 intracellular domain. A. spinosa oil extract could be a potential preventive and therapeutic approach recommended as anti-proliferative against leukemia.
During menopause, the decrease of estrogenic secretion induces the disruption of skin functioning, thus causing the decline in skin elasticity characteristic of skin aging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in postmenopausal women the effect of daily consumption and/or application of argan oil on skin elasticity.
Sixty postmenopausal women consumed butter during the stabilization period and were randomly divided into two groups for the intervention period: the treatment group of 30 participants received dietary argan oil, the control group of 30 participants received olive oil, and both groups applied cosmetic argan oil in the left volar forearm during a 60-day period. Assessments of skin elasticity parameters, ie, the three R-parameters (R2 or gross-elasticity of the skin, R5 or net elasticity of the skin, and R7 or biological elasticity), and the resonance running time (RRT) at both volar forearms of the two groups were performed during three visits: before starting oils consumption and application, after 30 days of oils consumption and application, and after 60 days of oils consumption and application.
The consumption of argan oil led to a significant increase of gross-elasticity of the skin (R2) (P<0.001), net elasticity of the skin (R5) (P<0.001), biological elasticity (R7) (P<0.001), and a significant decrease of RRT (P=0.002). The application of argan oil led to a significant increase of gross-elasticity of the skin (R2) (P<0.001), net elasticity of the skin (R5) (P<0.001), biological elasticity (R7) (P=0.001), and a significant decrease of RRT (P<0.001).
Our findings suggest that the daily consumption and/or topical application of argan oil have an anti-aging effect on the skin demonstrated by the improvement of skin elasticity, characterized by an increase of R-parameters (R2, R5, and R7) and a decrease of RRT.
Naji & Ahmed Abbas Abed Zuwaid. This is a research/review paper, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License http:// creativecommons. org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), permitting all non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction inany medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Abstract-Methicillin-resistant Staphy Lococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections are most medically threat, hard to treat infection among medical care units. MRSA isolates emerged from Staphy Lococcus Aureus strain how carry mecA gene which confer their resistance to methicillin. The standard drug of choice to resolve MRSA infections is vancomycin which late replaced by teicoplanin due to their renal toxicity. During this study 20 MRSA isolates were obtained from the Central Laboratory of Babylon Health Directorate and previously diagnosed as MRSA using both phenotypic (by VITEK 2 compact system) and genotypic (mecA gene detection) diagnostics methods. Teicoplanin disk diffusion were achieved acc -ording to CLSI 2012.Well diffusion method was used to test the effects of mixture of Argan Oil and 1.5 % H2O2 with ratios: (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 Argan oil: 1.5% H2O2). The effect of the mentioned mixtures in addition to the effect of 1.5% H2O2 alone and Argan oil alone were tested using well diffusion method according to CLSI 2012. The results of inhibition zone for mixture were recorded and compared with the inhibition of teicoplanin. Abstract-Methicillin-resistant Staphy Lococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections are most medically threat, hard to treat infection among medical care units. MRSA isolates emerged from Staphy Lococcus Aureus strain how carry mecA gene which confer their resistance to methicillin. The standard drug of choice to resolve MRSA infections is vancomycin which late replaced by teicoplanin due to their renal toxicity. During this study 20 MRSA isolates were obtained from the Central Laboratory of Babylon Health Directorate and previously diagnosed as MRSA using both phenotypic (by VITEK 2 compact system) and genotypic (mecA gene detection) diagnostics methods. Teicoplanin disk diffusion were achieved acc -ording to CLSI 2012.Well diffusion method was used to test the effects of mixture of Argan Oil and 1.5 % H2O2 with ratios: (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 Argan oil: 1.5% H2O2). The effect of the mentioned mixtures in addition to the effect of 1.5% H2O2 alone and Argan oil alone were tested using well diffusion method according to CLSI 2012. The results of inhibition zone for mixture were recorded and compared with the inhibition of teicoplanin. The results revealed ability of argan oil: H2O2 mixture with ration 2:1 to inhibit growth 80% of MRSA isolates and give inhibition zone similar to those of teicoplanin ≥ 14mm. This study concludes the satisfactoriness of use Argan oil as anti-MRSA medical oil with high level of safety and low level of uncomfortable effects.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily consumption and/or application of argan oil on skin hydration in postmenopausal women.
Material and methods: Sixty postmenopausal women consumed butter during the stabilization period and were randomly divided into two groups for the intervention period: the treatment group absorbed alimentary argan oil (n = 30) and the control group olive oil (n = 30). Both groups applied cosmetic argan oil in the left volar
forearm during a sixty days’ period. Evaluation of skin hydration, i.e. transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and water content of the epidermis (WCE) on both volar forearms of the two groups, were performed during three visits at D0, D30 and after sixty days (D60) of oils treatment.
Results: The consumption of argan oil has led to a significant decrease in TEWL (p = 0.023) and a significant increase in WCE (p = 0.001). The application of argan oil has led to a significant decrease in TEWL (p = 0.01) and a significant increase in WCE (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the daily consumption and application of argan oil have improved the skin hydration by restoring the barrier function and maintaining the water-holding capacity.
Key words: postmenopausal women, argan oil, skin hydration.
Given its advantages in skin application (eg, hydration, antiaging, and protection), argan oil could be used in both dermatological and cosmetic formulations. Therefore, the preparation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using argan oil as a liquid lipid is a promising technique, since the former constitute well-established systems for dermal delivery. The aim of this work was to develop a topical formulation of argan oil NLCs to improve skin hydration. Firstly an NLC dispersion was developed and characterized, and afterward an NLC-based hydrogel was prepared. The in vivo evaluation of the suitability of the prepared formulation for the proposed application was assessed in volunteers, by measuring different skin-surface parameters for 1 month. An argan oil NLC-based hydrogel formulation was successfully prepared and characterized. Moreover, the entrapment of the NLCs in the hydrogel net did not affect their colloidal sizes. Additionally, it was observed that this formulation precipitated an increase in skin hydration of healthy volunteers. Therefore, we concluded that the preparation of NLC systems using argan oil as the liquid lipid is a promising strategy, since a synergistic effect on the skin hydration was obtained (ie, NLC occlusion plus argan oil hydration).
The burn and wound infection is considered one of the major health problems in the world, and one of the most frequent and severe complications in patients who have sustained burn. P. aeruginosa is a common cause of wound infections, especially of thermal burns, this is because burns have large exposed areas of dead tissue free of any defenses and, therefore, are ideal sites for infection by bacteria from the environment or normal microbiota. To assess Antibacterial effect Different concentrations of both Argan Oil (which was fetched from Maraco Kingdom) and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). Bacterial isolates obtained from the Central Laboratory in Hilla City, Iraq. was preliminary diagnosed in this Lab. as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the causative agents of skin and burns infections and the more resistant bacteria to antibiotics. Those isolates were reidentified in our Lab. for confirmation. The test bacterial isolates were treated with; H2O2 (1.5%) alone, Argan oil alone and with physiological saline as a control (by using the wells in agar method). No effect on bacterial activities and vitality were observed in this experiment. Argan oil and H2O2(1.5%) were combined together to form compounds in a rate of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 respectively. The results of this experiment revealed considerable effects on test organisms since the diameter of inhibition zones recorded as high as 23.82mm., 24.57mm. and 23.05mm. These effective of Argan oil Mixing with 1.5% H2O2 on P. aeruginosa burn isolates show remarkable results when compared to highly active antibiotics like Amikacin, Tobramycin, Ceftazidime, Aztreonam, Norfloxacin and Gentamycin.
Argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil has been used for centuries in Morocco as cosmetic oil to maintain a fair complexion and to cure skin pimples and chicken pox pustules scars. Although it is popular, the scientific basis for its effect on the skin has not yet been established. Here, the melanogenesis regulatory effect of argan oil was evaluated using B16 murine melanoma cells. Results of melanin assay using B16 cells treated with different concentrations of argan oil showed a dose-dependent decrease in melanin content. Western blot results showed that the expression levels of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) proteins were decreased. In addition, there was an increase in the activation of MITF and ERK1/2. Real-time PCR results revealed a downregulation of Tyr, Trp1, Dct, and Mitf mRNA expressions. Argan oil treatment causes MITF phosphorylation which subsequently inhibited the transcription of melanogenic enzymes, TYR and DCT. The inhibitory effect of argan oil on melanin biosynthesis may be attributed to tocopherols as well as the synergistic effect of its components. The results of this study provide the scientific basis for the traditionally established benefits of argan oil and present its therapeutic potential against hyperpigmentation disorders.
Reactive oxygen species occur in tissues and can damage DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. These potentially deleterious reactions are controlled by a system of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants which eliminate prooxidants and scavenge free radicals. The ability of the lipid-soluble carotenoids to quench singlet molecular oxygen may explain some anticancer properties of the carotenoids, independent of their provitamin A activity. Tocopherols are the most abundant and efficient scavengers of hydroperoxyl radicals in biological membranes. Water-soluble antioxidants include ascorbate and cellular thiols. Glutathione is an important substrate for enzymatic antioxidant functions and is capable of nonenzymatic radical scavenging. Thiols associated with membrane proteins may also be important to the antioxidant systems. Interactions between the thiols, tocopherols, and other compounds enhance the effectiveness of cellular antioxidant defense.
Agar diffusion techniques are used widely to assay plant extracts for antimicrobial activity, but there are problems associated with this technique. A micro-dilution technique was developed using 96-well microplates and tetrazolium salts to indicate bacterial growth. p-Iodonitrotetrazolium violet [0.2 mg/ml] gave better results than tetrazolium red or thiazolyl blue. The method is quick, worked well with Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli and with non-aqueous extracts from many different plants. The method gave reproducible results; required only 10-25 microliters of extract to determine minimal inhibitory concentrations, distinguished between microcidal and microstatic effects, and provided a permanent record of the results. Using S. aureus, and a Combretum molle extract, the technique was 32 times more sensitive than agar diffusion techniques and was not sensitive to culture age of the test organism up to 24 hours. The S. aureus culture could be stored up to 10 days in a cold room with little effect on the assay results. This method was useful in screening plants for antimicrobial activity and for the bioassay-guided isolation of antimicrobial compounds from plants. MIC values determined for sulfisoxazole, norfloxacin, gentamicin, and nitrofuratoin were similar to values indicated in the literature but values obtained with trimethroprim and ampicillin were higher with some bacteria.
Argania spinosa is an evergreen tree endemic of southwestern Morocco. Many preparations have been used in traditional Moroccan medicine for centuries to treat several illnesses including diabetes. However, scientific evidence supporting these actions is lacking. Therefore, we prepared various extracts of the argan fruit, namely keel, cake and argan oil extracts, which we tested in the HTC hepatoma cell line for their potential to affect cellular insulin responses. Cell viability was measured by Trypan Blue exclusion and the response to insulin evaluated by the activation of the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2), ERK kinase (MEK1/2) and protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) signaling components. None of the extracts demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity. Certain extracts demonstrated a bi-phasic effect on ERK1/2 activation; low doses of the extract slightly increased ERK1/2 activation in response to insulin, whereas higher doses completely abolished the response. In contrast, none of the extracts had any significant effect on MEK whereas only a cake saponin subfraction enhanced insulin-induced PKB/Akt activation. The specific action of argan oil extracts on ERK1/2 activation made us consider an anti-proliferative action. We have thus tested other transformed cell lines (HT-1080 and MSV-MDCK-INV cells) and found similar results. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation was also associated with decreased DNA synthesis as evidenced by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation experiments. These results suggest that the products of Argania spinosa may provide a new therapeutic avenue against proliferative diseases.
The aim of our study is to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of tocopherols obtained from alimentary virgin argan oil extracted from the endemic argan tree of Morocco and of saponins extracted from argan press cake on three human prostatic cell lines (DU145, LNCaP, and PC3). The results were compared to 2-methoxyestradiol as antiproliferative drug candidates. Cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects were investigated after cells' treatment with tocopherols and saponins compared to 2-Methoxyoestradiol as the positive control. Tocopherols and saponins extracted from argan tree and 2-methoxyestradiol exhibit a dose-response cytotoxic effect and an antiproliferative action on the tested cell lines. The best antiproliferative effect of tocopherols is obtained with DU145 and LNCaP cell lines (28 microg/ml and 32 microg/ml, respectively, as GI50). The saponins fraction displayed the best antiproliferative effect on the PC3 cell line with 18 microg/ml as GI50. Our results confirm the antiproliferative effect of 2-methoxyestradiol and show for the first time the antiproliferative effect of tocopherols and saponins extracted from the argan tree on hormone-dependent and hormone-independent prostate cancer cell lines. These data suggest that argan oil is of potential interest in developing new strategies for prostate cancer prevention.
The aim of our study has to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of polyphenols and sterols extracted from the virgin argan oil on three human prostatic cell lines (DU145, LNCaP, and PC3).
Cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative effects and nuclear morphological changes of cells were analyzed after treatment with sterols and polyphenols. The results were compared to 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME(2)) as positive control.
Polyphenols and sterols of virgin argan oil and 2ME(2) exhibited a dose-response cytotoxic effect and antiproliferative action on the three tested cell lines. The antiproliferative effect of polyphenols was similar for the DU145 and LNCaP cell lines; the GI(50) (defined as the concentration inhibiting growth by 50% in comparison with the control) was respectively 73 and 70microg/ml. The antiproliferative effect of sterols was 46 and 60microg/ml as GI(50) for the DU145 and LNCaP cell lines. For the PC3 cell line, the best antiproliferative effect was obtained by argan sterols with GI(50)=43microg/ml. On the other hand, the nuclear morphology analyses have shown an increased proportion of pro-apoptotic of nuclei in LNCaP cell treated with IC(50) of polyphenols or sterols compared to control cells. Our results show for the first time the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of polyphenols and sterols extracted from virgin argan oil and confirm the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of 2ME(2) on prostate cancer cell lines.
These data suggest that argan oil may be interesting in the development of new strategies for prostate cancer prevention.
Allanoin is traditionally employed in the treatment of skin ulcers and hypertrophic scars. In the present work, to improve its local deposition in the skin and deeper tissues, allantoin was incorporated in conventional liposomes and in new argan oil enriched liposomes. In both cases, obtained vesicles were unilamellar, as confirmed by cryo-TEM observation, but the addition of argan oil allowed a slight increase of the mean diameter (∼130nm versus ∼85nm). The formulations, especially those containing argan oil, favoured the allantoin accumulation in the skin, in particular in the dermis (∼8.7μg/cm(2)), and its permeation through the skin (∼33μg/cm(2)). The performances of vesicles as skin delivery systems were compared with those obtained by water dispersion of allantoin and the commercial gel, Sameplast(®). Moreover, in this work, for the first time, the elastic and viscous moduli of the skin were measured, underlining the different hydrating/moisturizing effects of the formulations. The application of ARGliposomes seems to provide a softening and relaxing effect on the skin, thus facilitating the drug accumulation and passage into and trough it.
Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. It is characterized by the formation of non-inflammatory comedones and inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Acne is extremely common and usually starts during the teenage years but can start for the first time in their 20s and 30s. The lesions usually involve the face, back and chest. Severe inflammation may lead to scarring after healing. Psychosocial impact of acne can be tremendous and lead to a poorer quality of life. Proper understanding of pathogenesis of acne will lead to better management.
Over-the-counter acne treatments containing tea tree oil from the plant Melaleuca alternifolia are widely available, and evidence indicates that they are a common choice amongst those self-treating their acne. The aims of this review were to collate and evaluate the clinical evidence on the use of tea tree oil products for treating acne, to review safety and tolerability and to discuss the underlying modes of therapeutic action. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.
Background:
Three pure compounds that naturally occur in plants were of particular interest to our study regarding the possibility of using them as food preservatives: p-coumaric acid (found in peanuts, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, wine, vinegar, etc.), caffeic acid (found in argan oil, oats, wheat, rice and olive oil) and rutin (found in asparagus, citrus fruits, berries, apple, apricot, asparagus, beef and beer). In the following study we investigated in situ antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of three pure compounds, namely caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and rutin, naturally occurring in plants.
Results:
Two food systems were used in order to obtain information on how these compounds react in actual food systems rather than microbiological media. The results indicated good antioxidant activity in in situ food systems. For tested phenolic compounds it was further shown that they successively inhibited the development of the isolated food contaminant Staphylococcus aureus in chicken soup. Panelist found that organoleptic characteristics of chicken soup and pork meat improved after treatment with phenolics.
Conclusion:
Our findings alone, along with the potential use of phenolic compounds that are widespread in nature, may imply their potential use as preservatives in the food industry.
Argan oil is of food or cosmetic (INCI name: Argania spinosa kernel oil) grade. During the past 15 years cosmetic argan oil, as beauty oil or cosmetic ingredient, has become one of the major actors in the dermocosmetic field. Beauty argan oil is produced by cold-pressing argan-fruit kernels. As a cosmetic ingredient, argan oil is produced by solvent-assisted extraction of the finely crushed kernels. Enriched-argan oil which is produced by distillation of cosmetic argan oil can be supplemented with antioxidants. Hence, it presents an even better cosmetic potential. Argan fruit pulp and argan leaves also contain proteins, peptides, saponins and other chemicals presenting highly interesting dermocosmetics. Therefore, the argan tree (A. spinosa) is sometimes nicknamed A. cosmetosa. We comprehensively review the current knowledge (literature and patent) related to argan oil and argan tree products in the dermocosmetic domain.
Increasing recurrence of mammalian tumors and severe side-effects of chemotherapeutic agents reduce the clinical efficacy of a large variety of anticancer agents that are currently being used. Thus, there is always a constant need to develop alternative or synergistic anticancer drugs with minimal side-effects. One important strategy to develop effective anticancer agents is to study into anticancer agents derived from natural sources. Anticancer agents derived from plants and their derivatives have been proven to be effective for cancer prevention and therapeutics. Vinca alkaloid and their derivatives, alone and in combination with therapeutic agents, have been used for a long time for the treatment of various types of cancers. Polyphenols form one of the most important and extensively used classes of plant-derived therapeutics for cancer prevention or chemotherapy. The present review highlights a plethora of studies focused on the antineoplastic properties of plant-derived chemicals, such as Vinca alkaloid, saponins, and flavonoids.
Edible argan oil is traditionally prepared by Berber women who manually crunch the roasted kernels of Argania spinosa fruits. Unroasted kernels furnish a cosmetic-grade oil. Argan groves are currently shrinking due to unfavorable conditions. To stop this trend, a program aimed at increasing the argan tree economical value is in progress in Morocco. Its concept is that the natives will preserve argan trees only if the major part of the wealth resulting from the argan grove production directly benefits them. Because of its high dietary value, argan oil has appeared as the best derivative to rapidly satisfy such assumption. Consequently, year after year, cooperatives have been implanted to produce argan oil of high quality on a large scale. The delicate hazelnut taste of argan oil, combined with its high level in unsaturated fatty acids, has allowed its swift commercial success and, nowadays, argan oil of standardized quality is marketed worldwide. Moroccan farmers are now beginning to plant argan trees, confirming the full success of this ambitious program. This review summarizes the methods used to prepare argan oil, its composition, the strategies available to certify argan oil quality, and finally the impact of argan oil on human health.
Populations of the South-western part of Morocco traditionally use the fruits of Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels to prepare an edible oil whose obtainment furnishes, as side product, a cake used to feed the cattle and complemented the forage furnished by the leaves and fruits of this same plant. However, the wood of A. spinosa is also used for fuel and the subsequent induced deforestation is nowadays accelerated since populations are generally eager to replace argan-groves by cultures of higher and immediate benefits. Recently, argan tree, that is particularly well adapted to grow in arid lands, has been proposed by several agencies to slow down the desert progress in Northern Africa. In order to promote argan tree reintroduction by the South-western Morocco dwellers, a program aimed to increase the industrial value of A. spinosa is currently carried out in Morocco. A phytochemical study is included in this program. Traditional knowledge as well as the most recent results concerning A. spinosa are described in this review.
The ever-increasing emergence of the resistance of mammalian tumor cells to chemotherapy and its severe side effects reduces the clinical efficacy of a large variety of anticancer agents that are currently in use. Thus, despite the significant progress in cancer therapeutics in the last decades, the need to discover and to develop new, alternative, or synergistic anticancer agents remains. Cancer prevention or chemotherapy based on bioactive fractions or pure components derived from desert plants with known cancer-inhibiting properties suggests promising alternatives to current cancer therapy. Plants growing on low nutrient soils and/or under harsh climatic conditions, such as extreme temperatures, intense solar radiation, and water scarcity, are particularly susceptible to attack from reactive oxygen species and have evolved efficient antioxidation defense systems. The many examples of desert plants displaying anticancer effects as presented here indicates that the same defensive secondary metabolites protecting them against the harsh environment may also play a protective or a curative role against cancer, as they also do against diabetes, neurodegenerative, and other acute and chronic diseases. The present review highlights a plethora of studies focused on the antineoplastic properties of desert plants and their prinicipal phytochemicals, such as saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. Although many desert plants have been investigated for their antitumor properties, there are many that still remain to be explored - a challenge for the prospective cancer therapy of the future.
In our work, we evaluate the potential antioxidant, antimalarial activity and also activity against human breast cancer cells (MCF7) of Argan fruit extracts using in vitro models to validate the traditional use of this plant. Its chemical composition was also studied to begin the understanding of its activities, waiting to find the structure-activity relationship.
Polyphenols (89.4-218.5 eqGallic acid (mg/g dry)), tannins (39.3-214.0 eqCatechin (mg/g dry)), flavonoids (3.4-11.1 eqQuercetin (mg/g dry)) and anthocyanins (0.74-10.92 eqCyanindin (mug/g dry)) were quantified. A good (ethyl acetate and decoction) and moderate (petroleum ether) antioxidant activity were obtained for DPPH (IC(50) 32.3-600.8 microg/ml) and ABTS (IC(50) 11.9-988.8 microg/ml) assays. In addition, we found a good antimalarial activity (IC(50) 35 to >100 microg/ml) and human breast cancer cells activity (IC(50) 42 to >100 microg/ml).
The ethyl acetate extract and the decoction show interesting antimalarial and antioxidant activities. The results indicate a good correlations between anthocyanins quantitiy and the potential antioxidant (R(2)=0.9867) and also to antimalarial activity (R(2)=0.8175).
Five new oleanane saponins named arganine A, B, D, E and F and two known saponins: arganine C and mi-saponin A were isolated from the kernel of Argania spinosa. The structures of these saponins were elucidated by using 1H NMR, 1H-1H COSY NMR, 13C NMR, FAB mass spectrometry and chemical evidence.
Major components of two tea-tree oil samples were identified using thin layer and gas-liquid chromatography (TLC and GLC). Using a TLC-bioautographic technique, the tea-tree oils, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol and alpha-pinene were found to be active against Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes whereas cineole was inactive against these organisms. The MIC values of the three active compounds increased in the order alpha-terpineol < terpinen-4-ol < alpha-pinene for all three micro-organisms. MIC values of the tea-tree oils and terpinen-4-ol were lower for P. acnes than for the two staphylococci. This study supports the use of tea-tree oil in the treatment of acne, and demonstrates that terpinen-4-ol is not the sole active constituent of the oil.
The purpose of this study was to assess the relative antioxidant activities of a range of carotenes and xanthophylls through the extent of their abilities to scavenge the ABTS(.+) radical cation. The results show that the relative abilities of the carotenoids to scavenge the ABTS(.+) radical cation are influenced by the presence of functional groups with increasing polarities, such as carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, in the terminal rings, as well as by the number of conjugated double bonds.
This article is a review of the fundamental chemistry of the tocopherols and tocotrienols relevant to their antioxidant action. Despite the general agreement that alpha-tocopherol is the most efficient antioxidant and vitamin E homologue in vivo, there was always a considerable discrepancy in its "absolute" and "relative" antioxidant effectiveness in vitro, especially when compared to gamma-tocopherol. Many chemical, physical, biochemical, physicochemical, and other factors seem responsible for the observed discrepancy between the relative antioxidant potencies of the tocopherols in vivo and in vitro. This paper aims at highlighting some possible reasons for the observed differences between the tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) in relation to their interactions with the important chemical species involved in lipid peroxidation, specifically trace metal ions, singlet oxygen, nitrogen oxides, and antioxidant synergists. Although literature reports related to the chemistry of the tocotrienols are quite meager, they also were included in the discussion in virtue of their structural and functional resemblance to the tocopherols.
Trichosanthin (TCS) is a type I ribosome-inactivating protein that has a wide range of pharmacological activities. The present study investigated the effectiveness of TCS on herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). The anti-viral activity and toxicity of TCS on Vero cells were measured. Results showed that the ED(50), TD(50) and the therapeutic indices were 38.5, 416.5 and 10.9 microg/ml, respectively. Anti-viral activity of TCS was substantially potentiated when it was used in conjunction with other anti-viral agents. The ED(50) of TCS was reduced 125-fold by acyclovir at a concentration of 0.001 microg/ml, which was practically devoid of significant anti-viral activity. Similarly, the ED(50) of TCS was reduced 100-fold by interferon-alpha2a at a concentration of 100 IU/ml. In conclusion, TCS is effective against HSV-1 and other anti-viral agents such as acyclovir or interferon can potentiate its action substantially.
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidising agent that is used in a number of household products, including general-purpose disinfectants, chlorine-free bleaches, fabric stain removers, contact lens disinfectants and hair dyes, and it is a component of some tooth whitening products. In industry, the principal use of hydrogen peroxide is as a bleaching agent in the manufacture of paper and pulp. Hydrogen peroxide has been employed medicinally for wound irrigation and for the sterilisation of ophthalmic and endoscopic instruments.
Twenty one samples of argan oil of different geographical origin (Tidzi, Tamanar, Benaiznassen, Ait mzal, Ait Baha, Ighrem, Aoulouz) and/or prepared following a different process (traditional, mechanical, or industrial) were collected and their physico-chemical properties analyzed. Sample acidity was found between 0.14 and 1.40%, unsaponifiable matter between 0.34 and 0.79%, saponification value between 180.0 and 199.6, highest peroxide index was 5.72 meq/kg, refractive index (20 degrees C) between 1.4644 and 1.4705, and UV absorption at 270 nm between 0.228 and 0.605. This study, carried out on randomly selected samples, clearly demonstrates that press extraction does not alter either the chemical composition of argan oil or its physico-chemical characteristics. It also demonstrates that press extraction respects the critical factors reported for traditionally prepared oils and necessary to obtain a beneficial effect on human health (a specific fatty acid balance and high tocopherol and sterol levels). In addition, this study should be useful for the establishment of a national quality standard.
Some botanical compounds are considered useful to reduce sebum production. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of a sebum control cream containing polyphenol-rich extract from saw palmetto, sesame seeds, and argan oil in subjects with oily facial skin.
The study was carried out during the winter months (January and February). A total of 20 healthy volunteers (9 male and 11 female, aged 17-50 years, 16 with oily skin and 4 with combined skin) were studied. The test product was applied twice daily to the face for a period of 4 weeks. A clinical assessment and instrumental measurements were done before and after the treatment period. Casual sebum level on the forehead and both cheeks was determined with a photometric device (Sebumeter). The quantity of sebum on the midforehead was determined using sebum collector foils (Sebufix), which were then evaluated with skin camera Visioscope and software SELS (Surface Evaluation of the Living Skin). A subjective evaluation questionnaire regarding the cosmetic characteristics, tolerance, and efficacy of the product was filled out by the volunteers at the end of study.
The product was very well accepted by all the volunteers. A visible sebum-regulating efficacy was reported in 95% of them. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical assessment scores decreased by 33%. There was a significant reduction in the casual sebum level by 20% and area covered with oily spots by 42%. The number of active sebaceous glands remained unaltered.
These results objectively and quantitatively show the efficacy of the sebum control cream tested to reduce the greasiness and improve the appearance of oily facial skin.
Verwendung eins Extraktesaus der Pflanze Argania spinosa. European patent EP 1430900 Cognis France SA, Saint Martory
- F Henry
- L Danoux
- G Pauly
- Z Charrouf
Henry F, Danoux L, Pauly G, Charrouf Z. Verwendung eins Extraktesaus der
Pflanze Argania spinosa. European patent EP 1430900 Cognis France SA, Saint
Martory. 2004.
Use of an extract from the plant Argania spinosa. Cognis France SA, Saint Martory
- F Henry
- L Danoux
- G Pauly
- Z Charrouf
Henry F, Danoux L, Pauly G, Charrouf Z. Use of an extract from the plant Argania
spinosa. Cognis France SA, Saint Martory. 2004.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies of 3 African Medicinal Plants Containing Potent Antiradical Principles
- F Khallouki
- Ethnobotanical
Khallouki F. Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies of 3
African Medicinal Plants Containing Potent Antiradical Principles. PhD Thesis,
University of Metz, Metz, France. 2003.