Ethnobotany, traditional knowledge, and nutritional value of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) in Western Anti-Atlas of Morocco

Msanda, Fouad; Asri, Ouahid El; Eloirdi, A.

doi:10.1590/1519-6984.260477

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 32 publications

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“…Other studies cover different local areas or they are concerned with specific pathology or disorders, such as the Moroccan plants used to treat cancers [14,66], skin affections [67], kidney diseases [68], or cardiovascular diseases [69]. Some Moroccan plants have been largely studied, such as the endemic argan [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels], which is well known for its famous oil extracted from argan seeds [70]. However, there is no study focused on Moroccan Ephedra species and their medicinal uses.…”

Section: Ephedra Species Found In Morocco and Their Medicinal Usesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species

Chroho,

Bailly,

Bouissane

2024

Planta Med

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Ephedra species are among the most popular herbs used in traditional medicine for a long time. The ancient Chinese medical book “Treatise on Febrile Diseases” refers to the classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription Ge Gen decoction, which consists of seven herbs, including an Ephedra species. Ephedra species are utilized all over the world to treat symptoms of the common cold and coughs, and to combat major human diseases, such as asthma, cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and digestive disorders, and microbial infections. This study aimed at identifying specific Ephedra species used traditionally in Morocco for therapeutic purposes. The plant parts, their preparation process, and the treated pathologies were identified and analyzed. The results revealed five ethnobotanically important species of Ephedra: Ephedra alata Decne, Ephedra altissima Desf., Ephedra distachya L., Ephedra fragilis Desf., and Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo. These species are used traditionally in Morocco for treating people with diabetes, cancer, rheumatism, cold and asthma, hypertension, influenza virus infection, and respiratory ailments. In addition, they are occasionally used as calefacient agents, to regulate weight, or for capillary care. Few studies have underlined the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of some of these Moroccan Ephedra species, but little information is available regarding the natural products at the origin of the bioactivities. Further phytochemical investigations and clinical data are encouraged to better support the use of these plants.

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Section: Ephedra Species Found In Morocco and Their Medicinal Usesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species

Chroho,

Bailly,

Bouissane

2024

Planta Med

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Assessment of the impact of climate change on Argan tree in the Mediterranean GIAHS site, Morocco: current and future distributions

Hakam,

Ongoma,

Beniaich

et al. 2024

Model. Earth Syst. Environ.

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Ethnopharmacological Knowledge and Antioxidant Propensities of Argania spinosa L. from Morocco

El Yamani,

Ijjouk,

Kahime

et al. 2024

Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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This work aims to merge ethnopharmacological knowledge with biochemical analysis to enrich our understanding of the significance of the argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) and to valorize its crucial role in the province of Essaouira (Morocco). First, a survey was conducted using semistructured interviews with 325 informants from Essaouira province between February and April 2023. The interviews covered sociodemographic data and information on argan tree uses, whether for therapeutic, cosmetic, or food purposes (i.e., applications, parts used, preparation, and administration). Second, phenolic extracts were prepared from various parts of the argan tree (i.e., leaves, kernels, nut shells, press cake, and oil) and then assessed for their antioxidant potential to scientifically validate their traditional uses. The evaluation of antioxidant activity focused on their free radical scavenging and reducing capacities, using DPPH and FRAP assays. Findings confirmed the cultural significance of the argan tree for the local population, as well as their strong dependence on its products. Indeed, it was noted that argan‐based products are widely favored in traditional cuisine, with a prevalence of 83.4%; Amlou is the most commonly consumed food. Therapeutic and cosmetic applications accounted for 48.6% and 28.0%, respectively, predominantly for treating skin and subcutaneous issues (69.5%) and diabetes (19.7%). Argan oil was the most cited argan product used, often consumed raw (97.5%), followed by almonds (22.8%). Cataplasm (26.1%) and maceration (24.6%) were preferred for argan derivative preparation. External application (50.1%) was the primary administration method, followed by oral consumption (38.1%) and massage (27.7%). For in vitro assays, the argan tree could prove to be a promising source of phenolic compounds, especially in the leaves (>4 times richer than other parts, 231.046 ± 5.090 mg GAE/g DW). DPPH and FRAP tests demonstrated notable antiradical potential and reducing power, concentration‐dependent. Leaf‐derived phenolic extracts exhibited the highest free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.589 ± 0.005 mg/ml) and the best reducing capacity (IC50 = 0.420 ± 0.005 mg/ml), although these potencies remained below the standard used. This study represents valuable documentation that can serve to preserve information on the use of argan products while exploring their phytochemical and pharmacological properties.

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Ethnobotany, traditional knowledge, and nutritional value of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) in Western Anti-Atlas of Morocco

Cited by 3 publications

References 32 publications

Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species

Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species

Assessment of the impact of climate change on Argan tree in the Mediterranean GIAHS site, Morocco: current and future distributions

Ethnopharmacological Knowledge and Antioxidant Propensities of Argania spinosa L. from Morocco

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