Argan

Parts Usually Used

The entire plant, especially the fruits

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

The tree has many thorns and the trunk is usually gnarled, the branches lean toward the ground. Its leaves measure only about 2-4 cm in lengthand are oval in shape. The tree flowers in April, boasting small pale yellow petals. The fruits measure about 2-4 cm in length and have a thick, bitter peel around the sweet-smelling pulp. Inside the pulp is a very hard nut that contains oil-rich seeds.

The nuts only mature once each year, usually in June or July.

Where Found

Argan trees are found growing in Morocco, Algeria, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Australia, Canary Islands, East Africa, Egypt, Haiti, Israel, Kenya, Libya, Mediterranean, Spain and Sudan.

Medicinal Properties

The argan tree and its oil are known to have antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, Lipid lowering, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, cytoprotective and antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that argan oil helps prevent prothrombotic complications in patients and it modulates insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in animals. Research has reported that consuming argan oil for only 5-8 weeks caused an improvement in metabolic syndrome, as well as lessening of pain and walking difficulties in rheumatology and arthritis patients.

It also helps prevent or lessens neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation and other age-related health issues. Additional studies have seen promising results for antibacterial effects against antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA and MSSA. Argan oil has been shown to contain antioxidants; plays a role in prevention of cardiovascular disease; reduces of LDL cholesterol; is said to cure pimples, acne, and chicken poxpustules; treats skin wrinkles and dryness; is a common treatment for rheumatologic problems; aids in joint movement with arthritis; is a hepatoprotective agent; offers atherosclerosis reduction; reduces plasma cholesterol; treatment for arterial hypertension and insulin resistance; increases the efficiency of prostaglandins; is said to reduce the aging process; controls prostate cancer; promotes softness and protection of hair; offers antiatherogenic activity; is said to offer some protections against skin cancer; has antidiabetic and antimalarial properties; and immune system enhancing properties.

Biochemical Information

Argan oil contains myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, gadoleic acid and behenic acid. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids, contains 80% unsaturated fatty acids and is more resistant to oxidation than olive oil. It also contains carotenoids, sterols, polyphenols, tocopherols, saponins, xanthophyls and antioxidants.

Argan oil is also rich in Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). These are known to promote brain functions, and protect brain plasticity and memory processes.

Legends, Myths and Stories

The argan tree is often seen full of climbing goats! They climb it to eat the fruits. The fruits that are spat out by the goats are also gathered for use in making argan oil. However, the idea that goat poop is harvested to get the fruits is only a myth. The argan tree is now on the Red List of Threatened Plants. The argan tree is often planted to prevent soil erosion due to its extensive root system.

Trees are often planted as wind breakers and are used for fencing. Because argan wood is very heavy, hard and durable it is used a lot in carpentry. Argan wood is valued for its use as fuel and charcoal. Several women’s cooperatives produce argan oil, providing an important socioeconomic function in the areas where the tree grows. 2 million people in that region. Manual production of argan oil begins by removing the soft pulp of the fruit for use in animal feed.

Then, the hard nut is cracked by hand between two stones to remove the seeds. They are then roasted and ground to a paste with a little water. This paste is hand-squeezed to extract the oil. The remaining paste is used as animal feed, so there is little to no waste in the process.

Uses

Historically, local populations used argan oil as a culinary staple, consuming it as a bread dip, incorporating it into couscous, and using it in salad dressings, cooking, and frying in a manner similar to olive oil. The thick paste remaining after oil extraction, known as amlou, was sweetened and eaten as a spread. Beyond culinary applications, the seed oil was traditionally employed as fuel for lighting and as an ingredient in soap making.

In regional folk traditions, unroasted argan oil was applied for skin complaints and utilized as a cosmetic additive, including use on color-treated hair in an effort to mitigate damage. Additionally, pastoralists utilized the argan tree's foliage and fruit as forage for sheep, goats, camels, and cattle.

How Sold

Argan oil is sold in bulk for cooking and in smaller quantities for cosmetic use .