Effects of Argan Oil on Health

Abstract

In this review, the composition of argan oil, production methods, effects on health and its usage on various kind of illnesses have been investigated. Argan oil compensates 25% of the Moorish peoples daily oil requirement. It is produced from fruits of argan tree (Argania spinosa L.) by traditional methods, cold press method and solvent extraction. Argan oil is rich of unsaturated fat acid with its oleic and linoleic acid content which are approximately 44.8% and 33.7% respectively. It is a vegetable fat and the ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid content is 1.25. With the studies made on argan oil, antithrombotic, providing homoeostasis, antiatherogenic, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties are found. Additionally it is found out that, it decreases the obesities metabolic effects. However the studies made on argan oil which are related with the diseases are limited.

Full text

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
12
Effects of Argan Oil on Health
1Elmas Ersoz 2Nevin Sanlier
1 Aksehir Kadir Yallagöz School of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Konya,
Turkey, Tel.: 0507 063 06 48, E-mail: elmasonde@gmail.com
2 PhD, Prof. Dr. Biruni University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and
Dietetics, Besevler/ANKARA/TURKEY, E-mail: nevintekgul@gmail.com, Tel.: 0532 585 59 44
Abstract
In this review, the composition of argan oil, production methods, effects on health and
its usage on various kind of illnesses have been investigated. Argan oil compensates
25% of the Moorish peoples daily oil requirement. It is produced from fruits of argan
tree ( Argania spinosa L. ) by traditional methods, cold press method and solvent
extraction. Argan oil is rich of unsaturated fat acid with its oleic and linoleic acid
content which are approximately 44.8% and 33.7% respectively. It is a vegetable fat
and the ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid content is 1.25. With the studies made on
argan oil, antithrombotic, providing homoeostasis, antiatherogenic, prevention of
cardiovascular diseases, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties are found.
Additionally it is found out that, it decreases the obesities metabolic effects. However
the studies made on argan oil which are related with the diseases are limited.
Keywords: Argan oil; composition of argan oil; cardiovascular disease; diabetes;
cancer; obesity
Introduction
Argan oil can be obtained from
traditional argan tree (Argania spinosa)
which grows at Morocco 1. Argan tree is
the most second tree in Morocco, and it
has an essential importance for the food
chain 2. At 1998, argan forest is
dedicated as “Biyosphere Reserve” by
UNESCO 3. Argan tree is 8 to 10 meters
long, with a knurly and needle like stem
and long leaves, blossom yellow
flowers in Aprils. It’s fruits are 2 to 4 cm
in length and 1.5 to 3 cm in width and
have a bitter and hard shell. It has a

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
13
sweet scent and the argan tree can live
around 150-200 years 2.
Argan oil is used by the people who live
in the southeast of Morocco for
hundreds of years. In the 90’s it is used
in foods, cosmetics and even in medical
purposes. Therefore the unknowns can
be started to be explained 3. Argan oil in
not only in Morocco, but also in Europe
and North America started to be
distributed by some firms and it has the
most expensive oil title in the markets
3,4.
With the studies made, argan oil is
antithrombotic, homoeostasis5,
antiatherogenic6, avoiding
cardiovascular diseases, and has
antidiabetic and antihypertensive
effects 7. In addition in some studies it is
mentioned that, argan oil can decrease
the metabolic effects of obesity 8.
In this review, the composition of argan
oil, its production methods and effects
on health and its usage for different
diseases are investigated.
Argan
Maturing of the argan fruit takes 9 to 12
months and it finishes in between June
and July 9. Generally there are 1, 2 or
even 3 seeds which rich of oil inside the
shell. The weight of the fruit is 5 to 20
grams and 55-75% of the fruit is pulpy
2. Dry and wet part of the pulpy part is
rich of carbonhydrates and is used for
calf feed. The composition of the pulpy
part is given in Table 1 10. By the way
there argan also has an extract 11. In
contrast with the informations related
to the argan oil, the informations
related to the argan fruit are limited.
The seed has oil percentage of 38-62%,
overall 50%. All of the seed is used for
oil extraction9. After extruding the oil,
the remaining part has carbonhydrates,
proteins and saponins 10.

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
14
Table 1: The composition of the pulpy part of argan fruit 10.
Composition
Percentage (%)
Mouisture
20-50
Ash
4.1
Cellulose
12.9
Compounds with Nitrogen
5.9
Lipid
6.0
Glycoside
18.5
Argan Oil
Argan oil meets the 25% of the total oil
requirement of the people of Morocco
12. Generally it is rich of unsaturated fat
(80%) with oleic and linoleic acid
content (approx. 44.8% and 33.7%
respectively). It is a vegetable fat with
oleic/linoleic acid ratio of 1.25. Argan
oil can not be saponified 13. Generally
oleic acid decreases LDL levels but
increases HDL levels and due to this it
is related with the cardiovascular risk
factors. In addition to this, oleic acid
have a hypotensive effect 14. Thanks to
n-6 oil acids, it improves the lipid
profile at cardiovascular diseases,
diabetes and cancer. It can be used for
avoiding oxidative damage 15.
Argan oil is named as high
antioxidative capacity, due to its high
tocoferol, polyphenol antioxidative
molecule content. Argan oil is rich of
CoQ10 and melatonin, but there is no
evidence of CoQ9 content 16. Due to its
phytochemical and unsaturated oil sit
content, it has a potential to be used for
cardiovascular and cancer diseases 13,17.
Argan oil which is produced by roasted
or unroasted cold press method can be
used as food or cosmetic purposes.
Argan oil has tocopherol, phenol and
maillard products. It can balance the
oxidative stability with its
phospholipid content 18. The properties
of heated extra virgin argan oil at 180C
for 24 hours is investigated and as a
result argan oil is stable at high
temperatures. In addition to this, after
24 hours, the polar compound levels
stay low 19.
In a study related to cosmetics with the
stability of argan oil, two samples are
held at 40oC and 25oC for a year. The
quality of the one which is held at 40oC
has decreased drastically. As a result,
for the Morocco standards argan oil can
be kept for 1 year at 25oC and for the
industrial standards it can kept as long
as 6 months 20.

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
15
Argan oil is classified related to its
properties as virgin, extra virgin, food,
cosmetic and enriched argan oil 2.
Production methods of Argan Oil
Traditional Method
In traditional method, argan oil is
produced by Moroccan women 2.
Argan oil produced by this method has
weak chemical composition and its
shelf life is short. With 58 hours of
work, by using 100 kilograms of dried
fruit, a person can produce 2-2.5 liters
of argan oil 21. Firstly the shell and the
pulp part of a matured fruit is removed.
Then the seed is crushed. After that, it is
put in a pot and dried with heat. Then
it is cooled on the floor. The cooled
particles are crushed with a specially
made tools and the oil is extracted 2.
Cold Press Method
With cold press method, a person can
obtain 4-6 liters of argan oil within 13
hours by using 100 kilograms of dried
argan fruit.
Solvent Extraction Method
By using lipophilic solvent which could
be used for industrial or laboratory
purposes, argan oil can obtained from
argan seeds. After evaporation with one
or two extraction cycle, argan oil is
produced with 50-55% efficiency.
Argan oil produced by this method is
insufficient in organoleptic properties
and generally it is used for cosmetic
purposes with additions of some other
different ingredients (2).
Comparison of Argan Oil with other oil
types
In a study argan oil’s properties are
similar to walnut oil, sesame oil and flax
seed oil. It has less similarity with olive
oil, avocado oil and almond oil 22.
Argan oil content is compared with
olive oil in table 3 15. With regards to oil
acid content, argan oil is rich of palmitic
oleic and linoleic acid and oleic acid is
more effective inside these. In a
comparison made, oleic acid content is
36.5-47.7% and is more than sunflower
seed oil (15-85%) and soya oil (20-35%)
and less than rapeseed oil (60.7%),
canola oil (50-65%), peanut oil (58.3%)
and olive oil (67.2%). With regards to
saturated fat acid content, it is similar or
higher to other vegetable oils 14.
The main vitamin in argan oil is ϒ-
tocopherol and the main vitamin in
olive oil and sunflower seed oil is α-
tocopherol. Total tocopherol content of
argan oil is more than olive oil’s (Table
3) 2. The squalene content of argan oil
and olive oil is similar and more than
sunflower seed oil. Total phenolic
compound content of argan oil is less
than olive oil 15. Sterol content of olive
oil is more than argan oil (Table 3) 2. In
a study, CoQ10 content of virgin soya
oil is more than virgin argan oil’s 16. In
another study, the trace element

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
16
content of argan oil is compared with
other oil types. Calcium and sodium
content of argan oil is more than olive
oil and pumpkin oil, however, zinc
content of argan oil is less than some
other oil type 23.
Table 2: Argan oil compositions for different kinds 21.
Traditional
Edible
Cosmetic
Material
Roasted kernels
Roasted kernels
Unroasted kernels
Process
Hand malaxing
Press
Solvent/press
Preservation
7-14 days
Several months
Several months
Taste
Not reproducible
Hazel-nut like
Bitter
Color
Yellow to brown
Copper-like
Gold-like
Quality
Low
Very high
Very high
Moisture
Variable
Low
Some amount
Antioxidants
Variable
High
High

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
17
Table 3: Comparison of argan oil with olive oil and moringa olifera oil 15,24.
Extra virgin argan oil
(%)
Extra virgin olive oil
(%)
Moringa oleifera oil
(%)
Fatty acid
C16:0
13.4
10.4
6.04
C18:0
5.1
2.76
4.14
C18:1
44.8
71
73.6
C18:2
35.7
12.9
0.73
C18:3
0.1
1.04
0.22
Sterol
mg/100 g oil
Schottenol
142
0
-
Spinasterol
115
0
-
β-Sitosterol
0
156
50.07
Campestrol
0
12
15.13
Stigmasta-8,22-dien-3β-
ol
9
0
16.87
Others
29
151
-
Total
295
319
-
Tocopherol vitamer
mg/kg oil
Alfa
35
190
98.82
Beta
122
42
27.9
Gamma
480
26
71.16
Total
637
358
-
Phenolic Compound
mg/kg oil
Vanilic acid
67
359
-
Syringic acid
37
0
-
Ferulic acid
3147
51
-
Tyrosol
12
19.573
-
Others
-
773.000
-
Total
3.263
792.983
-

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
18
Argan Oil’s effects on diseases
The interest of argan oil has increased
in recent years. Due to this reason
scientists start to investigate argan oil’s
effects on diseases.
Obesity
Obesity is a multifactorial disease.
Some special diet compounds have
antioxidative and antiflamatuar
properties and avoids complications of
obesity 25. Argan oil is a cofactor on the
modulation of obesity and provides
efficiency with the fat acid distribution
and the phytosterols, phenolic
compounds and tocopherol contents 26.
In an experiment made on rats, argan
oil has a positive effect on obesities
metabolic results 8.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases have top
mortality on a worldwide scale 27. Diet
has a positive effect on cardiovascular
diseases, such as, dyslipidemia platelet
hyperactivity 28. Oil content and quality
of diet has an effect on cardiovascular
diseases and type 2 diabetes 13. Intake of
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated
fat acids is related with low
cardiovascular risk and mortality 29. In
a study, argan oil is included to diet of
rats with highly energetic and highly
cholesterol. As a result, the rats which
intake argan oil has less triglyceride,
total cholesterol and LDL levels than
the rats which did not take argan oil.
This effect is due to the unsaturated fat
content of argan oil 30. In another study,
40 adult person took argan oil and it
shows positive effects on
cardiovascular risk factors 26.
According to a study made with 86
patients (40-80 years old) which have
type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. A
group takes argan oil of 25 ml/day and
the other group takes butter of 25
gr/day. After 3 weeks the lipid profile
of argan oil has improved and has an
antiatherogenic effect 6,31. It is supposed
that the argan oil consumption of
Moroccan healthy males will affect the
serum lipids and decrease the
cardiovascular disease risk. As a result,
it is found that argan oil has an
influence on decreasing triglyceride 17.
In another study, it is found that it can
decrease the LDL levels 32. Argan oil
which is enriched with lycopene can
provide a natural protection on
hyperlipidemia and
hypercholesterolemia 33. In a study
made on hemodialysis patients,
malonaldehyde level of serum is
increased less in the group which
consumes argan oil. As a result of this,
hemodialysis patients, argan oil
consumption decreases oxidative stress
and maintains lipid profile 34.
Argan oil improves the plasma
paraoxanase (PON1) activity and
antioxidant posture on healthy males.
As a result of this PON1 level increased

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
19
and argan oil can be included to diets in
order to decrease cardiovascular
disease risks 35. According to a cell
study, argan oil has an effect on
schottenol and spinasterol
mitochondrial membrane potential.
Also it has an effect on gene expression
module of X receptor of liver gene
(LXR). As a result, this two phytosterol
can be count as new LXR agonist and it
can provide a protection on stabilizing
metabolism of cholesterol 36.
Diabetes
In 1980, there was 108 million diabetes
patients worldwide. In 2014, this
number reaches up to 422 million 37.
According to the predictions of
International Diabetes Federation
(IDF), in 2040, the number of diabetes
patients will be around 9 billion 38. Type
2 diabetes is one of the most situated
diseases around the world. Disease is
related with the loss of cellular
antioxidant, hyperglycemia,
hyperinsulinemia and insulin
resistance 39. Healthy nutrition, regular
physical activity and having normal
body weight is protective against
diabetes 37.
With tocopherol, phenolic compounds
and unsaturated fat acid content of
virgin argan oil, antidiabetic and
antihypertensive affects are obtained
7,40,41. Different extracts produced from
argan fruit are tested on hepatic
originated HTC hepatoma cells for
cellular insulin respond. Consequently;
argania spinose products have
therapeutic affects for proliferative
patients 11.
Hypertension
Hypertension is determined on the
26.4% of adult population in the year of
2000. In 2025, this percentage is
predicted to be 60% 42. According to a
study, argan oil treatment is applied to
hypertensive rats. As a result, not only
inhibition on the increase of blood
pressure is provided, but also
endothelial function is improved 43. In
another study, rats which fed with
glucose, a decrease in blood pressure is
observed with the argan oil which has
high antioxidant capacity. In addition
to this, there are positive results
obtained related to hyperglycemia and
insulin resistance. Therefore, argan oil
can be used as a therapeutics for
diabetes and hypertension 44. Saponins
in argan oil are strong antioxidants.
Rats which consume argan oils, show
low blood pressure 45. In a cell study,
antithrombotic effects of argan oil is
originated from anticoagulant effects
rather than antiplatelet effects 5.
Cancer
Epidemiologic, pre-clinic and clinic
studies shows that, phytochemical rich
diets decrease the risk of cancer 46.
Argan oil has protective properties
against cancer with its ϒ-tocopherol,

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
20
squalene and oleic acid content 15.
Argan oil has phytosterol content and
phytosterols are related with cancer,
cardiovascular diseases and
inflammatory diseases 47. In another
study, sterols and polyphenols in argan
oil, exhibits antiproliferative effects on
prostate cancer 48. In addition argan oils
topical usage on second degree burns
are investigated on 30 adult rats. As a
result argan oil can heal second degree
burns on rats 49.
Cosmetic usage
Argan oil is used as beauty oil in
Morocco for many years. Also used as,
juvenile type acne, pimple and dry
skins 50. Argan oil has antioxidant,
hydration and anti-aging properties,
hence it is used for cosmetic purposes
as a natural oil 51 and consumption
and/or topical application of argan oil
on 60 postmenopausal women in
investigated. The results proved that,
argan oil has anti-aging properties 52. In
another study, argan oil consumption
and topical application improves
barrier function and increases water
holding capacity, therefore hydration
can occur 53.
There are some cases related to
allergenic issues, due to usage of argan
oil as a cosmetic product. In two of
these cases, argan oil is used to heal the
lesions on the skin these patients.
However, the disease went worse. Also,
smelling of argan oil causes rhinitis and
conjunctivitis in one patient and oral
intake of argan oil causes epigastralgia
and hypersalivation in one other
patient 54,55.
Conclusion
Usage of argan oil has increased in
recent years. Similarly the studies on
argan oil has also increased.
Unfortunately, these studies are not
enough. The composition of argan oil
are clear enough, but its relation with
diseases are not well known yet. In the
studies made, even though argan oil
has positive effects on diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases, hypertension,
obesity and cancer, these are not
enough for fulfilling the concluding
results.
It can be used as orally or topically. This
situation increases its usage area and its
preferability. Generally is exhibits
positive results but sometimes it can
cause allergenic problems.
The studies made with argan oil are
generally experimented on adults.
There are very few investigations of
argan oil related with babies, children,
pregnant and nursing mothers, old
people. Therefore, there is a need for
more studies in this area.
Some important data such as, daily
intake and suggested amount are still
not measured. This situation could be
related with the argan oil’s
consumption is limited for some
people.

Review Article
International Journal of Basic and Clinical Studies (IJBCS)
2016; 5(2): 12-24 Ersoz E. and Sanlier S
21
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