El Yamani Mohamed, Ijjouk Rachid, Kahime Kholoud, Rharrabti Yahia
Laboratory of Applied Sciences for the Environment and Sustainable Development Essaouira School of Technology Cadi Ayyad University, Km 9, Route d'Agadir, BP. 383, Essaouira Al Jadida, Morocco.
Laboratory of Natural Resources and Environment Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taza Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Taza-Gare, BP. 1223, Taza, Morocco.
Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci. 2024 Jul 29;2024:6795451. doi: 10.1155/2024/6795451. eCollection 2024.
This work aims to merge ethnopharmacological knowledge with biochemical analysis to enrich our understanding of the significance of the argan tree ( (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 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.
这项工作旨在将民族药理学知识与生化分析相结合，以加深我们对摩洛哥坚果树（Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels）重要性的理解，并凸显其在摩洛哥索维拉省的关键作用。首先，于2023年2月至4月期间，通过对来自索维拉省的325名受访者进行半结构化访谈开展了一项调查。访谈涵盖了社会人口统计学数据以及关于坚果树用途的信息，包括治疗、美容或食品用途（即应用、使用部位、制备方法和给药方式）。其次，从坚果树的各个部位（即树叶、果仁、果壳、压榨饼和油）制备了酚类提取物，然后评估其抗氧化潜力，以科学验证其传统用途。抗氧化活性评估重点在于其自由基清除能力和还原能力，采用DPPH和FRAP测定法。研究结果证实了坚果树对当地居民的文化意义，以及他们对其产品的强烈依赖。事实上，值得注意的是，以坚果树为原料的产品在传统烹饪中广受青睐，占比83.4%；阿穆卢（Amlou）是最常食用的食品。治疗和美容应用分别占48.6%和28.0%，主要用于治疗皮肤和皮下问题（69.5%）以及糖尿病（19.7%）。坚果树油是被提及最多的使用产品，通常生食（97.5%），其次是杏仁（占22.8%）。制备坚果树衍生物时，更喜欢使用软膏剂（26.1%）和浸渍剂（24.6%）。外用（50.1%）是主要的给药方式，其次是口服（38.1%）和按摩（27.7%）。对于测定而言，坚果树可能是酚类化合物的一个有前景的来源，尤其是在树叶中（比其他部位丰富4倍以上，为231.046±5.090毫克没食子酸当量/克干重）。DPPH和FRAP测试显示出显著的抗自由基潜力和还原能力，呈浓度依赖性。源自树叶的酚类提取物表现出最高的自由基清除潜力（半数抑制浓度IC50 = 0.589±0.005毫克/毫升）和最佳的还原能力（IC50 = 0.420±0.005毫克/毫升），尽管这些效能仍低于所使用的标准。这项研究提供了有价值的文献资料，可用于保存有关坚果树产品用途的信息，同时探索其植物化学和药理特性。
