Oxidative Stability Of Argan Oils Extracted From An Agroecological Plantation And Two Natural Forest Stands

Abstract

Argan oil is produced from the kernels of argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels), endemic tree in the southwest of Morocco. Argan oil is known for its unique chemical composition responsible of its several beneficial, nutritional, therapeutic and cosmetic effects. This study concerned three oils, two originated from natural forest stands in the regions of Essaouira (EAO) and Taroudant (TAO), and one from an agroecological plantation in Casablanca (CAO). The main objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the shelf-life of freshly extracted argan oils after two and three years of storage, and the influence of storage period, light, and oxygen. The assessment was carried out by determining chemical properties (Acidity, peroxide value, specific absorbances K232 and K270, tocopherol content). The tree studied oils are stable to oxidative stability after two years storage in darkness, but after three years, (CAO) and (TAO) preserved there extra virgin label, compared to (EAO) that lost it. In addition, this study confirmed the powerful effect of light on the oxidative stability of oils during storage.